1. Initial Selection is based on grades, previous/current relevant college course work, and the SCC placement examination.
   • Minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for prior high school and/or college work. This includes all general education and science courses transferred or applied to the program.
   • Applicants with a GPA of less than 2.0 will be advised on alternatives.
   • Applicants must have taken Chemistry and Biology in high school or college. If you do not have this requirement, you may elect to take CHM 130 and BIO 094 at SCC or you may take the CLEP test as an alternative to taking theses courses.
2. All applicants are accepted as soon as they meet the initial requirements, but to complete admissions they must complete all listed requirements.
3. Up to 18 students may be accepted into the program. All qualified students are accepted into the program on the day that they meet the requirements. If no seats are available they will be placed in order of their qualifying date.
4. The application process is always open until all seats are filled, but all applications should be complete by March 1. Seat availability is based on classroom and clinical space.
5. Application to the program does not guarantee admission.
6. Due to North Carolina law governing respiratory care, applicants should be aware that prior criminal convictions may prevent them from obtaining a license upon graduation. Applicants should discuss licensure requirements with the program director before entering the program.
7. All applicants are required to attend and complete the program orientation.

1. Interviews are scheduled with the Program Director/Curriculum Coordinator prior to entrance.
2. Applicant files need to be complete prior to scheduling the interview.
3. Interviews will last approximately 15-30 minutes and are part of the application process.
   • Applicants will meet with Program Director or Director of Education and possibly an additional Respiratory Therapy Program staff member.

1. Each applicant is required to visit a Respiratory Therapy Department in a hospital. Hospital visitations give the student an opportunity to ask questions and observe first hand the job duties of a respiratory therapist.
2. Visitations are scheduled by the Respiratory Therapy Clinical Director.
   • Visitations are scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and are arranged at First Health Moore Regional Hospital.
   • The Respiratory Therapy Program will set up a hospital visit once an applicant accepted into the program.
   • Applicants should be prepared to do some walking during the visitation. Applicants should be neatly dressed but comfortable, no jeans or shorts.

1. Clinical Practice occurs in the hospital setting. Tasks and procedures learned in the classroom and laboratory are practiced in the clinical setting with patients.
2. Clinical Practice will be scheduled each semester beginning the first spring semester.
3. Most often, the clinical instructor will be a staff therapist that works at the clinical facility. Sometimes, SCC will have an instructor from the school that will accompany students.
4. Students will be provided with a clinical notebook that will contain specific objectives, policies and procedures.

1. Respiratory Therapy students are required to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by the American Heart Association before entering the first semester of clinical practice.
   • Local hospitals offer the course or individuals offer the course.
   • The SCC Continuing Education Department offers such courses
   • Students must acquire their own card.
2. Proof that a CPR course has been completed must be presented to the Program Director.
   • Certification must remain current throughout the time the student is in the program.
   • State Law requires AHA Health Care Provider course. Several CPR courses will be scheduled through the college during the summer semester. Students are responsible for all cost related to program requirements.

1. Once accepted into the program, all students are required to submit a physical completed by a physician. The appropriate form will be mailed to students, and they will be notified of the due date.
2. All students are required to submit proof of the required vaccinations and immunizations listed on the state form. Additional requirements may be required based on clinical affiliate needs.

1. The faculty of the program strongly recommended that employment be held at a maximum of 16 hours per week. Employment cannot come before education. Absences or tardiness will not be excused due to job responsibilities.
2. Student permits are permitted to work in respiratory therapy by state law as a Respiratory Therapy Assistants. Specific requirements must be met in order to qualify. Additional information can be obtained from the Director of the Respiratory Therapy Program.

1. Although state law does not allow for these checks to be used for admissions, it is the policy of Sandhills Community College Health Sciences Department to adhere to all policies of clinical facilities with which the College affiliates for student clinical learning experiences. The reason is that the Health Sciences Department needs the sites in order to provide the educational experiences; therefore, the Health Sciences Department must enter into a legal agreement that contractually binds the department to adhere to the affiliate's policies in order to comply with the regulatory bodies that govern hospitals and health facilities in NC.
2. Most clinical facilities require drug testing and criminal background screening of all students, so the Health Sciences Department must comply. The Health Sciences Department abides by the Standards for Drug Testing and Background Screening recommended by JACHO.  This policy governs the drug testing and criminal background screening for students attending clinical at a JACHO accredited institution.
3. This policy may affect Health Sciences program admissions and/or program continuance; however, it does not affect general college admission or the right of a student to pursue other college programs at Sandhills Community College.

1. Although federal state law does not allow us to disclose the results without permission, it is the policy of Sandhills Community College Health Sciences Department to release this information when permission is granted by the student.
2. When the information is released, the only reviewers will be the department faculty, dean, and/or the human resource person at the hospitals.
3. It is a mandatory requirement to have this information released to the hospital, if a student intends to pursue a degree or diploma in the Health Sciences Department.
4. Remember: This policy may affect Health Sciences program admissions and/or program continuance; however, it does not affect general college admission or the right of a student to pursue other college programs at Sandhills Community College.
5. This polciy will also remove any doubt as to a student's work eligibility up front instead of continuing for two years only to be turned down for employment after graduation. Students will also be able to select an appropriate major to pursue at Sandhills Community College, which does not have these mandates.

WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED?*

1st Year Costs
1. Drug Screens/ Background Checks	September 1st	$60.00
2. CPR (AHA)	August 1st	$20.00
3. Lab Fees	Summer/Fall and Spring (1st year)	$100.00
4. Stethoscope		$40.00
5. OSHA class (no charge)	September	Free
6. Health evaluations	December 1st	MD Rate
7. Begin Hepatitis shots (or waiver)	December 1st	MD Rate
8. Travel to clinic	Per semester	$1000.00 (varies)
9. Uniforms 3 Scrub tops 3 scrub bottoms 1 White lab coat 1 pair of white soft soled shoes Calculator Scissors/hemostats	April 1st	$200.00
2nd Year Costs
10. AARC Membership
11. NCSRC Annual Symposium	August	$50.00
12. ACLS	August/September	$250.00
13. PALS	May	$100.00
14. NRP	May	$100.00
15. CRT	May	$20.00
16. Provisional RCP License	May	$190.00
17. Permanent RCP License	May	$60.00
18. RRT	Upon passing the CRT	$125.00
	July-December (Following Graduation)	$399.00

*All costs are subject to change.