EVELYN SCARBOROUGH LINEBERY DIVISION

OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH

Diane Bibb, Director

Today nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical technicians are vital members of the healthcare system who contribute to the maintenance and promotion of our nation's health and welfare. Expanding responsibilities and challenges in the healthcare field have led to opportunities which have been unavailable to nurses in the past. The Evelyn Scarborough Linebery Division of Nursing and Allied Health is committed to preparing students with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to meet the present and emerging healthcare demands through a holistic approach.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree for RNs (BSN—RN)
Associate of Science in Nursing Degree
Associate of Applied Science Degree:  Emphasis in Emergency Medical Services; Emphasis in Respiratory Care
Minor:  Emergency Medical Services
Certificate Programs:  Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); Emergency Medical Technician— Paramedic (EMT—P)

Program Accreditation and Approval

The Associate of Science in Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. For accreditation information, contact:

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission 1-800-669-1656 (ext. 153)
61 Broadway, 33rd Floor FAX 1-212-812-0390
New York, NY 10006 www.nlnac.org

The program is also approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Memberships

The Division of Nursing has memberships in the National League for Nursing, the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing, the Missouri Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Missouri League for Nursing, and the Missouri Organization for Associate Degree Nursing.

Admission and Approval

An applicant will be accepted into either the ASN or BSN program only after that individual has been officially admitted to the college, has met all requirements for general or transfer admission, and has met all requirements specific to the nursing program (see Entry Requirements). Admission to the college does not guarantee acceptance into the nursing program. The decision for acceptance by the Nursing Admissions Committee is based on evidence of the student's potential for successful completion of the program. Notification of the decision will be forwarded in writing to the applicant.

Hannibal-LaGrange College does not guarantee that each person admitted to its nursing or allied health programs will pass all elements of the program or that those who graduate will be able to pass licensing examinations and/or secure employment as a healthcare provider. Attaining these goals depends on the student's diligence in these rigorous courses of study and on economic forces influencing the healthcare industry. These factors are not within the control of the Division of Nursing and Allied Health.

Missouri Articulation Program

The Hannibal-LaGrange College Division of Nursing was a participant in the Missouri Articulation Program (MAP), which was discontinued in the spring of 2005. Any student accepted as a MAP participant prior to that time must complete the requirements for the MAP Transitional Nursing Course (NUR 224) by the end of the 2006 May term. Contact the Director of the Division of Nursing for further information.

Advanced Standing and Transfer Credit

Credit for advanced standing may be earned by successfully passing CLEP, NLN, ACT-PEP, DANTES, and departmental examinations. These credits will be interpreted as credits earned through Hannibal -LaGrange College because the content of these examinations has been determined to be similar in content to courses offered through HLG. Advanced standing by examination is limited to a maximum of 30 credit hours. All credit for transfer must ultimately be approved by the Director of the Division of Nursing. For information on advanced standing or transfer credit, write or call the Director (573/221-3675, ext. 276).

ASN PROGRAM

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) requires 69 semester hours of which 38 semester hours are in nursing. After successfully completing the ASN Program, graduates are immediately eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RNTM), which is required in order to practice as a registered nurse. To graduate from the ASN Program, students must satisfy all entry and curriculum requirements, an exit exam, and the Graduation Requirements listed in the Academic Policies section of the catalog.

The nursing program accepts students once a year and begins the class cycle in the fall. Qualified applicants are ranked, based on the cumulative score of the ACT or equivalency, the CGPA, and the Admission Assessment Exam. Once the class is filled, qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list and will be admitted to the program when openings occur, up to the first day of classes.

It is important that applicants be informed before entry into the program that a person who has been convicted of a felony may not be eligible to apply for licensure to practice nursing. Consequently, successful completion of a nursing program does not guarantee eligibility to take the licensure examination.

Other grounds for refusal by the Missouri State Board of Nursing to issue a license or revoke a license are explained in the Missouri Nursing Practice Act, Missouri Chapter 335 — Nurse: Section 335.066. The fifteen items listed relate to moral turpitude, intemperate use of alcohol or drugs, and/or, as stated above, previous conviction of a crime. Questions regarding the relevance of this Section to a particular situation should be directed to the Director of the Division of Nursing prior to or immediately upon enrollment.

