Health care in the new millennium demands that nursing expand its caregiver focus to include highly specialized roles in health promotion, illness prevention, and care of the sick. The nursing faculty have met this challenge by developing nursing curricula that assimilate the changes and complexities inherent in today's society. Clarion University offers an associate degree program at Venango College that prepares students to become licensed registered nurses (RNs). An on-line baccalaureate degree program for RNs prepares its graduates to practice nursing at the professional level. Both the Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Clarion's A.S.N. Program offers comprehensive and intensive nursing education that provides theory and clinical nursing courses and general education credits. The A.S.N. program prepares technical nurses to deliver client-centered care within structured settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities and to work effectively with other members of the health care team. The program provides a foundation for further study at the baccalaureate level.
Clarion's B.S.N. Program builds upon technical associate degree and diploma nursing curricula, offering credit for previous education. The B.S.N. program provides professional education in expanded settings that promotes critical and creative decision making. Professional nurses are prepared for leadership roles and professional advancement and for study at the master's degree level.
The undergraduate and graduate nursing programs reflect Clarion University's dedication to excellence. Nursing education continues to expand the practice of nursing to include nurse researchers, clinical specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, educators, and administrators.
Department of Nursing Program Information
The Department of Nursing offers curricula leading to the degrees of Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing. For full information concerning the Master of Science in Nursing program, refer to the Graduate Catalog, which can be obtained from the Graduate Office, Carrier Administration Building, Clarion University, 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214-1232.
The Department of Nursing has an articulated program between the Associate of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. After completing the first two years, the student will have earned an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN). Upon completion of an additional four semesters, the student will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Associate of Science in Nursing
Clarion's Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) Program offers both a comprehensive and intensive form of nursing education in a balanced curriculum of nursing and liberal arts. Because nursing courses are offered once a year and in a particular sequence, applicants are admitted only in the Fall Semester. Although there is a recommended curriculum plan, only the nursing courses must be taken in an identified order. The general education courses may be taken prior to entrance into the nursing program according to the needs of the individual and the established university prerequisites. In addition to the nursing and general education courses at the university, students engage in concurrent clinical practice at a variety of community health care agencies.
The A.S.N. Program is designed to prepare technical nurses to give client-centered care within structured settings and to work effectively with other members of the health team. The two-year Associate of Science in Nursing program provides the graduate with a foundation for further study at the baccalaureate level. Upon completion of the A.S.N. program, the graduate will be eligible to take the state licensure examination.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (on-line)
Clarion's on-line Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program builds upon the background and knowledge attained in an A.S.N. or diploma program and requires an additional four semesters of education. Applicants for the B.S.N. program may be admitted for either Spring or Fall semesters. Although the program is designed as a two-year curriculum for full-time students, individuals have the option of taking courses part-time after admission. Students who take courses on a part-time basis are expected to complete the program within five years.
The B.S.N. Program's primary goal is to provide educational experiences designed to promote scientific inquiry, creative thinking, critical judgment, and personal and professional development. The program affords students the opportunity to expand their nursing knowledge at a professional level. This program prepares graduates for professional advancement in the health care system and provides a basis for graduate study.
Department of Nursing Policies
Academic Requirements in Nursing
The academic requirements of the university apply to all programs in the School of Nursing, and the student must earn a grade of B in each of the following nursing courses: NURS 101, 102, 201, 202, 203, 131, 132; and a grade of C in 340, 342, 346, 361, 357, 376, 380, 445, 470, 480, and 482. A passing grade is required in all clinical courses: NURS 111, 112, 121, 211, and 212.
All nursing students are graded P (passing) or F (failing) in each clinical practicum. The associate degree student is evaluated by four critical elements that must be met in order to receive a passing grade in the clinical area. An unsatisfactory grade in any nursing course is regarded as a failure in the program, and the student is withdrawn from nursing.
Transfer
The transfer policy for A.S.N. students is consistent with that of Clarion University, however, nursing credits are transferable only if received from an accredited associate degree or bachelor's degree program within the preceding two years and are determined to be equivalent to a Clarion nursing course. If the individual has been out of a nursing program for more than two years, the NLN-Accelerated Credit Exam must be taken for transfer of credits. Diploma students who wish to transfer must take the challenge exams for transfer of nursing credits.
