Embarking on a career in respiratory care offers a rewarding path in the healthcare sector, dedicated to helping patients breathe easier and improve their quality of life. The Erie Community College (ECC) Respiratory Care Program stands out as a comprehensive and competitive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as respiratory therapists. This guide provides essential information for prospective students considering applying to the Ecc Respiratory Care Program, ensuring you are well-prepared for the application process and program demands.
Admission Requirements and Recommendations
Gaining admission to the ECC Respiratory Care Program requires careful preparation and a strong academic foundation. The program highly recommends a solid background in key science and mathematics subjects. Specifically, coursework in Math, Biology, and Chemistry is considered crucial for success in the program. These subjects provide the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the complexities of respiratory care and patient physiology.
The application process itself is conducted directly through the Erie Community College website at www.ecc.edu. It is advisable to apply early as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. However, formal selection of applicants typically occurs in the spring semester for enrollment in the following fall semester. Due to the program’s competitive nature, the admissions committee ranks applicants based on their academic history and overall preparation. To gain a competitive edge, it is highly recommended that prospective students contact the Respiratory Care department directly. This proactive step allows you to gather detailed information, receive personalized advisement, and understand the nuances of the application process.
Alt text: Erie Community College respiratory care students engaging in a classroom learning session, highlighting hands-on education.
Several academic policies are important to note for applicants. Coursework completed more than ten years prior to application will generally not be considered for transfer credit. Similarly, courses graded as pass (P) or satisfactory (S) are typically not transferable. Furthermore, any SUNY Erie Community College course taken more than ten years ago will not be accepted or factored into the applicant ranking. A minimum grade of C is required for course transfer, and any SUNY ECC course with a grade below C will not be accepted or used in the ranking process. For students unable to demonstrate English and math competency within three years of application, placement exams in these subjects will be mandatory. It’s also important to note that the program does not offer advanced placement based on prior work experience, previous college credits, or other experiential learning.
Recognizing the program’s competitive admissions and the high caliber of applicant pool, it is common for successful candidates to complete a significant portion, if not all, of their general education coursework before commencing the specialized respiratory care curriculum. Applicants who do not initially meet the minimum requirements are provided with individualized advising to help strengthen their academic profiles. This guidance offers a structured pathway to address any academic gaps and improve their application ranking. Students can begin this preparatory phase in any semester – spring, summer, or fall – allowing for flexibility in their academic planning. Throughout this process, the Respiratory Care Program faculty serve as dedicated advisors, offering continuous support and mentorship. Ultimately, acceptance into the Respiratory Care Program coursework hinges on a student’s demonstrated academic success and the availability of program spaces.
Clinical Experiences and Requirements
A cornerstone of the ECC Respiratory Care Program is its robust clinical education component. The program maintains affiliations with a wide network of clinical sites throughout Western New York, providing students with diverse and real-world healthcare settings. Students will be assigned to multiple clinical sites throughout their educational journey, ensuring exposure to a variety of patient populations and clinical practices. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange their own transportation to these clinical affiliates.
Prior to commencing clinical coursework, students are required to purchase designated uniforms and any other specific equipment deemed necessary for clinical practice. Furthermore, students must provide documented proof of up-to-date required immunizations and a comprehensive physical examination. This health assessment must confirm that the student is in good physical and mental health and possesses the capacity to fulfill all clinical requirements of the program. Maintaining current CPR certification throughout the duration of clinical experiences is also mandatory.
Students should also be aware that participation in the program may necessitate drug testing and criminal background checks, the costs of which are the student’s responsibility. Failure to meet the specific requirements of a clinical site may unfortunately preclude a student from completing the Respiratory Care Program. It is crucial to understand that students in the program are strictly prohibited from serving as substitutes for clinical, instructional, or administrative staff. Moreover, students are not permitted to receive any form of compensation for patient care provided during their clinical rotations as part of their academic program.
