Respiratory Care and Sleep Health

Jeff Pardy, Department Chair

Jeff Pardy, Program Director, Respiratory Care, Oregon Tech Online

Michael Schwartz, Program Director, Sleep Health

Sarah Fitzpatrick, Program Director, Respiratory Care, Klamath Falls

Michael Blumhardt, Medical Director

Mike Gilinsky, Clinical Director, Respiratory Care

Participating Faculty: L. McLaughlin, J. Perri, K. Rabe, M. Schwartz, J. Shinn, A. Venes, B. Westling

Adjunct Faculty: S. O’Keefe

Respiratory Care Program

Degree Offered

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care

The Bachelor of Science degree program prepares the respiratory care student for entry into the respiratory care profession and eligibility for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certificate examination (CRT) and registry examinations (RRT). Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to apply for state licensure.

Accreditation

The Respiratory Care Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com), 1248 Harwood Rd., Bedford, TX 76021, (817) 283-2835.

Career Opportunities

Registered respiratory therapists are physician extenders who, under medical direction, administer cardiopulmonary care, evaluate and assess pulmonary patients, and administer medications and diagnostic tests when appropriate. Their duties involve the use of many of the latest advances in medical arts, sciences, and technology. Graduates are employed in hospitals, physician’s offices, rehabilitation facilities, home-care agencies and health care promotion centers as caregivers, managers and educators.

Licensure

Students, when applying for licensure, will be asked if they have ever been convicted of a criminal offense, or if they have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Students with a concern in this area should immediately contact the Oregon Respiratory Therapist Licensing Board (ORTLB) prior to applying to this program.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate:

Professional behavior consistent with employer expectations as advanced level respiratory therapists (affective domain).
The ability to comprehend, apply and evaluate clinical information relevant to their roles as advanced-level respiratory therapists (cognitive domain).
The technical proficiency in all the skills necessary to fulfill their roles as advanced level respiratory therapists (psychomotor domain).

Expected Program Learning Outcomes

Students in the program will demonstrate:

the ability to communicate effectively in oral, written and visual forms
knowledge of the respiratory care code of ethics and ethical and professional conduct
the ability to function effectively as a member of the health care team
knowledge and application of mechanical ventilation and therapeutics
knowledge and application of cardiopulmonary pharmacology and pathophysiology
management of respiratory care plans for adult, neonatal and pediatric patients

Pre-Respiratory Care Freshman Year

Enrollment is open to all students who meet the general entry requirements to Oregon Institute of Technology. Students will be listed as Pre-Respiratory Care students. Students will be selected into the professional curriculum based on cumulative grade-point average, non-smoking status, performance on an anatomy and physiology test and submission of a technical paper. Alternatively, students may be admitted based upon successful completion of a CoARC accredited associate degree program in respiratory care.

Students are strongly advised to complete all the general education courses in the freshman year curriculum before making application to the professional program.

Selections will be made at the end of the spring and summer terms of the Pre-Respiratory Care year. The number of students selected each year will be determined by the availability of clinical sites and other resources, which means that the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of spaces available. When that is the case, students with the highest cumulative GPA are the first to be offered a position in the program.

Degree Completion Program

The Respiratory Care Program offers a degree completion program for respiratory therapists who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in their field. The program is offered online and requires collaborative learning. Admission is based on successful completion of a CoARC accredited associate degree in respiratory care. When students have completed RCP 442 and have submitted documentation of the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential college credit is granted. Students must participate in an orientation. Each prospective student’s academic credits will be individually evaluated to determine acceptability of the non-professional coursework and the sequencing of the professional courses. Every student must meet the Oregon Tech general education requirements for graduation. The Respiratory Care Degree Program includes the presentation of a senior project.

Graduation Requirements

All credits listed in the curriculum for the catalog year a student begins a program must be fulfilled. A minimum of 187 credits must be completed and students must maintain a 2.00 GPA to be eligible for graduation. In addition, a final grade of “C” or better must be earned in all professional courses (RCP), communication courses, and science/mathematics courses to continue in the program. All curricular requirements must be met within five academic years once the student is admitted into the professional program as a sophomore. Students must successfully pass the SAE examination as a condition of the BS degree completion.