Intercollegiate Transfer
A student presently enrolled in a program at Clarion University may request admission into the Associate of Science in Nursing program by filling out a Change of Status Form and submitting it to the School of Nursing at Venango College.
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A student must have the Change of Status Form completed and sent to the School of Nursing by December 15 to be considered for admission to the program in the next fall class. Students wishing to transfer into the ASN program from another college major must have a minimum QPA of 2.5.
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NLN pre-admission testing and information sessions will be scheduled for prospective students.
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Students requesting intercollegiate transfer must meet the general admission requirements of the nursing program.
Associate of Science in Nursing Program
Specialized Admission Requirements
Candidates for admission into the Associate of Science in Nursing Program must make application to the Admissions Office at Clarion University. All candidates are required to meet the following high school requirements:
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four units of English
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three units of social studies
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two units of science: one year of chemistry with a grade of C or better and one year of biology with a grade of C or better within five years of date of entry (calculated from the date of high school graduation).
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two units of mathematics (one must be algebra with a grade of C or better and one course may be algebra II, trigonometry, geometry, or calculus). These courses must have been taken within five years of date of entry (calculated from the date of high school graduation).
Candidates who do not meet all the high school requirements or have not taken the equivalent college level course(s) from a properly accredited institution and earned a grade of C or better must take the following courses.
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To satisfy the science requirement, an individual must complete BIOL 111: Basic Biology or BIO 115: Introductory Biology and PHSC 111: Physical Science Chemistry or CHEM 153: General Chemistry I and CHEM 163: General Chemistry I Lab. These science courses are pre-requisite courses for admission into the A.S.N. program. (College credits for the sciences are acceptable only if they have been earned within 10 years of admission and received from a properly accredited institution.)
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To satisfy the English requirement, an individual must take ENG 111 Writing II.
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To satisfy the mathematics requirement, an individual will need to take MATH 050: Basic Algebra. The course is pre-requisite to both the nursing program and the math course required to meet the General Education requirements for an associate degree from Clarion University. (A placement test may be necessary for determining the necessary math course. Based on the results of this exam, the individual will either be exempt from MATH 050 or be required to take the course. (College credits for mathematics are acceptable only if they have been earned within 10 years of admission from a properly accredited institution.)
Admission Policies for Entrance
Applicants who satisfy all high school criteria will be considered for admission into the A.S.N. program. Admission to the program is very competitive. Admission procedures for the A.S.N. program include:
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having been accepted by Clarion University. (See Clarion University admissions requirements);
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a QPA of 2.5 in high school and/or college;
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completion of pre-requisite courses (biology, math, and chemistry) with a grade of C or better;
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requesting admission into the A.S.N. program. (For new students, this requires a letter of application which must be received in the nursing office no later than December 15. For currently enrolled Clarion students, a change of status form must be completed and received in the nursing office no later than December 15;
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having official transcripts from high school and all colleges or universities previously attended sent to the admissions office at Clarion University, 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214;
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having taken or scheduled the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-Entrance Examination;
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submitting an essay of 250 words or less which addresses the applicant's interest in nursing (must be received in the nursing office no later than December 15).
Please be aware, the Department of Nursing's admissions committee will consider for Fall admission only those applicants who have met the above criteria. Note also the university designation as "pre-nursing" does not guarantee acceptance into the A.S.N. program.
Associate of Science in Nursing Degree Program Curriculum
Although the Associate of Science in Nursing is designed to be completed in two academic years, part-time study is available. The curriculum outline for the program is as follows.