Entry Requirements

1) Be at least 17 years of age.

2) Meet General Admission Requirements for Freshmen for admittance to Hannibal-LaGrange College. (Refer to Admissions section of the catalog.)

3) Complete the following prerequisites:

a) *One year of high school chemistry or a college-level chemistry course that includes both inorganic and organic chemistry and a lab, earning a grade of C or better.

b) *One year of high school biology or one semester of college biology with a lab, earning a grade of C or better.

c) *One year of high school algebra or one semester of a college algebra course, earning a grade of C or better.

*NOTE: Retaking of these courses will be required if these were high school courses not taken within the past five years.

4) Provide evidence of acceptable scores on ACT or SAT. Interpretation of "acceptable score" will be provided upon request.

5) Present evidence of a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

6) Contact Division of Nursing for advisement.

7) Complete an ASN application (supplied by Division of Nursing Office).

8) Take and score at or above the 70th percentile on the Admission Assessment Exam. Deficient scores in math and/or reading will require remediation and retesting.

9) Provide proof that the four following additional requirements have been met. To expedite this process, forms for a, c, and d are available in the HLG Nursing Division Office that can be filled out and signed by the appropriate authorized personnel. Applicants who are initially accepted into the program will be considered on conditional status until all four forms have been received by and filed in the Nursing Division Office.

a) A completed immunization record and a health examination by a qualified physician or an advanced practical nurse.

b) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification in infant, child, and adult care. Give a copy of the CPR card to the Nursing Division Office.

c) Agreement with the Functional Abilities policy.

d) A criminal background check and/or of a drug screening required by affiliation agreements between the HLG Nursing Division and clinical agencies.

Admission of Transfer Students

1) Meet admission requirements for Transfer Students for admittance to Hannibal-LaGrange College. (Refer to Admissions section of catalog.)

2) Meet requirements for transfer of credit. Courses taken previously must be equivalent to HLG courses or validation of knowledge by standardized examination(s) will be required. Nursing credit hours will be evaluated for advanced standing on an individual basis.

3) Complete Entry Requirements to ASN program (stated above).

4) Submit ACT scores and high school transcript.

Graduation Requirements for Transfer Students:

Be enrolled for a minimum of one academic year in the nursing program at HLG; the required curriculum must be met to be eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RNTM).

Meet Graduation Requirements listed in the Academic Policies section of the catalog.

Admission of Licensed Practical Nurses

LPNs may obtain advanced standing by examination if they have met the above Entry Requirements to the ASN program and if they have met the following requirements:

1) Graduated from a state-approved LPN program with a C average within the last 10 years.

2) Submitted an official transcript from their LPN program.

3) Provided evidence of an active, valid license or permit to practice as an LPN.

Readmission

Requests for readmission will be considered if less than twelve (12) months have elapsed since the student attended nursing classes. Students requesting readmission after the twelve-month lapse will be required to retake nursing courses. To request readmission, the student should address a letter of explanation to the Nursing Admissions Committee stating the reasons for the withdrawal and for the readmission request.

Expenses

Cost sheets are available from the Division of Nursing.

Financial Aid

A variety of financial assistance is available. It is important to remember, however, that the purpose of financial aid is to assist; it should not be considered as a source that will pay for all educational expenses.

Curriculum Requirements

NOTE: There is always the possibility that there will be revisions in the curriculum and standards because of the continuing curriculum evaluation. Please check with the Division of Nursing Office for the current requirements.

Associate of Science in Nursing

69 hours

Support Course Requirements

Hours

1                  Success in Education

3                  English Composition I

3                  English Composition II

3                  Bible

3                  General Psychology

3                  Developmental Psychology

3                  Intro to Sociology

4                  Microbiology

4                  Human Anatomy & Physiology I

4                  Human Anatomy & Physiology II

31

Major Course Requirements

Hours

6                  Nursing Fundamentals

8                  Adult/Child I and the Childbearing Family

10                Adult/Child II and Mental Health Nursing

10                 Adult/Child III and Clinical Leadership

2                  Pharmacology I

1                  Pharmacology II

1                  Nursing Seminar

38

 

Academic Standards: A grade of C or better must be earned in all Support Course Requirements and Major Course Requirements (nursing courses) in order to continue in the program.

