Instructions for Applying to the RT Program
Apply to San Juan College and submit all official transcripts:
Contact the San Juan College Admissions Office for a SJC Application for Admission ($10 for paper application) or
apply free online at www.sanjuancollege.edu. Declare your major as AA.LBAS.RESP on the SJC Application.
Send ONE official transcript from EACH college, university, and high school that you attended to the San Juan
College Admissions Office (505-566-3300) at:
San Juan College
Admissions Office
4601 College Blvd.
Farmington, NM 87402
RT Program Prerequisites:
Visit the San Juan College website @ www.sanjuancollege.edu/school-of-health-sciences/programs/respiratory-
therapy/ to review the program prerequisites and curriculum.
Contact the Health Sciences Academic Advisor, Gayle Hill, to arrange an appointment to review unofficial
transcripts from EACH college and university that you have attended for prerequisite information. Mr. Hill is
located at San Juan College’s main campus in the Health Sciences building and can be reached at (505) 566-
3013, or hillw@sanjuancollege.edu
Send the following RT Program Application materials to the RT Program IN ONE SEALED ENVELOPE:
Completed RT Program Application
Two (2) Completed Letter of Recommendations in sealed envelopes with signature over seal
Completed verification Job Shadow Form
Results of your ATI/TEAS Exam (Copy of score only). The Exam must be taken within one year of your
application date. Go to https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/student-services/departments/testing-center/health-
science-entrance-exam/ for additional information regarding the process to take the ATI/TEAS (Health Science
Entrance Exam). OR--If you have a degree, please submit a copy of an unofficial transcript confirming the
degree.
Copies of any additional certifications and/or licenses (must be current).
Schedule interview with Program Director and Clinical Coordinator prior to application deadline.
Signed Acknowledgement Page.
All the materials must be received at the RT Program before 5 pm on June 29, 2018. Send to:
San Juan College
Respiratory Therapy Program
4601 College Blvd.
Farmington, NM 87402
Confirm that the RT Program Application packet has been received by June 29, 2018.
Email the RT Program at rt@sanjuancollege.edu to confirm that the RT Program has received the application
packet on time.
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Selection Criteria
San Juan College RT Program will accept a maximum of 18 students in 2018. Applicants will be ranked based on
selective admission scoring.
Total Points Possible: 100
Acceptance into the Respiratory Care Program is competitive and is based on the total number of points that are
accumulated in the following section areas: A--Cumulative GPA/General education courses and prerequisite GPA,
B--Additional courses completed, C--ATI TEAS V, D--Education/Training, E--Work experience, F--Info-session
attendance, G--Current licenses. Meeting with the program director is required, but does not carry points in the
admission scoring process. The following methods are used to award points in the process of evaluating your
application. Please note that these criteria are subject to modification and may be changed without prior notice. In the
event that it becomes necessary to modify the criteria, all applications will be subject to the modification regardless of
when the application was submitted. Changes in admission criteria will be published on the program website.
CRITERIA SCORING
Maximum
Points
SCORE
Section
A
Prerequisite Grades
Cumulative GPA 20%
Program General Education and Pre-Requisites GPA 40%
60
Section
B
Additional Courses Completed
Anatomy & Physiology I
Anatomy & Physiology II
Microbiology
Medical Terminology
1.25
1.25
5
Section
C
ATI TEAS V for Allied Health Exam/Degree Education
20% of TEAS score or
20 points awarded with Associates degree or higher
20
Section
D
Education and Training
Certificate Program
Associates Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Non-Healthcare
2
3
4
Healthcare
3
4
5
5
Section
E
Work Experience
Less than 1 year
3+ years
Non-Healthcare
1
2
Healthcare
2
3
3
Section
F
Info-session Attendance
2
Section
G
Current Licenses
CNA, EMT, BLS, PTCB--1.0 point each, total of 5 points max
Non-healthcare certifications--0.5 point each, total of 5 points max
5
***Tie breaker will be the GPA from the Math and Sciences classes. 2% of GPA points will be
awarded based on 8 credits.
100
TOTAL
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Program Start Date
August 20, 2018
ATI TEAS
Testing Dates for RT
May 16-June 16, 2018
Application Deadline
June 29, 2018
Decision Date
Third Monday in July
DEADLINES
Legal Limitations
Individuals who have been convicted of a felony or some misdemeanors may not be eligible for certification or licensure.
If convicted of a felony or some misdemeanors, you must contact the Respiratory Therapy Licensing Board in the state
where you plan to seek licensure to verify your eligibility for licensure. The State of New Mexico’s statute 61 article 12.B-
10 it states “The provisions of the Criminal Offender Employment Act [28-2-1 to 28-2-6 NMSA 1978] shall govern
consideration of criminal records required or permitted by the Respiratory Care Act.”