FIRST SEMESTER/Credits
NURS 101: Nursing Process I: Fundamentals of Nursing, 3 credits
NURS 111: Nursing Process I: Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical Practice, 2
NURS 121: Nursing Process I: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice Laboratory, 1
NURS 131: Nursing Health Assessment, 2
BIOL 258: Anatomy and Physiology I, 3
PSY 211: General Psychology, 3
SECOND SEMESTER
NURS 102: Nursing Process II, 4
NURS 112: Nursing Process II Clinical Practice, 4
NURS 132: Pharmacological Aspects of Nursing, 3
BIOL 259: Anatomy and Physiology II, 3
PSY 260: Developmental Psychology, 3
THIRD SEMESTER
NURS 201: Nursing Process III, 4
NURS 211: Nursing Process III Clinical Practice, 4
MATH Any math course greater than MATH 110, 3
SOC 211: Principles of Sociology, 3
ENG 111: Writing II, 3
FOURTH SEMESTER
NURS 202: Nursing Process IV, 4
NURS 212: Nursing Process IV Clinical Practice, 4
NURS 203: Trends and Issues in Nursing, 2
CMST 113: Public Speaking, 3
TOTAL CREDITS 61
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program—Online
Clarion’s on-line Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Program builds upon the background and knowledge attained in an A.S.N. or diploma program and requires an additional four semesters of education. Applicants for the B.S.N. program may be admitted for either Spring or Fall semesters. Although the program is designed as a two-year curriculum for full-time students, individuals have the option of taking courses part-time after admission. Students who take courses on a part-time basis are expected to complete the program within five years.`
The B.S.N. Program’s primary goal is to provide educational experiences designed to promote scientific inquiry, creative thinking, critical judgment, and personal and professional development. The program affords students the opportunity to expand their nursing knowledge at a professional level. This program prepares graduates for professional advancement in the health care system and provides a basis for graduate study.
Admission Requirements
Admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program is consistent with the Pennsylvania Articulation Model developed by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing Schools Association Inc. (PHENSA). Nursing students can fulfill requirements of the lower division (freshman and sophomore years) by means of the following:
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Transferring or validating knowledge equivalent to 30 nursing credits from an associate degree or diploma program (see 4 below)
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Transferring the required general education credits from any accredited college or successfully completing the approved challenge exams. The accepted scores for credit will be determined by university policy.
Admission Policies for Entrance
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Graduate from either an associate degree or diploma program in nursing.
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Hold current licensure as an RN.
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Show evidence of scholarship as demonstrated by 2.5 QPA (on a 4.0 system), or a comparable equivalent of a C-plus in previous educational program.
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Successfully complete the pre-entry lower-division requirements as mentioned above.
Individuals may be admitted to the B.S.N. completion program on a conditional basis while in the process of completing the above requirements. Admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is competitive. An applicant meeting all of the program admission requirements is not guaranteed admission into the program.
Articulation Policy
Registered nurses who have graduated within three years from an NLNAC-accredited nursing program are eligible for direct articulation into Clarion's B.S.N. completion program. Individuals who have graduated between three and 10 years prior to application must have 1,000 hours of nursing practice within the last three years for direct articulation. Special arrangements are made for individuals who have:
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graduated from a nursing program not accredited by the NLNAC.
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practiced nursing less than 1,000 hours within three years of application.
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graduated from an NLNAC-accredited nursing program more than 10 years ago.
B.S. in Nursing Curriculum
Junior and Senior Years
FIRST SEMESTER/Credits
NURS 340: Nursing in Transition, 3 credits
NURS 361: Nurse as Educator, 3
CIS 217: Applications of Microcomputers, 3
Elective, 3
Elective, 3
SECOND SEMESTER
NURS 342: Thinking in Contemporary Nursing, 3 credits
NURS 346: Health Assessment, 2
NURS 357: Leadership in Nursing, 3
NURS 380: Statistics, 3
BIOL 453: Pathophysiology: Endogenous Agents, 4
THIRD SEMESTER
NURS 376: Frontiers in Health Care, 3 credits
NURS 445: Inquiry in Nursing, 3
NURS 470: Promoting Healthy Communities, 3
Nursing Elective, 3
Arts and Humanities Elective, 3
FOURTH SEMESTER
NURS 480: Role Seminar in Professional Nursing, 3 credits
NURS 482: Role Exploration in Professional Nursing, 2
Nursing Elective, 3
Arts and Humanities Elective, 3
Elective, 3
Elective, 1
TOTAL CREDITS FOR GRADUATION 120
Department of Allied Health Program Information
The field of allied health encompasses a vast array of specially-trained healthcare professionals including medical imaging technologists and respiratory therapists. Allied health professionals perform vital medical services and work in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other health care providers to deliver integrated and comprehensive quality health care in hospitals, clinics, and private practice offices.