Clinical Sleep Health

Degree Offered

Associate of Applied Science in Sleep Health, Clinical Sleep Health Option

Certificate Offered in Clinical Sleep Health

Students must successfully complete the core courses required to sit for a national exam. Computer and Internet access is required. Successful completion of the certificate curriculum (together with a completed Associate degree) leads to eligibility to sit for the national Certified Clinical Sleep Health examination (CCSH).

The program objectives and focus are to provide content knowledge in the following domains: Sleep Over the Lifespan; Clinical Evaluation and Management; Patient and Family Communication and Education; and Program Maintenance and Administration.

Associate of Applied Science in Sleep Health – Clinical Sleep Health Options

Students must successfully complete the courses in the certificate program for Clinical Sleep Health and 46 other general education credits. The degree completion courses can be taken from Oregon Tech or transferred from another college, however at least 30 credits must be taken from Oregon Tech. Successful completion of the two year curriculum leads to eligibility to sit for the national Certified Clinical Sleep Health (CCSH) exam. Computer and Internet access is required.

Students who have completed the CCSH exam may pursue a Health Care Management, Clinical Option, BS . Students complete health management classes offered through the Oregon Tech Management Department either in the classroom or via the online education program while working in their hometown. See the Management Department section of this catalog for more information regarding this degree.

Accreditation

The Clinical Sleep Health Program is accredited under the university accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), 8060 165th Avenue, N.E., Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981. NWCCU is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education and/or the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. As of this date, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) does not have an accrediting body for this degree.

Career Opportunities

Certified Clinical Sleep Health specialists, under medical direction, conduct diagnostic testing, evaluation of sleep disorder patients, patient/community education, compliance certification, status evaluations, and coordination of patient care plans. Their duties involve the use of highly advanced technology and compassionate patient care. Graduates are employed by hospitals, out-patient testing facilities and bio-medical equipment manufacturers.

Licensure

Students are eligible to sit for the national CCSH exam administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists following the completion of the courses in the certificate program.

Student Preparation

The Certificate in Clinical Sleep Health is designed for those who have an approved medical license and at least an associate degree. Applicants must have one of the following credentials to be eligible for admission into the certificate program.

Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or
- Sleep Technologist (RST)
- Respiratory Therapist (RRT, CRT)
- Neurodiagnostic Technologist (REEGT, CLTM)
Health Educator (CHES)
Nurse (RN, LPN, MSN) or
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Physician (MD, DO)
Physician Assistant (PA)
Dentist (DDS)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in health, counseling, science

The AAS degree is for those who hold a current license in any of the above areas, but do not have an associate (or higher) degree. Candidates for the national registry exam must hold a minimum of an associate degree.

Computer Proficiency Requirement

The CSH Program is an online education program requiring basic computer proficiency to be successful.

Clinical Requirements

All applicants must meet the general admissions requirements to enroll in the Polysomnographic Technology Program. To be eligible for admission into the Polysomnographic Technology Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Applicants for the certificate program must be licensed in one of the medical fields listed above and hold at least an associate degree. All prospective candidates must be currently employed in a facility that treats patients with sleep disorders, and the medical director or clinical manager must agree to allow the candidate to complete 400 hours of externship under his or her direction.
Candidates must provide proof of completion of either a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course or a Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) course prior to enrollment.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum graduation requirements for the A.A.S are the successful completion of 46 credit hours of general education courses and 45 credit hours in the area of specialization with a GPA of 2.0 or better. In addition, a final grade of “C” or better must be earned in all professional courses (CSH, BUS, and BIO), communication courses and science/mathematics course to continue in the program. This requirement also applies to the certificate program.