All students accepted into the SJC Respiratory Therapy Program will be required to complete a New Mexico Department
of Health criminal background check at their own expense and provide a copy to the RT Program before being allowed
to attend clinical practicum assignments.
Job Shadow
All applicants must complete the JOB SHADOW requirements. This is a volunteer observation for a minimum of four
hours at a hospital of your choice (e.g. San Juan Regional Medical Center, Mercy Regional, Southwest Memorial
Hospital, or Indian Health Services) under the supervision of a Respiratory Therapist. The purpose of this experience is to
give the applicant an opportunity to observe treatment, gain insight into the profession of respiratory care and to ensure
that this career meets your expectations and needs. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make arrangements with
an RT for this experience. The applicant is also responsible for having the supervising therapist complete the “Job
Shadow” form. All forms must be included with the application packet by the deadline.
Guidelines for observation experience:
1. Job Shadow must be completed, signed and dated within six months prior to the application deadline.
2. Contact facilities in your area. Explain that you are applying to a RT program and that you would like to Job Shadow
an RT at their site. It is up to the applicant and therapist to agree on the schedule. Remember this is a voluntary
service provided by the clinician and facility.
3. Dress appropriately. Follow the professional dress code of the facility, usually slacks, polo shirt, and tennis shoes are
acceptable. No shorts, jeans, t-shirts, hats, sandals, heavy make-up, excessive perfume/cologne, or body piercings.
Any visible markings (e.g. tattoos) should be covered.
4. Be punctual & prepared. Make sure that you know who, when, and where you will be meeting. Please call 24 hours in
advance to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Complete the information on the Job Shadow verification form
relating to the applicant, and take the form with you for a signature.
5. Maintain confidentiality. The facility may inform you about HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act) and ask you to sign a form that you will comply with this. The RT may choose to share relevant information with
you before or after the treatment session. NEVER mention a patients name, medical diagnosis, or treatment plan
outside of the facility.
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3
6. During the observation visit. Remain in the area(s) assigned to you by the staff member. Follow all instructions the
practitioner gives you, especially concerning how much you are to
interact with the clients. Do not ask personal
questions about the patient during the respiratory therapy treatment session.
7. Completion of job shadow. Provide the Respiratory Therapist with the Job Shadow verification form to sign. Be sure
to take the completed form with you because it must be submitted with your application.
8. Thank the respiratory therapist. Thank the hospital for allowing you to observe at their facility. Remember that this is
an observation only and that you are not allowed to assist with any treatment due to liability issues. Professional
protocol encourages you to send a formal thank you note to the RT practitioner after you finish the hours of
observation.
9. Complete Application by attaching the completed job shadow form to the application.
Letters of Recommendation
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Choose ONLY TWO people who will be submitting letters of recommendation on your behalf. The recommenders are
being asked to evaluate the applicant’s personal and professional behaviors. One recommendation must be from
someone who has supervised you in a work or volunteer experience. The other recommendation may be from an
instructor/professor, counselor/advisor, health care professional, previous/current employer, or community
leader/representative. Recommendations from family or personal friends are UNACCEPTABLE. Provide your
recommender with a self-addressed stamped envelope with your address to return the letter to you for you to include in
your application packet. Please have the recommender sign the back of the envelope across the seal and enclose the
sealed envelope with your application.
Non-Discrimination Policy
San Juan College will comply with existing federal and state laws and regulations, including the Title VII Civil Rights Act of
1964 and 1990, Executive Order 11246 Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1967,
the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974. It is
the policy of the College to provide for equal opportunity in recruitment, employment, compensation, benefits,
transfers, layoffs, returns, institutionally sponsored education, training, tuition assistance, social and recreational
programs, staff development opportunities and advancement, and all other personnel practices without regard to race,
color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, age, or veterans’ status. Questions should be directed to the EEO
officer at 566-3253.