Rapid advances in technology as well as a large aging population have resulted in an increased demand for qualified allied health professionals. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for many allied health professions is favorable to very good, and the need for many of these professions is expected to increase faster than average through the year 2018.
Associate of Science in Allied Health (ASAH)
Clarion University’s Associate of Science degree with a major in Allied Health enables allied health professionals to get started on the road to career advancement through the attainment of academic degrees. Clarion University recognizes the value of an allied health professional’s clinical education and acquired professional expertise and therefore awards credit for completion of a formal, accredited educational program in an allied health field.*
Health professionals who may qualify for the AS, Allied Health include the following: diploma nurses, surgical technologists, paramedics, ophthalmic medical technicians, dental professionals, pharmacy technicians, medical imaging professionals, medical office professionals, medical assistants, physical therapy technicians, and others.
The AS, Allied Health requires completion of a total of 60 credits—30 credits of science and general education course work that must be earned from Clarion University and 30 credits that are awarded for completion of a formal, accredited allied health educational diploma program
Sample Curriculum
I. Liberal Education Skills 6-9 Credits
A. English Composition 3 Credits
B. Mathematics Competency 3 Credits
C. Liberal Education Elective 3 Credits
II. Liberal Knowledge 15 Credits
Choose courses from at least 2 of the following 3 categories. At least 3 credits must come from Category A for a total of 15 credits.
A. Physical and Biological Sciences
B. Social and Behavioral Sciences
C. Arts and Humanities
III. General Education Electives 6 Credits
IV. Approved Allied Health Professional Training 30 Credits*
*clinical credits must be earned from an accredited and approved formal allied health educational program.
Evaluation of Clinical Credits
*Credits for completion of clinical course work will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Clarion's Department of Allied Health and will be based on the following criteria:
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The educational program must be for an allied health profession that is recognized by the American Medical Association as a health care profession.
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The allied health educational program from which the applicant has graduated must meet one or both of the following criteria:
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The educational program must hold accreditation in good standing with a formal national programmatic accrediting agency widely acceptable to the specific allied health profession and formally recognized by the U.S Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
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The educational program must be offered in a post-secondary institution of higher learning that has accreditation in good standing with a regional accreditor formally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education such as the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
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* The allied health education program from which the applicant has graduated must have entailed a minimum of 450 contract hours.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Sciences Program
Radiologic Technology Concentration
The medical imaging sciences program has an academic preparation of two years (60 semester hours including general education) at Clarion University and continues with a 24-month, 60-semester hours course of clinical study in an affiliated hospital-based school of radiologic technology. All affiliated hospital-based schools of radiologic technology are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Admission to the general education portion of the program is offered to individuals meeting university admission criteria. In the sophomore year, students apply for admission to an affiliated hospital program. Hospital-based clinical sites have limited space and competitive admission standards. Admission to the medical imaging sciences program at Clarion University does not guarantee admission to an affiliated hospital-based program.
At the completion of the second year of study at Clarion University, students who have been accepted to a clinical site enter the radiologic technology program at the affiliated hospital to which they have been accepted. Upon successful completion of this clinical course of study, the student is awarded a Bachelor of Science degree and is eligible to sit for the national certification examination in radiography sponsored by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of this examination entitles the graduate technologist to use the credentials Registered Technologist (Radiography) R.T. (R) and practice as an entry-level R.T. in most states in the United States.
Online Degree Completion Option
Registered radiologic technologists who wish to earn the B.S.degree with a major in medical imaging and a concentration in radiologic technology may complete most general education course work online.
Other Medical Imaging Sciences Concentrations: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound), Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, and Medical Dosimetry
Clarion’s medical imaging program serves as an online degree completion program to individuals who are already credentialed professionals in diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, or medial dosimetry and who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
Credentialed professionals opting for the concentration in diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, or medical dosimetry will be awarded between 30–60 clinical credits for successful completion of a formal educational program that is accredited by the appropriate accrediting agency as follows:
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS)
• Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
Clinical credits will be awarded on the length of clinical education and is determined solely at the discretion of the chair of the Department of the Allied Health and the director of the school of Nursing and Allied Health.
