Ochsner (www.ochsner.org) is a non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, teaching hospital, including a 473-bed acute care hospital and sub-acute facility, plus 36 NICU beds and 20 nursery beds. Ochsner employs over 600 physicians in 70 medical specialties and subspecialties and has 25 clinics located throughout Southeast Louisiana, as well as 750 ongoing clinical research trials annually.

Respiratory Care Program

Respiratory Care is an Allied Health specialty employed in the prevention, treatment, management, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients with diseases and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Some of the conditions that require respiratory support include asthma, bronchitis, cardiac failure, emphysema, pneumonia, neonatal pulmonary problems, post-operative care, resuscitation and preventive care.

The duties of the respiratory care practitioner include patient education, administration of medical gases and aerosolized medications, bronchopulmonary exercise and drainage, and management of life support systems through artificial ventilation. Respiratory care practitioners perform many diagnostic procedures such as x-ray evaluation, ECG monitoring, obtaining and evaluating arterial blood gases and pulmonary function testing and screening.

The respiratory care programs at Ochsner are nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs through the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

The entry level requirement into the field is the Associate degree. Several academic paths are available:

* Associate of Science degree (certification program)
* Bachelor of Science degree (registry program)
* Registry certificate of completion path which requires 64 college credit hours and completion of the Associate of Science degree.

Upon successful completion of all requirements for graduation, the degree(s) will be awarded by Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Additionally, students are eligible to take national examinations in respiratory care and to apply for state licensure through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. A state license is required to practice in Louisiana.

GOALS OF THE RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM:

REGISTRY:

To graduate competent advanced-level respiratory therapists that meet the needs of our community.

CERTIFICATION:

To graduate entry-level respiratory therapists that meet the needs of our community.

ACADEMIC PREREQUISITES:

1. Survey, elementary or introductory level courses are generally not accepted.
2. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale with a minimum grade of C in all required courses.
3. Official copy of ACT or SAT scores.
4. Official college transcripts.
5. CERTIFICATION PROGRAM:
Please refer to the Our Lady of Holy Cross College catalog for the prerequisites. Courses for the Associates Degree in Respiratory Care from OLHCC are required.
6. REGISTRY PROGRAM:
The registry program has 2 alternate pathways for entry.

1. Enrollment in the Bachelor of Science Respiratory Care degree program from Our Lady of Holy Cross College. The minimum hours for an Associates Degree in Respiratory Care must have been met.
Please refer to their catalog for prerequisites.
2. Students must have an Associate Degree in Respiratory Care from OLHCC/Ochsner and complete the following courses:

* 3-General Psychology
* 3-Microbiology
* 3-Business Course (Management or Business)
* 8-Biological Sciences
* 5-Human Related Sciences*

*Human related sciences include but are not limited to: First Aid, Embryology, Immunology, Nutrition, Organic Chemistry.

REGISTRY PROGRAM - All students must maintain a 2.5 average in the Certification program to be admitted to the registry semester.

It is highly recommended that anyone interested in attending this program observe respiratory care procedures in a critical care setting.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

1. Respiratory Care classes begin in late August.
2. The Entry Level Respiratory Therapist program is 9 months in length; the Advanced Respiratory Therapist program is 13 months.
3. The program conducts classes Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Hours may vary according to scheduling.)

BASIC CURRICULUM

RTC-101 BASICS OF RESPIRATORY CARE - A basic theory course covering gas laws, medical gases & equipment, respiratory drugs, and infection control for health care workers.

RTC-102 CLINICAL PRACTICUM I - The student will display proficiency in such areas as oxygen therapy, intermittent treatment therapy, EKG's and professional communication.

RTC-103 CLINICAL LABORATORY I - The student will participate in laboratory experiences to become knowledgeable with basic respiratory care equipment and theory.

RTC-105 CARDIOPULMONARY ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY - The course covers general principles of cardiopulmonary anatomy, and physiology.

RTC-108 RESPIRATORY CARE FUNDAMENTALS - An introductory course dealing with the theory and equipment operation of aerosol and humidity therapy, oxygen therapy, airway clearance techniques and hyperinflation therapy.

RTC-115 INDEPENDENT STUDY I - A course covering various topics in respiratory care. Research paper and journal reviews are required under the guidance of the program director.

RTC-202 CLINICAL PRACTICUM II - Clinical training will be done in critical care areas including adult ICU and NICU. Other clinical training areas include: Pulmonary Function Testing, blood gas puncture and analysis, intubation, and bronchoscopies.

RTC-203 CLINICAL LAB II - A lab course designed to reinforce clinical practicum. Topics covered: ventilators, airway care and intubation, CPAP, troubleshooting equipment, BIPAP, and extubation.

RTC-204 BLOOD GASES & ACID BASE BALANCE - A course designed to introduce students to the theory, interpretation, and application of blood gases.

RTC-209 OPERATIONAL ASPECTS OF VENTILATION - An introduction into the operational aspects of ventilation. Topics include PEEP, CPAP, and various types of ventilators and equipment used in prolonged artificial ventilation.

RTC-210 PULMONARY FUNCTION STUDIES - A course designed to introduce students to pulmonary functions and their interpretations.

RTC-211 PERINATOLOGY & PEDIATRICS - A course in neonatalogy and pediatrics including neonatal physiology, common respiratory diseases of infancy and childhood and congenital heart defects.

RTC-212 PULMONARY DISORDERS - A study of common pulmonary diseases including the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

RTC-213 SPECIALTY AREAS IN CARDIOPULMONARY CARE - Chest radiographs and their interpretation, ECG interpretation, and ACLS will be covered.

RTC-215 INDEPENDENT STUDY II - The student will investigate relevant topics in respiratory care under the direction of the program director.

RTC-220 CERTIFICATION REVIEW COURSE - A course designed to help students prepare for the entry-level examination.

RTC-221 PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF VENTILATION - Information on artificial ventilation including hazards, mean airway pressure, modes, indications, and weaning will be covered.

RTC-302 CLINICAL PRACTICUM III - Advanced clinical training will include management, pediatrics, exercise physiology, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

RTC-314 MANAGEMENT - This course emphasizing basic management skills.

RTC-315 INDEPENDENT STUDY III - The student will investigate specialized topics in respiratory care. Independent research is required.

RTC-316 - ADVANCED CARDIOLOGY - A course covering topics in advanced cardiology.

RTC-317 ADVANCED RESPIRATORY STUDIES - Advanced respiratory care topics including nutrition, geriatrics, advanced ventilator care, and waveform interpretation will be covered.

RTC-318 INTENSIVE CARDIOPULMONARY MONITORING - This course is designed to review cardiopulmonary monitoring: capnography, balloon pumping, ECMO, polysomnography, arterial line, and pulmonary artery catheter monitoring.

RTC-320 REGISTRY REVIEW COURSE - A course designed to help students prepare for the registry examinations.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Persons who meet program academic requirements may obtain an application packet by calling Our Lady of Holy Cross College at (504) 398-2221.
2. Deadline for receiving all complete materials at Our Lady of Holy Cross College is May 31.

SELECTION OF CANDIDATES

1. All applications are reviewed.
2. The most qualified applicants are invited for a personal interview by the program's Selection Committee
3. Final selection is made from the interviewed applicants.
4. Those candidates accepting appointment will be required to undergo an incoming physical examination which includes blood, drug & TB tests. The Ochsner Employee Health Services will perform these tests at no charge to the student.

Respiratory Care Program at Ochsner Health System


This article is reposted with thanks to Ochsner Health System.