NOTES:

A prerequisite for admission to the first semester of the ASN curriculum is the completion of courses in biology, algebra, and chemistry. (See Entry Requirements, No. 3.)

All incoming freshmen and transfer students who enter with less than 24 hours of transfer college credit are required to take ENG 011 (Success in Education), a one-hour course.

As a condition for graduation and for taking the NCLEX-RNTM, students must pass a comprehensive exit exam. Contact the HLG Nursing Division for details. Students bear responsibility for all the costs for the exam, remediation, and retesting.

Course Offerings

NUR 114 Nursing Fundamentals 6 hours
 Introduces basic concepts and skills fundamental to nursing. Focuses on the assessment and analysis of man and the ability to fulfill basic needs through self-care. Prerequisite: Admission to ASN Program. Offered fall semester.

NUR 214 Adult/Child I and the Childbearing Family 8 hours
 Emphasis on concepts and skills needed to assist patients of all ages who are unsuccessful in using self-care to meet basic needs. Focuses on planning, intervention, and evaluation. The course also focuses on the application of knowledge and the development of skills needed for supporting the family through the childbearing cycle. Prerequisites: BIO 254, NUR 114. Offered spring semester.

NUR 221-3 Clinical Practicum 1-3 hours
 Designed for those students who wish to refine psychomotor nursing skills and become more adept in the clinical setting, as well as for those students who were unable to fulfill clinical objectives within the allotted semester because of minor deficits in clinical ability or attendance. Prerequisite: NUR 214. Offered May term on demand.

NUR 224 Transition Nursing 4 hours
 Informs the transition nursing student concerning the LPN to RN transition process. Reviews basic concepts and skills fundamental to the profession of nursing and considers how clients throughout their lifespan interact with their environment in varied health conditions. Prerequisites: ASN entry requirements and acceptance as a transition nursing student. Offered May term (will not be available after May 2006).

NUR 234 Adult/Child II and Mental Health Nursing 10 hours
 Focuses on the care of patients of all ages with commonly seen pathophysiological and/or psychosocial and behavioral alterations that interfere with the individual's ability to provide self-care. Emphasizes the ability to individualize the nursing process for each unique patient. Prerequisites: BIO 264, 344; NUR 214. Offered fall semester.

NUR 236 Adult/Child III and Clinical Leadership 10 hours
 Continuation of content begun in NUR 234. Includes care of patients with health problems of increasing complexity. Emphasis on clinical leadership, organizational skills, and the functions and responsibilities of a nurse as a health team member. Prerequisite: NUR 234. Offered spring semester.

NUR 240 Pharmacology I 2 hours
 Focuses on pharmacological principles, including therapeutic use, drug action, dosage, side effects, contraindications of use, and nursing implications. Includes lifespan concepts and correlates with altered health states identified in NUR 234. Prerequisites: BIO 264, 344; NUR 214. Offered fall semester.

NUR 241 Pharmacology II 1 hour
 Continuation of NUR 240. Theory content correlates with altered health states identified in NUR 236. Prerequisites: NUR 234, 240. Offered spring semester.

NUR 271 Nursing Seminar 1 hour
 Provides students with knowledge and skills that will help them move smoothly through the transition from student to practitioner. Prerequisite: NUR 234. Offered spring semester.

BSN — RN PROGRAM

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

FOR REGISTERED NURSES

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree for Registered Nurses Program (BSN—RN) admitted its first students in September 1986. This program is designed specifically for working registered nurses. It offers to associate-degree or diploma nurses an opportunity to proceed with liberal arts education and upper-level nursing curriculum leading to a BSN. To graduate from the BSN—RN Program, students must satisfy all entry and curriculum requirements as well as the Graduation Requirements listed in the Academic Policies section of the catalog.

Entry Requirements

1) Meet General Admission Requirements for admittance to Hannibal-LaGrange College. (Refer to Admissions section of the catalog.)

2) Provide evidence of having completed an ASN degree or a diploma program with a CGPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale).

