Admission Prerequisites
Applicants to the Respiratory Care Programs must have graduated from high school (or have earned a state equivalency diploma) and must exhibit evidence of a strong background in a college preparatory program. A minimum "C" or better is required in high school biology, chemistry, and algebra. A score of 1050 or better is required on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), with a minimum of 450 on each section for the critical reading and math components. (Currently, the score for the writing portion is not being considered.) An ACT score of 21 is also acceptable. Applicants must tour a respiratory therapy department. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview with the program director and/or clinical coordinator. Transfer students and those "out of school" for several years will be considered on an individual basis.
NOTE: Size of the class is limited. Admission to the college and RC major does not guarantee admission to the clinical portion of the program which begins the summer following the freshman year. Interviews will be conducted by the Selection Committee in March for selection of the group that will begin clinical training in June. Students with a GPA of less than 2.5 and those who have not completed the required freshman courses with a "C" or better grade will only be considered as space is available.
Student Admission
- Applicants to the Respiratory Care Program must follow the procedures outlined for all other York College applicants.
- The Respiratory Care Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual preference, ethnic or national origin, age or gender when considering applicants.
- The Respiratory Care Program will try to accommodate an applicant who has physical disabilities or limitations in order to meet essential functions/technical standards of the program and profession. (See Technical Standards)
- Physical limitations that cannot be accommodated will be cause for denying admittance to the program.
- All students admitted to the Respiratory Care Program must complete a preclinical screening examination with Employee Health Services. The screening will include, but is not limited to: health history, PPD for tuberculosis, immunization compliance, drug screening and an objective assessment of ability to perform the technical standards of the program.
- If there are any health issues identified that may prevent an applicant from performing the requirements of the program, Employee Health Services, along with the program director, will make a final decision concerning the matter.
- All students admitted to the Respiratory Care Program will be subject to preclinical criminal background checks, child abuse checks and fingerprinting. This is necessary to safeguard patients and to help assure that students successfully completing the program will be eligible for employment.
- Applicants who are found to be unacceptable following criminal background checks will not be granted admission to the clinical portion of the program. The individual will be notified of the reason(s) for admission denial.
- For applicants who are denied admission, individual appeals will be considered by the Human Resources Department in conjunction with the program director for a final decision.
Technical Standards
Technical standards are based on tasks performed by the professional, i.e. the ability to accomplish the essential requirements of employment, as dictated by the general skills needed in the workforce. A qualified applicant must be able to fulfill these tasks with or without reasonable accommodation. The standards are to be applied with common sense, fairness, and sensitivity. At the time of acceptance into the clinical portion of the Respiratory Care Program, the applicant may be asked to complete a statement denoting his/her subjective evaluation of his/her ability to perform the technical standards of the profession.
An applicant must have:
- Sufficient eyesight to observe patients, to manipulate equipment and to evaluate procedures.
- Sufficient hearing to assess patients and to communicate verbally with other people.
- Sufficient physical and motor skills and coordination to manipulate equipment and to be able to ensure patient safety.
- Sufficient oral and written skills in English to communicate needs promptly and effectively.
- Sufficient intellectual and emotional behaviors to exercise independent judgment and discretion in the safe performance of patient procedures as verified by personal and/or professional references.
Tuition
York College of Pennsylvania lists the current tuition for complete program and differential costs. Summer coursework and expenses are also required. Other expenses will include, but are not limited to: uniforms and lab coat, stethoscope, textbooks, self-assessment exams, medical insurance, preclinical medical evaluations. background checks and memberships in professional organizations.