Most general education for the medical imaging sciences degree completion concentrations may be completed online at Clarion University.
Nuclear Medicine Concentration (effective Spring 2011)
The concentration in nuclear medicine, as part of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Sciences degree program, is intended as a bachelor's degree completion program for individuals who are already credentialed nuclear medicine technologists. Students opting for the concentration in nuclear medicine will be awarded between 30-to-60 credits for successful completion of a formal nuclear medicine educational program that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine technology (JRCNMT). Credits will be awarded based on the length of clinical education and is determined solely at the discretion of the director of the School of Nursing and Allied Health. Students must then complete 60 credits of general education course work at Clarion University. Most general education course work required for the nuclear medicine concentration may be completed online.
Admission Policy
Students interested in the medical imaging sciences program will be admitted to the university using the standard criteria for admission. Retention in the program requires the student to maintain a cumulative 2.0 QPA and attain a grade of C or higher in all required professional courses and all required science and major courses.
Students who apply for admission to an affiliated hospital's two-year radiologic technology program typically do so in the second semester of their sophomore year. Application is made to a hospital-based radiologic technology program and acceptance is at the discretion of the admission committee of the hospital program. Students are accepted to a hospital program based on their university records, application materials, interviews with hospital program admissions committees, and other admission criteria established by the clinical site.Only students who are given formal recommendation by the Department of Allied Health may apply to clinical sites.
Medical Imaging Sciences Curriculum
Although the medical imaging sciences program is designed to be completed in two academic years at Clarion University and two years at an affiliated hospital, part-time study is optional while completing general education course work. The curriculum outline for the general education portion of the program is as follows:
Curriculum Plan
SEMESTER I
CHEM 153: Chemistry I, 3 credits
CHEM 163: Chemistry I Lab, 1
ENG 111: English Composition, 3
1 Arts and humanities elective, 3
Social and behavioral sciences elective, 3
HPE Activity course, 1
TOTAL 14
SEMESTER II
CHEM 154: Chemistry II, 3 credits
CHEM 164: Chemistry II Lab, 1
2 Liberal education elective, 3
3 Social and behavioral sciences elective, 3
Free elective, 3
HPE 111: Health Education, 2
TOTAL 15
SEMESTER III
BIOL 258: Anatomy and Physiology, 3 credits
PHSC 112: Basic Phy. Sci.: Physics and Astronomy, 3
Arts and humanities elective, 3
MATH 221: Mathematics competency, 3
General education elective, 3
TOTAL 15
SEMESTER IV
BIOL 259: Anatomy and Physiology II, 3 credits
4 Liberal education elective/3
Social and behavioral sciences elective, 3
General education elective, 3
Arts and humanities elective, 3
Free elective, 1
TOTAL 16
TOTAL CREDITS 60
Note recommended courses:
1 PSY 211 General Psychology
2 CMST 113 Public Speaking
3 SOC 211 Principles of Sociology
4 CIS 217 Application of Microcomputers
B.S.M.I.S. On-line Degree Completion Option Curriculum
Students who are completing the B.S.M.I.S. degree via the on-line degree completion option will follow the same curriculum as the traditional on-campus option (outlined above) with the following course substitutions:
Traditional On-Campus Required Course
BIOL 258: Human A&P I, 3 credits
BIOL 259: Human A&P II, 3
PHSC 112: Phys Sci: Physics & Astronomy, 3
On-line Degree Completion Subsitution
BIOL 111: Basic Biology, 3 credits
BIOL 224: Human Biology, 3
PHSC 117: Explor Phy Sci, 3
Associate of Science, Respiratory Care
for Advanced-Level Practitioners
Clarion University’s respiratory care program for advanced level practitioners is offered at Venango College in Oil City.
The 24-month respiratory care program has an academic preparation of one academic year (two semesters) and continues with a 14-month program of clinical study at Clarion University and at accredited affiliated clinical sites.
Following completion of 79 credits of course work at Clarion University and at affiliated clinical practicum sites, the student is awarded an Associate of Science degree with a major in Respiratory Care. Program graduates are eligible to sit for the credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Graduates who successfully pass the NBRC Written Registry Examination for Advanced Level Respiratory Therapists and the Clinical Simulation Examination will earn the credentials Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and may work in a variety of health care settings as advanced-level respiratory therapists after obtaining state licensure.