3) Provide evidence of having graduated recently from a basic nursing program and/or having been actively employed in nursing within the past five years. (A refresher course may be required for those registered nurses who have not been actively employed in nursing within the past five years. Part-time employment may also be recommended.)

4) Contact Division of Nursing.

5) Complete the BSN—RN application (supplied by Division of Nursing Office).

6) Provide proof that the three following additional requirements have been met. To expedite this process, forms for a and c are available in the HLG Nursing Division Office that can be filled out and signed by the appropriate authorized personnel. Applicants who are initially accepted into the program will be considered on conditional status until all three forms have been received by and filed in the Nursing Division Office.

a) A completed immunization record and a health examination by a qualified physician or an advanced practical nurse.

b) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification in infant, child, and adult care. Give a copy of the CPR card to the Nursing Division Office.

c) A criminal background check and/or of a drug screening required by affiliation agreements between the HLG Nursing Division and clinical agencies.

Curriculum Requirements

NOTE: There is always the possibility that there will be revisions in the curriculum and standards because of the continuing curriculum evaluation. Please check with the Division of Nursing Office for the current requirements.

Associate of Science in Nursing

69 hours

NOTE: The BSN student must complete all the Support Course and Major Course requirements listed under the ASN curriculum. Many of these requirements may have been met during the RN's previous educational endeavors. To determine the amount of credit granted for previous learning and/or means of validating the learning, an appointment must be made with the nursing faculty adviser.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

62 hours

Support Course Requirements

Hours

3                  College Algebra

3                  Elementary Statistics

3                  Abnormal Psychology

4                  Foundations of Chemistry

4                  Pathophysiology

3                  Intro to Speech Communication

3                  U.S. History or Political Science Course

6                  Electives

                    Suggested Areas for Electives:

                    Art, Computer Information Systems,

                     Ethics, Foreign Language, Literature,

                     Logic, Music, Philosophy

29

Major Course Requirements

Hours

2                  Nursing in the Healthcare System

3                  Health Assessment

2                  Geriatric Nursing

2                  Conceptual Approaches to Nursing

3                  Nutrition in Health

2                  Dynamics in Family Health

2                  Intro to Critical Care Nursing

4                  Client Education for the Promotion

                    of Health

3                  Research Process in Nursing

3                  Leadership & Management

5                  Community Health Nursing

2                  Nursing Elective

33

 

Total Requirements for BSN—RN: 131 semester hours

Academic Standards: A grade of C or better must be earned in all Support Course Requirements and Major Course Requirements (nursing courses) in order to continue in the program.

NOTES:

Seventy (70) hours of junior college credit may be transferred toward a BSN—RN degree.

To assure current nursing knowledge, all BSN—RN course requirements must be completed within five years of acceptance into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses Program.

Course Offerings

NUR 302 Nursing in the Healthcare System 2 hours
 Promotes a positive educational adjustment for RNs returning to school while developing a concept of the professional nurse in today's healthcare system. Prerequisite: Acceptance as a BSN–RN student or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester, even years.

NUR 303 Health Assessment 3 hours
 Introduces basic concepts and skills needed to assess the biopsychosocial and spiritual states of the client. Includes guided laboratory practice. Prerequisite: Acceptance as a BSN–RN student or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester, odd years.

NUR 313 Conceptual Approaches to Nursing 2 hours
 Focuses on the development, analysis, and evaluation of nursing theory. Discussions on the relationships between research, practice, education, and theory. Gives particular attention to past and present theories. Suggested prerequisite: NUR 302. Offered spring semester, odd years.

NUR 323 Nutrition in Health 3 hours
 Focuses on principles of nutrition, including assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating nutritional therapy for both well and ill clients throughout the lifespan. Prerequisite: Chemistry or consent of instructor. Offered summer term, odd years.

NUR 324 Geriatric Nursing 2 hours
 Focuses on unique characteristics of older persons and their acute care problems, risks, and service needs. Also examines the complexities of long-term care and nursing roles in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: Acceptance as a BSN–RN student or consent of instructor or enrollment in NUR 234. Offered fall semester, even years.

NUR 333 Women's Health 3 hours
 Examines current sociocultural concerns that impact women's health; provides an overview of women's health issues from adolescence through old age; and stresses an active role for women in promoting their own health.

