Respiratory Therapy Program (AAS)

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• Program Director
• Mission Statement
• Program Overview
• Accreditation & Credentialing
• Academic Information
• Disability Statement
• Advisement & Registration
• Student Handbook

Program Director

Susan Lockwood, MA, RRT
Respiratory Therapy Program Director
202.274.5925
slockwood@udc.edu

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Mission Statement

The University of the District of Columbia is an urban land-grant institution of higher education with an open admissions policy. It is a comprehensive public institution offering quality, affordable postsecondary education to District of Columbia residents at the certificate, associate’s, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. These programs prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce, for the next level of education, for specialized employment opportunities, and for lifelong learning.

The Respiratory Therapy Program is housed within the Department of Nursing and Allied Health, College of Arts and Sciences. The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences is to produce well-educated, autonomous, competent, and resourceful graduates who are well prepared to live and work in the multiethnic, global, and technological society of the 21st century. The undertakings of the Department of Nursing and Allied Health and the Respiratory Therapy Program follow and are inextricably linked to the College mission. The Department strives to provide exemplary educational experiences to an ethnically diverse population with a particular emphasis on the needs in the District of Columbia. The Department provides an intellectually challenging and nurturing environment that fosters the development of competent and compassionate practitioners who will assist individuals on the continuum from wellness/illness, dying, death, and care of human remains. Students are assisted in the development of critical thinking skills, problem solving, technical, and social skills through active participation in classroom, laboratory and practicum experiences. The program’s mission is to prepare competent respiratory therapy practitioners who will meet the healthcare needs of the citizens of the District of Columbia and the society at large.

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Program Overview

The University offers the A.A.S. Degree in Respiratory Therapy. The curriculum reflects high standards of professional practice and incorporates guidelines from practice trends, professional organizations and accrediting agencies. Students develop the knowledge base and clinical competencies required to meet the health care needs of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory Therapists treat patients along the age and health-care continuums – from premature infants to the aged in critical care, acute care, rehabilitation, and home care settings.

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Accreditation & Credentialing

The UDC Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Graduates are eligible for both the entry-level licensure/ CRT examination (required by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia) and the advanced practice RRT examinations, both offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

• American Association for Respiratory Care
• National Board for Respiratory Care
• Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

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Academic Information

Admission Policy

The UDC Office of Admissions processes applications to the University, and upon admission, students identifying Respiratory Therapy as a major, are assigned to a Respiratory Therapy faculty member for ongoing advisement. A separate application, however, is required to enroll in the Professional/Clinical Division (P/CD) of the program. Admission to the P/CD is competitive.

To be considered for admission to the P/CD, eligible students must first be enrolled at the University, complete prerequisites of 14 semester hours earning a minimum grade of ‘C’ in each identified course, and have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 or higher. Transfer students must also demonstrate a 2.5 GPA, and have their official transcript(s) evaluated by the University prior to their application to the P/CD. The prerequisite courses are: College Math I (3 credits), English Composition I (3 credits), Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Lab (4 credits), Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture and Lab (4 credits).

The application for admission to the P/CD is due on end of March for the Fall semester. Application submission does not guarantee admission to the P/CD. The Respiratory Therapy Admissions and Progression Committee review all applications and recommends students for admission.

Program of Study

Prerequisite Requirements

In order to be considered for admission, prerequisite requirements (college-level courses) must be completed prior to applying to the program. All science courses completed prior to acceptance into the Respiratory Therapy program cannot be older than seven (7) years.

First Year - Fall Semester

This begins the professional phase of the program.

First Year - Spring Semester

First Year - Summer Semester

Second Year - Fall Semester

Second Year - Spring Semester

* Must achieve a grade of “C” or better.
** Any college level math course numbered 100 level or above will satisfy this requirement.
***Any college level psychology, sociology or philosophy course numbered 100 level or above will satisfy this requirement.

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Disability Statement

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) the Respiratory Therapy Program at the University of the District of Columbia makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for all individuals with a disability. The program does not discriminate against applicants because of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic background, political affiliation, or disability. The University of the District of Columbia Compliance policies are located on page ii and iii of the University 2008-2011 catalog.

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Advisement and Registration

New students (Freshman Level or Transfer) admitted to the University who indicate an interest in Respiratory Therapy should report to the Respiratory Therapy Program for advisement.

Continuing students who are Respiratory Therapy majors are to see their advisors prior to the early registration period each semester for academic counseling. Students should make appointments with their faculty advisor for academic counseling at least once per semester to facilitate optimal progression through the program. This counseling should be completed prior to the regular registration periods.

UDC Students planning to change their majors to Respiratory Therapy will adhere to the following procedure:

1. Receive academic counseling from an advisor
2. Be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 prior to the change
3. Complete the change of major form
4. Submit an application for admission to the Respiratory Therapy program according to the above procedures

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Student Handbook

Respiratory Therapy Program student handbook is reviewed annually and issued to new Respiratory therapy students at the beginning of each academic year.

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