Polysomnographic Technology

Degree Offered

Associate of Applied Science in Sleep Health

Certificate Offered

Polysomnographic Technology

Students must successfully complete the core courses required to sit for a national exam. Computer and Internet access is required. Successful completion of the certificate curriculum leads to eligibility to sit for the national Registered Polysomnographic Technologists examination (RPSGT).

Associate of Applied Science in Sleep Health – Polysomnographic Technology Option

Students must successfully complete the courses in one of the certificate programs for Polysomnographic Technology or Clinical Sleep Health and other general education courses. The degree completion courses can be taken from Oregon Tech or transferred from another college. A minimum of 30 credit hours must be taken from Oregon Tech. Computer and Internet access are required.

Students who have completed the RPSGT or CCSH exams may pursue a Health Care Management, Clinical Option, BS . Students complete health management classes offered through the Oregon Tech Management Department either in the classroom or via the online education program while working in their hometown. See the Management Department for more information regarding this degree.

Accreditation

The Polysomnographic Technology Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The curriculum follows the guidelines suggested by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. Inquiries regarding accreditation should be directed (CAAHEP). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, (CoPSG) is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the Secretary of the U.S., Department of Education. CAAHEP contact information: 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, Phone: (727) 210-2350

Career Opportunities

Registered Polysomnographic technologists, under medical direction, conduct diagnostic testing and evaluation of sleep disorder patients. Their duties involve the use of highly advanced technology and compassionate patient care. Graduates are employed by hospitals, out-patient testing facilities and bio-medical equipment manufacturers. Currently, there is a severe nationwide shortage of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.

Licensure

Students are eligible to sit for the national RPSGT exam administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists following the completion of the courses in the certificate program.

Student Preparation

A science background is beneficial to those entering any health sciences profession. It is recommended that the student considering a career in Polysomnography take a college bound course of study in high school that includes algebra, chemistry and biology or human anatomy and physiology. It is recommended that students take courses in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint in high school. Students are required to provide proof of completion either Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) prior to admission.

Computer Proficiency Requirement

Demonstrated computer proficiency is required by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists to be eligible to sit for the national exam. The PSG Program is an online education program requiring basic computer proficiency to be successful. Successful completion of the program therefore, indicates basic computer proficiency.

Degree Completion Program

The associate degree program offers a degree completion program for Registered Polysomnographic Technologists who lack a degree. The courses for this program can be taken through the Online Education Department or in the classroom. Two of the required courses are not available online and must be taken either in the Oregon Tech classroom or a local college and transferred. The communication courses are offered through the online education program of other colleges in the Oregon University System.

Upon receipt of the necessary documentation, specific college credits will be awarded to qualified applicants for having passed the Registered Polysomnographic Technologists examination.

Clinical Requirements

Applicants for the certificate program must be high school graduates. If a prospective candidate is not currently employed in a sleep facility, an appropriate site must be found and a clinical agreement between Oregon Tech and that facility must be established prior to beginning classes.
Candidates must provide proof of completion of either a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course or a Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) course prior to enrollment.
Candidates must submit immunization records prior to their clinical placement.
Criminal background clearance is required prior to acceptance and some clinical sites may require drug screening.
One full shift of job shadowing is required prior to applying to the program.
All Prospective candidates must speak with the program director Dr. Jane Perri, (937) 750-5416, prior to submitting their application

Graduation Requirements

Minimum graduation requirements for the A.A.S are the successful completion of 43 credit hours of general education courses and 47 credit hours in the area of specialization with a GPA of 2.0 or better. In addition, a final grade of “C” or better must be earned in all professional courses (PSG, ECHO, and RCP), communication courses and science/mathematics course to continue in the program. This requirement also applies to the certificate program.

In order to prepare for the national registry exam, students are required to participate in a practical exam and a comprehensive written exam at the conclusion of the certificate program. Students are required to come either to Medford Oregon or to Dayton, Ohio for one day of residency. Passage of these exams is required to complete the certificate program. Associate degree students who have already obtained their national licensure are not required to complete this requirement.

Programs

Major

Certificate