NUR 334 Introduction to Critical Care Nursing 2 hours
 Provides essential information related to entry-level critical-care nursing practice. Also includes codes, hemodynamics, EKGs, ventilation, and nursing care during critical illnesses. Prerequisite: Acceptance as a BSN–RN student or consent of instructor or enrollment in NUR 236. Offered spring semester, odd years.

NUR 342 Bioethics 2 hours
 Focuses on principles and theories of ethics in healthcare. Offered upon sufficient demand.

NUR 402 Dynamics in Family Health 2 hours
 Focuses on the family as client. Examines theories of family function and dysfunction, techniques of assessment, and models of family intervention. Includes a family assessment. Prerequisite: Acceptance as a BSN–RN student or consent of instructor. Offered summer term, even years.

NUR 424 Client Education for the Promotion of Health 4 hours
 Provides opportunities for students to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate client education in order to promote the health of both individuals and groups. Introduces basic principles of teaching-learning, legal-ethical issues, financial considerations, change theory, and concepts central to health promotion. Includes weekly clinical hours. Prerequisite(s): Acceptance as a BSN–RN student or consent of instructor; NUR 303, 323 suggested. Offered spring semester, even years.

NUR 433 Research Process in Nursing 3 hours
 Provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the research process, to acquire beginning skills in identification of researchable problems, and to become intelligent consumers of research findings. Prerequisite(s): MTH 127; NUR 313 suggested. Offered fall semester, even years.

NUR 434 Leadership and Management 3 hours
 Focuses on leadership and management principles as applied to individuals and groups within hospital and community settings. Emphasis on application of critical thinking in decision-making. Includes clinical preceptorships. Prerequisite(s): Acceptance as a BSN–RN student or consent of instructor; NUR 313 suggested. Offered fall semester, odd years.

NUR 446 Community Health Nursing 5 hours
 Focuses on individuals, families, aggregates, and communities as recipients of care. Students will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care given in a variety of settings. Analyzes the role of the professional nurse within these settings. Includes weekly clinical hours. Prerequisite(s): Acceptance as a BSN–RN student or consent of instructor; NUR 303, 323, 402, 424, 434 suggested. Offered spring semester, odd years.

NUR 491-2 Advanced Topics 1-2 hours
 Courses providing opportunities for students to explore select healthcare topics. Prerequisite(s): Acceptance as a BSN–RN student or consent of instructor. (NUR 433 may also be required for research-oriented topics.) Offered fall and spring semesters and summer terms.

ALLIED HEALTH

Associate of Applied Science Degree:  Emphasis in Emergency Medical Services; Emphasis in Respiratory Care
Minor:  Emergency Medical Services
Certificates:  EMT Certificate; EMT—P Certificate

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAMS

Requirements for AAS Degree with Emphasis in Emergency Medical Services

1) Complete the General Education Requirements for the AAS degree and the Graduation Requirements (see Academic Policies section for both).

2) Provide evidence of a criminal background check and/or of a drug screening required by affiliation agreements between HLG and the clinical agencies. Forms are available from the director of the EMS programs.

3) Complete at least 38 semester hours, choosing from the courses listed below; include the three EMS courses and BIO 254.

BIO 105 General Biology EMS 116 Emergency Medical Technician
BIO 212 Medical Terminology EMS 218 EMT—Paramedic I
BIO 254 Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology I EMS 228 EMT—Paramedic II
BIO 264 Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology II MTH 143 College Algebra
CHM 104 Foundations of Chemistry  

NOTE: The AAS degree does not guarantee licensure apart from passing the National Registry Exam.

Requirements for Minor

A grade of C or better is required in all courses in a minor.
Emergency Medical Services 22 hours—EMS 116, 218, and 228

Requirements for Certificates

Hannibal-LaGrange College has been certified by the State of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Unit of Emergency Medical Services, as an EMS training entity. Requests for information about enrollment eligibility, requirements, costs, college credit, and financial assistance should be made to the Division of Nursing and Allied Health or to the Office of Admissions. All courses in the certificate programs are taught by state-certified instructors. Christopher R. Solaro, MD, a Hannibal physician, serves as the medical director.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate

The Emergency Medical Technician program of study (EMS 116), approved by the State of Missouri DHSS, Unit of EMS, is offered upon sufficient demand. The EMT program normally meets on two nights each week for approximately 18 weeks.

Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a certificate from Hannibal-LaGrange College and are duly qualified to take the practical and written examination for licensure as an EMT. The EMT program may be taken for credit or audited.

EMS 116 Emergency Medical Technician 6 hours

Consideration is given to all emergency care procedures relating to medical and trauma situations. Emphasis on the development of student skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of illness and injury and on the proper prehospital treatment. Requires 36 lessons and 24 hours of in-hospital training plus a written and practical examination administered by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT). Offered fall semester.

Emergency Medical Technician—Paramedic (EMT—P) Certificate

The Emergency Medical Technician–Paramedic program of study (EMS 218 and EMS 228) is designed for EMTs who desire to upgrade their credentials. It meets all the guidelines of the State of Missouri DHSS, Unit of EMS, and the curriculum requirement of the National Registry. The EMT–P program is offered each year, beginning with the fall semester and extending through the spring semester. Normally, the program meets on Monday and Thursday nights.

The EMT–P program includes 300 or more clock hours of didactics, 250 or more clock hours of clinical experience (most of it in the Hannibal Regional Healthcare System), and 250 hours of field internship on Missouri ambulance services that provide Advanced Life Support. Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a certificate from Hannibal-LaGrange College and are duly qualified to take the National Registry practical and written examination for licensure as an EMT–P. The EMT–P program may be taken for credit or audited.

EMS 218 Emergency Medical Technician—Paramedic I 8 hours

This course of study is designed to upgrade and provide the technical knowledge and skills necessary to render competent and definitive care of the acutely ill or seriously injured patient at the scene of an emergency, as stated in Chapter 190.100 through 190.195 of the Revised Missouri Statutes (ambulance licensing law). The course emphasizes interpretation of life-threatening arrhythmias and therapeutic interventions, principles and techniques of defibrillation, pharmacological aspects with emphasis on cardiac drugs, and principles and practice of endotracheal intubation. Prerequisites: Completion of state-approved EMT course and BIO 254; high school algebra is desirable. Offered fall semester.

EMS 228 Emergency Medical Technician—Paramedic II 8 hours

A continuation of EMS 218. Prerequisite: EMS 218. Offered spring semester.

Continuing Paramedic Education

EMS 231 Paramedic Clinical 1 hour
Continuation for the Certificate Program, above. Prerequisite: EMT–P Certificate work.

EMS 241 Paramedic Core Refresher 1 hour
 Meets the requirement for the 48-clock-hour refresher.

RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM

The Respiratory Care Program is a joint effort between Hannibal-LaGrange College and the Hannibal Career and Technical Center, to offer the Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care. Students will be dually enrolled and receive all privileges of both institutions. For information and requirements, contact David D. Bach, the director of the Respiratory Care Program at the Hannibal Career and Technical Center (573/221-4430). Manoocher Nassery, MD, and N. Eugene Thomas, DO, serve as the medical directors.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion and to take the entry-level national exam for the Certified Respiratory Therapist. After successful completion of this step and the required experience, the graduate becomes eligible to take the advanced practitioner exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. NOTE: The AAS degree does not guarantee a license apart from passing the national exam.

Requirements for AAS Degree with Emphasis in Respiratory Care

1) Complete the following prerequisites:

a) *One year of high school chemistry or CHM 104 (Foundations of Chemistry) taken at HLG or its equivalency taken at another institution.

b) *One year of high school biology or BIO 105 (General Biology) taken at HLG or its equivalency taken at another institution.

c) *One year of high school algebra or MTH 100 (Fundamentals of Mathematics) taken at HLG or its equivalency taken at another institution.

*NOTE: Retaking of these courses will be required if these were high school courses not taken within the past five years.

2) Provide evidence of a criminal background check and/or of a drug screening required by the affiliation agreements between HLG and the clinical agencies. Forms are available from the director of the Respiratory Care Program.

3) Complete each of the required General Education courses listed below—at least eight hours must be taken on the HLG campus—and the Graduation Requirements (see Academic Policies for requirements).

