Respiratory Care: RRT Advanced Standing, MS

Admissions Requirements - MS Program

Individuals holding the RRT credential and a baccalaureate degree may apply to enter the Respiratory Care Graduate Program prior to any semester.  Submission of an application for admission should be made to the Office of College Admission Services with all official transcripts, NBRC RRT certificate, and a personal interview at least 30 days prior to the first day of the semester which the individual desires to begin classes.  Professional prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation.  All other program policies and procedures apply.

Introduction

Individuals may have acquired academic credit in respiratory care courses from other schools and universities.  Some individuals may acquire knowledge through experience and on‑the‑job training.  When such persons apply for admission into the program, an attempt is made to grant academic credit for equivalent educational courses, equivalent knowledge acquired from experience and/or successful completion of the National Board for Respiratory Care’s certification and registry examinations. 

All students graduating from the Respiratory Care Program must meet the same standards for graduation; the awarding of advanced standing does not signify a lesser quality education than that offered through regular course work.  What it does, however, is attempt to exempt the student from those areas of the formal program where the student already has the knowledge and expertise in those skills that would be offered.  The program has identified the minimum competencies that a respiratory therapist must have in order to provide safe, high quality patient care.  The identification of these competencies is a complex task and a great deal of care must be taken to ensure a standard of excellence. 

The following policies and procedures are designed to ensure that those individuals who receive advanced standing are qualified to do so, and that the screening process adheres to University as well as departmental policies at all times. 

To allow individuals who are not qualified, to receive advanced standing, is not in the student’s or the program’s best interest. 

Definition

Advanced standing is defined as a special and individually determined status granted to a student in a formal educational setting, who has already gained professional experience through other sources or through non‑academic experiences, knowledge, skills and professionalism taught in the program courses. 

Purpose of Advanced Standing Procedures

The purpose of the advanced standing procedures is to recognize and give formal educational credit for knowledge and/or ability gained through previous training or experience.

Methods of Granting Advanced Standing

• Advanced standing can be awarded through transfer credit.
• Advanced standing can be awarded through the passing of an equivalency examination covering a certain area of knowledge. (An “equivalency” examination is an instrument or means by which a student accepted into the Respiratory Care Program can demonstrate mastery of a knowledge area, content area or skill and thus be exempted from a course in the program which teaches that area or skill.)
• Advanced standing can be awarded as credit for successful completion of national registry examinations (RRT/RPFT).

Eligibility for Advanced Standing

• Transfer students (who have been accepted into the Rush University Respiratory Care Program) may receive a transfer credit for equivalent courses within the Respiratory Care Program curriculum.
• Credentialed students (RRT, RPFT) who have been accepted into the Rush University Respiratory Care Program may receive transfer credit and will also be eligible to take equivalency examinations in certain courses.

Policy for Transfer Students

Students who have completed coursework at other approved respiratory care programs may petition to have these courses transfer in lieu of specific coursework in the Rush University program. Students must submit a transcript of their courses from the program and a copy of the course syllabus for each course in which they desire transfer credit. The syllabus must contain the following: course objectives, lecture outlines, course content, evaluation procedures and related information. These courses will be evaluated on an individual basis for content and total contact hours and credit hours.

The Department reserves the right to test the proficiency of any student in coursework transferred from other respiratory care programs and the right to disallow such transfer credit in such coursework in cases which the student cannot demonstrate acceptable proficiency. All transfer credit is subject to the approval of the Committee on Progress and Promotions for Respiratory Care. The student must also have a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) for each course being transferred. A student cannot receive transfer credit for any respiratory care coursework if he or she left the previous program due to academic probation, suspension or exclusion. All University policies regarding transfer credit must be satisfied.

Policy for Individuals Who Hold the RRT Credential

Advanced standing is available to individuals who have successfully completed the National Board for Respiratory Care’s Respiratory Therapy Registry (RRT) who hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Those eligible for advanced standing must submit the following documentation:

• A notarized copy of the RRT certificate indicating that it is a true and accurate copy
• Official transcripts of all previous respiratory care and general education coursework attempted and/or completed indicating award of the bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A notarized copy of the Certificate of Completion from an approved respiratory care training program as applicable
• A completed application for admission to the Advanced Standing program. These are available in the Admissions Office.
• A letter directed to the Committee on Progress and Promotions for Respiratory Care requesting advanced standing

Credit Based on the RRT Credential

Individuals providing documentation that they hold the RRT credential may receive credit for the following theory courses:

• RCP - 572 Clinical Seminar Credit Hours: 3
• RCP - 564 Clinical Observation Practice 2 Credit Hours: 7
• RCP - 571 Clinical Practice 3 Credit Hours: 7

• * RCP - 999 Ungraded Credit Hours: (19)

• RCP - 534 Clinical Observation Practice 1 Credit Hours: 3
• RCP - 511 Introduction to Respiratory Care Credit Hours: (3)
• RCP - 515 Respiratory Care Pharmacology Credit Hours: (2)
• RCP - 520 Respiratory Care Equipment and Techniques Credit Hours: 4
• RCP - 521 Patient Assessment Credit Hours: 4

Required Courses

The RRT Student must enroll in and complete the following required courses:

• RCP - 573 Research Project 2 Credit Hours: (1)
• RCP - 581 Clinical Practice 4 Credit Hours: 8
• RCP - 582 Disease Management/Home Healthcare Credit Hours: 3
• RCP - 583 Research Project 3 Credit Hours: (1)
• RCP - 561 Education Credit Hours: (3)
• RCP - 562 Management Credit Hours: 3
• RCP - 563 Research Methods Credit Hours: (3)
• RCP - 565 Research Project 1 Credit Hours: (1)
• RCP - 501 Foundations of Professional Practice Credit Hours: (3)

Elective Courses

The RRT student must select a minimum of nine semester  hours from the following courses:

RCP 512 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology (5 semester hours)

Provides an in-depth study of cardiac and pulmonary anatomy and physiology, as well as the diagnostic procedures commonly used in the hospital to evaluate these systems.  Topics include the function of the respiratory system, ventilatory mechanics, gas transport in the blood, natural and chemical regulation of breathing, circulation, blood flow and pressure, and cardiac output.  The heart-lung relationship and clinical applications of these phenomena in the cardiopulmonary system will be emphasized.  Prerequisite: Admission to the program.