Clarion University’s respiratory care program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Clinical Education
During the 14-month clinical phase of the respiratory care program, students will attend classes and clinical practicum five full days per week with some days spent in formal respiratory care classes taught at Clarion University and other days spent at assigned clinical sites. Students will also be required to periodically attend specialty respiratory care rotations at local and regional health care organizations. Significant travel is required of respiratory care students. Reliable transportation is therefore essential and is at the expense of the student. Additionally, some weekend and evening rotations may be required.
Several local and regional health care organizations serve as clinical sites for the respiratory care program. Although student preference for a particular clinical site will be considered, students are not guaranteed the clinical site(s) of their choice.
Admission Policy
Admission to the respiratory care program is a two-step process that begins with acceptance to Clarion University. Applicants are required to meet the standard admission criteria for Clarion University. After acceptance to Clarion University, students must then be accepted to the respiratory care program and must also meet additional admission criteria. Admission to the respiratory care program is competitive and is not guaranteed.
Possible prerequisites:
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Students who do not place into the appropriate math level (MATH 112 or higher) must take MATH 050 or MATH 110 before acceptance to the program.
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One year of high school or college biology with a minimum grade of C or better.
Note: Biology must have been taken within five years of entry to Clarion University. If biology has not been taken within the time frame, Basic Biology (BIOL 111) will be required before the start of the program in late August.
Additional Program Admission Criteria:
The following criteria must be met before a respiratory care student will be permitted to attend respiratory courses and clinical practicum. The student will be notified of deadlines for providing documentation of the criteria. Failure to meet all of the criteria by the established deadline will prohibit the respiratory care student from continuing in the respiratory care program.
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Satisfactory score on PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Examination (fee applies)
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Four documented hours of respiratory care career shadowing with a respiratory therapist
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Two-page formal essay (specific topic will be provided)
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Two letters of recommendation from current employers or teachers
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Satisfactory pre-clinical physical examination and illegal drug screening (at student’s expense)
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Child abuse history clearance, FBI fingerprinting and criminal background checks (at student’s expense)
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Documentation of individual malpractice insurance (at student’s expense)*
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•Documentation of health insurance (at student’s expense)
*Students will purchase their own individual malpractice insurance policies in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) for each claim and three million dollars ($3,000,000.00) in the aggregate. Cost of this 2-year policy is currently under $100.
Throughout the 24-month respiratory care program, students will be assigned to specialty clinical rotations at other clinical sites in the region. Students are required to have reliable transportation to each clinical site.
Curriculum Plan for Full-Time Study
Although the Associate of Science in Respiratory Care degree program is designed to be completed in 24 consecutive months (two semesters at Clarion University followed by 14 months of clinical education that includes two summer sessions), the first two semesters at Clarion University may be completed on a part-time basis. Clinical education must be completed on a full-time basis.
Curriculum Plan
FIRST SEMESTER (FALL I)/Credits
BIOL 258: Human Anatomy and Physiology I, 3 credits
ENG 111: Writing II/3
PHSC 111: Physical Science Chemistry, 3
MATH 112: Excursions in Math, 3
PSY 211: General Psychology, 3
SEMSTER TOTAL 15
SECOND SEMESTER (SPRING I)
BIOL 259: Human Anatomy and Physiology II, 3 credits
RESP 101: Introduction to Respiratory Care, 3
RESP 120: Introduction to Lab/Clinics in RC, 1
BIOL 260: Microbiology, 3
CIS 217: Application of Microcomputers, 3
Free elective, 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 16
THIRD SEMESTER (SUMMER I)
RESP 102: Intermediate Respiratory Care, 3 credits
RESP 121: Clinical Application of Respiratory Care I, 2
RESP 201: Cardiopulmonary A&P, 3
RESP 202: Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology, 2
RESP 203: Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology, 2
SEMESTER TOTAL 12
FOURTH SEMESTER (FALL II) Credits
RESP 204: Advanced Respiratory Care, 3 credits
RESP 205: Mechanical Ventilation and Critical Care I, 3
RESP 206: Selected Topics in Respiratory Care, 3
RESP 220: Clinical Application of Respiratory Care II, 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 12
FIFTH SEMESTER (SPRING II) Credits
RESP 207: Mechanical Ventilation and Critical Care II, 4 credits
RESP 208: Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care, 3
RESP 221: Clinical Application of Respiratory Care III, 5
SEMESTER TOTAL 12
SIXTH SEMESTER (SUMMER II) Credits
RESP 209: Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Case Studies, 2
RESP 210: Advanced Clinical Concepts, 3
RESP 211: Case Studies-Clinical Simulations, 2
RESP 222: Clinical Application of Respiratory Care IV, 5
SEMESTER TOTAL 12
TOTAL CREDITS 79
A minimum grade of "C" must be earned in MATH 112, BIOL 258, BIOL 259, BIOL 260, PHSC 111, and all respiratory care (RESP) courses.