General Education Requirements

25 hours

                          Hours

1                   Success in Education

3                   Old or New Testament Survey

3                   English Composition I

3                   Speech

4                   Anatomy & Physiology I

4                   Anatomy & Physiology II

4                   Microbiology

3                   General Psychology

 

4) Pass each of the Major Course Requirements with a grade of C or better.

Major Course Requirements

46 hours

                          Hours

2                   Intro to Respiratory Care

2                   Basic Assessment

5                   Therapeutic Modalities

3                   Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology

3                   Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology

3                   Mechanical Ventilation

3                   Disease Management I

2                   Neonatal/Pediatrics Respiratory Care

3                   Advanced Assessment

2                   Respiratory Care Seminar

3                   Disease Management II

3                   Respiratory Care Management

1                   Clinical Practicum I

2                   Clinical Practicum II

1                   Clinical Practicum III

2                   Clinical Practicum IV

6                   Respiratory Care Internship

 

Total Requirements for AAS Degree: 71 semester hours

Course Offerings

RSC 102 Introduction to Respiratory Care 2 hours
 An introduction to this allied health career and an overview of the competencies mastered in order to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Investigates employment opportunities and specialized options available to the RRT. Outlines the role as an integral healthcare team member. Also addresses potential concerns about working in healthcare. The instructor will arrange for a two-hour job shadowing clinical rotation in one of the program's clinical affiliates. This course also includes Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification. Prerequisite: None. Offered fall semester.

RSC 112 Basic Assessment 2 hours
 The student will master basic patient assessment skills. These are used to determine the patient's cardiopulmonary status and to assist the physician in making diagnoses, determining the severity of the patient's status, establishing a care plan, and evaluating the effectiveness of administered therapies. Lab fee. Prerequisite: None. Offered fall semester.

RSC 155 Therapeutic Modalities 5 hours
 Focuses on the basic principles involved in delivery of routine therapeutic modalities by the respiratory therapist; this includes application and selection of modalities for different patient situations. Monitoring a patient's response and developing a patient care plan based on the patient's signs and symptoms is an integral part of this course. Introduces some of the equipment used to deliver therapy. Prerequisites: RSC 102 and 112 or their equivalents. Lab fee. Offered spring semester.

RSC 163 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology 3 hours
 Introduces the concepts of the structure and function of the cardiopulmonary system of the adult, fetus, and newborn, using three unifying themes: the relationship between physiology and anatomy, the interrelations among the organ systems, and the relationship of each organ system to homeostasis. Also includes pertinent pathophysiology associated with the cardiopulmonary system. Prerequisites: BIO 105 and CHM 104 or their equivalent; BIO 254 and concurrent enrollment in BIO 264. Offered spring semester.

RSC 173 Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology 3 hours
 Studies pharmacological principles as a form of applied physiology. Includes the physiologic basis of drug action, as well as drug measurement and dosage calculations, classifications, and actions and interactions of drugs affecting the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Prerequisites: CHM 104 or its equivalent; BIO 254 and concurrent enrollment in BIO 264. Offered spring semester.

RSC 181 Clinical Practicum I 1 hour
 Provides the student with the opportunity to practice the clinical skills taught in the first two semesters of the curriculum in a hospital setting one day each week under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Emphasis on objectives from the Clinical Handbook dealing with therapeutic modalities. Each student will complete a rotation to assigned clinical sites. Requires travel. Lab fee. Prerequisites: RSC 102 and 112; concurrent enrollment in RSC 155 and 173. Offered spring semester.

RSC 182 Clinical Practicum II 2 hours
 Continuation of RSC 181. Provides the student with the opportunity to practice the clinical skills taught in the first two semesters of the curriculum in a hospital setting under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Emphasis on objectives from the Clinical Handbook dealing with therapeutic modalities. Each student will complete a rotation to assigned clinical sites. Lab fee. Prerequisite: RSC 181. Offered summer term.

