Cardio Respiratory Care Sciences Program
Faculty: B. Batts, S. Carey, C. Hamilton, D. Sherman
The overall goal of the Bachelor degree program in Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences (CRCS) is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and effective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). The program strives to prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content that includes objectives related to the acquisition of skills in one or more of the following: management, education, research, and advanced clinical practice. The program is designed as a four-year curriculum plan; students complete pre-professional general education courses during the first two years and advance to the CRCS professional courses during the last two years which includes clinical experience at affiliated hospitals.
The field of Respiratory Care requires respiratory care practitioners to administer various treatment modalities and medications, perform diagnostic procedures, and/or manage sophisticated life-support equipment. Although the majority of respiratory care practitioners are employed by hospitals, there are also opportunities to practice outside of the standard hospital setting. The student who satisfactorily completes all courses in the curriculum is awarded the Bachelor of Science degree.
Admissions Requirements
Students who wish to pursue a degree in Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences (CRCS) must apply to the CRCS Admissions Committee for acceptance. Students Sciences must be formally admitted to the Cardio-Respiratory Care Program in order to take professional courses which begin in the junior year. Applications for admission are accepted from students who meet the following application requirements:
- Admission to Tennessee State University.
- A minimum high school grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students should have taken either the ACT or the SAT exam. These scores should be provided to the department if they have not been provided to the University.
- One year of high school algebra, biology, and chemistry.
- Completion of the first two years of the CRCS curriculum with a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- A “C” or better grade in supporting science and math courses.
- Two letters of recommendation from instructors who have taught the applicant.
- An interview with the RC Admissions and Retention Committee or its designee (An interview does not automatically guarantee admission into the program. The Admissions process is very competitive).
- Students must demonstrate that they have some aptitude in the field and the ability to perform essential respiratory care functions.
Applicants will be screened by the RC Admissions and Retention Committee and will be advised of the final decision regarding acceptance into the program by a representative of the Committee.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening
A specified drug screen and/or a designated criminal background check including both the state and federal level is a requirement for student placement within clinical agencies. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical agency or site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility. This could result in a student’s inability to successfully complete the requirements of the respiratory care program. Additionally, a criminal background may preclude licensure or employment.
Degree IN-3 Students
Students may be accepted to the Degree IN-3 option if they meet the Admission criteria, in addition to the following criteria:
- 3.3 High School GPA
- Sophomores - 3.0 GPA and earned 30 credits in general education courses
- Earn 15 to 18 credits a semester for six semesters
- Earn 9 credits in mini-terms, generally at no cost
- Earn 9 credits in regular summer sessions
Transfer Students
- Applications are accepted from transfer students from other colleges or universities, other departments at Tennessee State University.
- Applicants must have an overall college grade-point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and meet the program admission requirements for entering applicants. Any exceptions must be approved by the Respiratory Care Admissions and Retention Committee.
- Transfer credits for non-major courses will be accepted according to University policies on admission with advanced standing. All transfer credits from accredited Respiratory Care programs will be accepted when evidence is provided that the content of the courses previously taken is essentially the same as the content for courses in the curriculum. No credit will be given for required courses in which the student has received a grade lower than a “C.”
- A Tennessee State University student who transfers to Respiratory Care is required to complete a Change of Major form. The Admission and Retention Committee will make the final decision about admission to the program. All candidates will be advised of the Committee’s final decision about their acceptance to the program.
Students with a Science Degree or Associate Degree in Respiratory Care
Students with a degree in Science may be admitted to the program if they meet the admission criteria. In addition, students who have taken the required science and general education courses may be able to accelerate their studies but should consult the program director for details.
Special Requirements
Students are required to complete a physical examination and obtain medical and malpractice insurance prior to enrolling in their clinical rotations. During clinical rotations, students may be assigned to off-campus facilities. Students are responsible for transportation costs, clinic attire, and other expenses related to clinical experiences. In order to complete the degree, students must pass three exit exams with a 75% or above in the following courses: CRCS 3110 and 3120 , and CRCS 3224 . Students are also expected to become a member of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Retention Policy
- Students who earn a non-passing grade in any supporting science course or any CRCS course will not be permitted to take the next sequential course(s). A course in which a student has failed may be repeated when it is offered again with the department chair’s permission provided space is available in the class. A grade of “C” is equivalent to 75% for all professional courses.
- Students will be dismissed from the professional program for any of the following reasons:
- Failure to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- A grade of less than “C” in 6 or more semester hours within the major.
- A grade of “F” in more than 2 semester credit hours within the major.
- A grade of less than “C” in more than one clinical experience.
- A grade of less than “C” in a course that has been repeated.
- Withdrawal from any Respiratory Care course or failure to register for any semester without prior written approval from the department chair.
- Failure to comply with clinical and/or academic policies established by the Department.
- Students who have been dismissed from the program due to poor academic performance must reapply for admission during the next application cycle and compete for space in a subsequent class. Students who request readmission should present to the Admissions Committee evidence of a substantial change in circumstances that could lead to improved academic performance.
National Board Exam: Students who complete all the required courses for the BS degree are eligible to take the National Board Examinations.
Suggested Plan II:
*All associate level transfer students who satisfactorily complete 2 years of college are required to enroll in RC courses outlined in the junior and senior years as outlined in Plan I .
*Transfer credits may be given for all equivalent courses taken at the associate degree level. Transfer students should contact the RC department for policy details. Transfer students must take all the remaining general education and science courses not taken at the associate level to fulfill the course requirements as outlined in Plan I .
