Respiratory Therapy Program Information
Important Information to Know
Moraine Park’s Respiratory Therapy program is a combination of rigorous academic and clinical experiences. While the program is located on the FDL campus, general education and pre-requisites courses are available at other campuses or online.
Currently you are accepted with “pre-core” status. Typically, a pre-core student will start by taking general education classes and completing other requirements. (MPTC does review and accept transfer credits from other colleges that may meet certain petition criteria.) Once specific courses, grades and other requirements are met, a “pre-core” student is eligible to petition to start core courses.
The petition process is competitive and based on academic strength and additional criteria. Please note that submitting a petition packet does NOT guarantee a spot in the core program. It provides an equal opportunity for eligible students to declare they are ready to transition to core coursework. Depending on the pace that you complete your petition requirements and when you petition, anticipate that it will take more than two years to complete the program.
These details and more are covered in your Program Meeting. If you haven’t already, it is important that you sign up for your meeting using the link provided in the introduction email.
Tools/Uniforms
Once you are starting your clinical core courses, you will need MPTC scrubs, and a name tag which can be purchased in the bookstore.
Functional Abilities
Respiratory Therapy students must be able to complete certain activities. Below are some of the functional abilities. If you are concerned with your ability to meet these or want a full list of the functional abilities, it is important to talk with your advisor early. More information will be shared during the core information session, this includes acknowledgement that you are able to perform the activities.
- Sitting, standing and maintaining balance
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Ability to discuss and ask questions regarding patient care
- Work in an environment with potentially infectious materials, chemical substances and allergens
- Students must have sufficient critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Must exhibit positive interpersonal skills in all interactions
- Maintain confidentiality
Health and Other Requirements
Prior to clinical placement you must:
- Have your physical, immunizations, and drug screening test completed.
- Have your CPR certification for health care providers. If you don’t have it currently, you can take the training at Moraine Park. I will provide more details at your Program Advisor Meeting.
You have already completed your Background Information Disclosure (BID) as part of the admission process but you may need to do a recheck in the future.
Note: Clinic placement occurs after you have successfully petitioned.
Students must travel to clinical sites off campus within a 60 mile radius of the Fond du Lac campus. Reliable transportation will be important.