RSC 203 Mechanical Ventilation 3 hours
 An advanced course dealing with concepts of ventilatory failure and with the need for intervention with high tech state-of-the-art mechanical ventilators. Covers the entire spectrum of adult and neonatal mechanical ventilation, including indications, physiologic effects, modes available, capabilities of specific mechanical ventilators, and manipulation of ventilator parameters in response to diagnostic data, wave forms, troubleshooting, weaning, and post-weaning care. Lab fee. Prerequisite: RSC 182. Offered fall semester.

RSC 213 Disease Management I 3 hours
 Provides the student with information on obstructive, infectious, and vascular pulmonary disease pathological processes frequently encountered by the respiratory therapist. Each disease unit will have the following format: anatomic changes, cause of the disease process, overview of the cardiopulmonary clinical signs and symptoms, disease management principles, and a care plan. Prerequisite: RSC 182. Offered fall semester.

RSC 223 Advanced Assessment 3 hours
 Building on the foundations mastered in RSC 112, this course addresses the advanced knowledge and skills relating to the overall status of the patient. Invasive, high-technology, and multisystem approaches will prepare the completer to understand the monitoring principles incorporated in critical care units as well as in other patient-care settings, and will complete ACLS certification. Requires extra time. Lab fee. Prerequisites: BIO 344, RSC 112 and 163, or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester.

RSC 242 Neonatal/Pediatrics Respiratory Care 2 hours
 Introduces the student to the concepts of evaluation and management of perinatal-pediatric medical, respiratory, and surgical conditions. Emphasis on newborn and pediatric respiratory care, including monitoring techniques, mechanical ventilation, blood gas interpretation, neonatal transport, pathology and pediatric care, and resuscitation. Prerequisites: RSC 203 and 223. Offered spring semester.

RSC 262 Respiratory Care Seminar 2 hours
 During this course local physicians will participate in discussions of a series of case studies that will highlight the multidisciplinary approach to case management. The physicians will lead the student through a patient admission scenario, initial physical examination results and history, choice of appropriate diagnostic tests, diagnosis, development of a care plan, reevaluation, discharge planning, and home care. Prerequisites: RSC 223 and concurrent enrollment in RSC 263. Offered spring semester.

RSC 263 Disease Management II 3 hours
 Continuation of RSC 213. Investigates restrictive, occupational, and acute lung injuries as well as other pathological processes encountered by the respiratory therapist. The study of each disease process includes anatomic changes, causes, clinical signs and symptoms, disease management, and a care plan. Prerequisites: RSC 213 and 223. Offered spring semester.

RSC 273 Respiratory Care Management 3 hours
 Focuses on the respiratory care practitioner's role in healthcare management. Emphasis on the development of the skills required to bring and hold together the human resources, physical facilities, professional expertise, skills, technology, information systems, and other support systems necessary to efficiently deliver quality healthcare. Prerequisite(s): RSC 223 and/or consent of instructor. Offered spring semester.

RSC 281 Clinical Practicum III 1 hour
 Provides the student with the opportunity to practice the clinical skills taught in the previous semesters of the curriculum in a hospital setting under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Emphasis on objectives from the Clinical Handbook dealing with ventilator management and the surgical patient. Each student will complete a rotation to assigned clinical sites. Lab fee. Prerequisites: RSC 182; concurrent enrollment in RSC 223 and/or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester.

RSC 282 Clinical Practicum IV 2 hours
 Provides the student with the opportunity to practice the clinical skills taught in the first four semesters of the curriculum in a hospital setting and in special clinical settings (like home or doctor's clinic, etc.) under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Emphasis on objectives from the Clinical Handbook dealing with more ventilator management (both newborns and adults), the surgical patient, pulmonary function testing, and other procedures. Each student will complete a rotation to assigned clinical sites. Lab fee. Prerequisites: RSC 182, 223, and 263. Offered spring semester.

RSC 296 Respiratory Care Internship 6 hours
 Provides the student with the opportunity to demonstrate his/her ability to perform in a clinical setting as a "respiratory therapist." Emphasis on physicians' rounds, intensive care procedures, mechanical ventilation, and implementation of care plans. All objectives in the Respiratory Care Clinical Handbook must be completed during this internship. A major project will be approved by the instructor and submitted during this course. Lab fee. Prerequisites: RSC 282 and all other RSC coursework; consent of instructor. Offered summer term.