RCP 522 Pulmonary Disease (3 semester hours)

Topics include the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of common pulmonary diseases and conditions. Respiratory Care management of non-respiratory disorders commonly encountered in the critical care unit will also be covered.  Pulmonary and critical care medicine, obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disease, neoplastic disease of the lung, infectious diseases, neurological and neuromuscular disorders, drowning, burns, smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning, drug overdose, and respiratory care of the post-operative patient will be reviewed. Prerequisite: RCP 512.

RCP 523 Mechanical Ventilation (4 semester hours)

Provides instruction in the theory, set-up, operation and maintenance of mechanical ventilators, their associated modes of ventilation and related equipment.  Topics include:  mechanical ventilator theory, ventilator operation, modes of ventilation, ventilator maintenance and trouble shooting. Prerequisite: RCP 511, RCP 512.

RCP 530 Cardiac Diseases (2 semester hours)

Topics include the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of common cardiac and cardiovascular conditions.  Respiratory Care management of cardiac and cardiovascular disorders, shock, trauma, renal failure, acute G.I. disturbances, and invasive cardiovascular procedures will be reviewed.  Additionally, learners will learn to interpret 12-lead ECGs and obtain their ACLS credentials. Prerequisite: RCP 512.

RCP 531 Critical Respiratory Care (4 semester hours)

Provides instruction on all phases of adult critical care and continuous mechanical ventilation.  Topics include physiology and classification of mechanical ventilation, acid base balance, indications for mechanical ventilatory support, implementation, monitoring, ventilator weaning and discontinuance will be covered.  Advanced critical care techniques for invasive and non-invasive patient monitoring will be covered.  Hemodynamic monitoring will include arterial pressure monitoring, central venous and pulmonary artery catheters, and cardiac output measurement. Non-invasive monitoring techniques including oximetry, transcutaneous monitoring, capnography, ventilator graphic analysis, and assessment of the critical ill patient will also be reviewed.  Prerequisites: RCP 512, RCP 520 RCP 521, RCP 522, RCP 523.

RCP 532 Pulmonary Function Testing (3 semester hours)

Provides a hands-on experience conducting and interpreting complete pulmonary function tests to include spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusion. Common variations such as bronchoprovocation testing and bronchial responsiveness along with tests for muscle weakness are also included. In addition, the student will learn the operation, maintenance, and quality control principles for all common pulmonary function and gas analysis equipment. Bronchoscopy, exercise testing, and metabolic testing will also be reviewed. Prerequisite:  RCP 512, RCP 522.

RCP 533 Pediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Care (4 semester hours)

Provides the student with the opportunity to utilize evidence-based knowledge and critical thinking skills in the planning and provision of comprehensive respiratory care to newborns, infants, and children along the health-illness continuum. Topics include fetal growth and development, neonatal and pediatric cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, respiratory care assessment of the newborn, infant and pediatric patient, as well as respiratory care diagnostic and therapeutic interventions targeted to specific cardiopulmonary pathologies. Prerequisites: RCP 512, RCP 520 RCP 521, RCP 522, RCP 523.

RCP 570 Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics (2 semester hours)

This advanced cardiopulmonary diagnostics course covers a range of tests that assess different body systems. Topics include polysomnography and sleep disorders, metabolic testing, ultrasound, and echocardiography. Learners will observe tests, identify indications, interpret findings, and describe the equipment required for each. Prerequisite:  RCP 512, RCP 522, RCP 530.

CHS 510 Health Care in America: An Overview for Health Professions for Students (2 Semester hours)

Health Care in America is designed for students who are entering a health profession. Faculty leaders from across the Medical Center present topics that address contemporary issues in America’s health care system.  Examples include the organization and delivery system, the economics and financing of health care, the national’s health care workforce, long-term care, technology and health care, biomedical ethics, health policy and the public’s health, and future directions of America’s health care system.  Following presentations, the class breaks into interdisciplinary groups lead by faculty to explore those and other class-developed questions about health care in America.  

• RCP - 570 Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics Credit Hours: (2)
• RCP - 530 Cardiac Diseases Credit Hours: (2)
• RCP - 531 Critical Respiratory Care Credit Hours: 4
• RCP - 532 Pulmonary Function Testing Credit Hours: 3
• RCP - 533 Pediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Care Credit Hours: 4
• RCP - 512 Cardiopulmonary Physiology Credit Hours: (5)
• RCP - 522 Pulmonary Disease Credit Hours: 3
• RCP - 523 Mechanical Ventilation Credit Hours: 4
• CHS - 510 Health Care in America: An Overview for Health Professions for Students Credit Hours: (2)

Sample Advanced Standing Program Student Schedule:

Summary of Minimum Requirements for the MS Degree for RRT Students Holding a Bacholor’s Degree