Non-Degree Programs for Medical Imaging Sciences
Online Radiologic Sciences and Sonography Prerequisite Programs
These non-degree programs are designed to meet the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) 15-credit general education prerequisite requirements for students attending hospital-based radiologic technology programs and a portion of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) general education requirements for students attending accredited sonography programs. These pre-requisite programs should not be confused with the 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Sciences degree program that has concentrations in radiologic technology and ultrasound.
Clarion University's on-line courses may be taken before or during enrollment in the individual's clinical program of choice. However, before enrolling in Clarion University general education courses, interested persons should consult with the program director of the radiography or sonography program that they hope to attend. The program director will be able to provide information on any unique program specifications regarding the general education requirements for students applying to their program.
While completion of post-secondary general education credits may demonstrate academic adeptness and thus facilitate formal acceptance to a radiography or sonography program, completion of Clarion University's general education courses does not guarantee admission to a radiography or sonography program.
ASRT General Education Requirements
Students who are attending or who plan to attend an accredited hospital-based school of radiologic technology are required by the ASRT to meet their "global content objectives for radiography" through completion of 15 credits of postsecondary general education.
The ASRT mandates written/oral communication and mathematic/analytical studies that may be met with the Clarion University courses shown below. Depending on individual math proficiency as demonstrated by Clarion's math placement exam, students may be required to complete a basic algebra course prior to taking MATH 112.
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ASRT General Education Requirement |
Clarion University On-Line Course |
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Mathematical/Logical Reasoning |
MATH 112 (Excursions in Mathematics, 3 credits) |
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Written/Oral Communications |
ENG 111 (Writing II, 3 credits) |
The ASRT permits individual radiography programs to choose how their students will meet the remaining nine credits of required general education electives. Below is a suggested course plan for meeting the balance of required general education at Clarion University.
|
ASRT General Education Options |
Clarion University On-Line Course |
|
Information Systems |
CIS 217 (Applications of Microcomputers, 3 credits) |
|
Social/Behavioral Sciences |
PSY 211 (General Psychology, 3 credits) |
|
Natural Sciences |
BIOL 111 (Basic Biology, 3 credits) |
The above courses are offered online by Clarion University's Office of Virtual College each Fall and Spring semester. Courses meet entirely online for 15 weeks, require no travel to Clarion University, and are taught in English only. Some of the above courses may also be offered during Summer and Winter Intersession.
JRC-DMS General Education Requirements
Students attending JRC-DMS-accredited sonography programs are required to complete the following college-level courses:
a. Algebra, statistics, or higher mathematics course
b. General college-level physics and/or radiographic physics
c. Communication skills
d. Human anatomy and physiology
While all of the above courses are offered on campus, math, English, and basic physics courses can be completed online.
Depending on individual math proficiency as demonstrated by Clarion's math placement exam, students may be required to complete a basic algebra course prior to taking MATH 112. Before enrolling in Clarion University general education courses, interested persons should consult with the program director of the radiography or sonography program that they hope to attend.
Continuation for a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Imaging Sciences
Students who complete the radiography or sonography pre-requisite programs may apply the credits toward Clarion University's Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Sciences degree program.
On-line Course Options
For additional information about online course options, please reference the Clarion University Virtual Campus section of this catalog.