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Program Cost
Fall Semester 1
Spring Semester 2
Resident
Non-Resident
Tuition/Fees*
$933
$2,653
Books
1
$677
$677
Lab Fee
$225
$225
$1,835
$3,555
Summer Semester 3
Fall Semester 4
Resident
Non-Resident
Tuition/Fees*
$919
$2,044
Books
1
$476
$476
Lab Fee
$350
$350
$1,745
$2,870
Estimated Totals for Entire Program
Resident
Non-Resident
Tuition/Fees*
$746
$2,066
Books
1
$403
$403
Lab Fee
$350
$350
$1,499
$2,819
Resident
Non-Resident
Tuition/Fees*
$886
$2,506
Books
1
$227
$227
Lab Fee
$490
$490
$1,603
$3,223
Resident
Non-Resident
Semester 1
$1,835
$3,555
Semester 2
$1,499
$2,819
Semester 3
$1,745
$2,870
Semester 4
$1,603
$3,223
TOTAL
$6,682
$12,467
*All Tuition and Fees are subject to change. Please refer to the semester schedule in reference for current rates. Fees
may include but are not limited to: Technology Fee, Student Fee, and Lab Fee.
Books
1
These expenses are estimated and may be paid to outside vendors. Book costs are estimated based on new
textbook costs at the time of printing.
** Additional costs: 12-panel Drug test, Criminal Background Check, Immunizations, BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP
Certification, Uniforms, Shoes, Licensure Exam, Equipment and Graduate Cap & Gown. Students are responsible
for travel and/or housing costs for all clinical assignments. Some rotations will be outside of the Four Corners
Region.
Transfer Students
It is highly recommended that any students transferring from another accredited institution speak with an academic
advisor. Gayle Hill is the Health Sciences academic advisor. He is located at San Juan College’s main campus in the
Health Sciences Building and can be reached at (505) 566-3013, or hillw@sanjuancollege.edu
Program Acceptance
Students will be notified of acceptance into the respiratory therapy program by postal mail following the third Monday
in July for a fall semester program entry. Applicants who have not met the basic program eligibility requirements will
also be contacted by mail regarding their status.
Selected students will receive a detailed information packet with specific instructions and guidelines regarding further
program requirements which are to be completed prior to starting the Fall Semester courses. Selected students are
required to attend a program orientation the week prior to the start of the fall semester.
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Other Requirements/Information
ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL AND ACADEMIC ABILITIES REQUIRED OF THE RESPIRATORY THERAPIST:
The following are technical standards and essential job functions for every Respiratory therapist, as compiled from
observations of a wide variety of job experiences for the performance of common safe therapeutic functions. Students
accepted into the Respiratory Therapy Program at San Juan College should exhibit or demonstrate the following
essential skills for completion of the program and success in the profession of Respiratory Care. These technical and
academic standards must be met and maintained throughout the length of the Program.
What are the technical requirements in the program?
Physical Endurance, Mobility and Skill:
o Stand (e.g., at client side during surgical or therapeutic procedure)
o Sustain repetitive movements (e.g., CPR)
o Maintain physical tolerance (e.g., work entire shift)
o Reach below waist (e.g., plug electrical appliance into wall outlet)
o Pinch/pick otherwise work with fingers (e.g., manipulate a syringe)
o Walk fast or run (e.g., code blues/resuscitation)
Physical Strength:
o Push and pull 50 pounds of weight (e.g., ambulate client)
o Support 50 pounds of weight (e.g., ambulate client)
o Lift 50 pounds of weight (e.g., ambulate client)
o Defend self against combative client
o Carry equipment/supplies
o Use upper body strength (e.g., perform CPR, physically restrain a client)
Hearing:
o Hear normal speaking-level sounds (e.g., person-to-person report)
o Hear faint body sounds (e.g., blood pressure sounds, assess placement of tubes)
o Hear in situations when not able to see lips (e.g., when masks are used)
o Hear auditory alarms (e.g., monitors, fire alarms, call bells)
Visual:
o See object up to 20 inches away (e.g., information on a computer screen, skin conditions)
o See objects up to 20 feet away (e.g., client in room)
o Use depth perception and peripheral vision
o Distinguish color and color intensity (e.g., color codes on supplies, flushed skin/paleness)
Tactile:
o Feel vibrations (e.g., palpate pulses)
o Detect temperature (e.g., skin, solutions)
o Feel differences in surface characteristics (e.g., skin turgor, rashes)
o Feel differences in sizes, shapes (e.g. palpate vein, identify body landmarks)
o Detect environmental temperature
Emotional Stability
o Establish therapeutic boundaries Provide client with emotional support
o Adapt to changing environment/stress
o Deal with the unexpected (e.g., client condition, crisis)
o Focus attention on task
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6
o Cope with own emotions
o Perform multiple responsibilities concurrently
o Cope with strong emotions in others (e.g., grief)
What academic skills are needed to participate in the program?
Math
o Comprehend graphic trends and read measurements
o Calibrate equipment
o Convert numbers to and from metric System (e.g., dosages)
o Count rates (e.g., drips/minute, pulse, count duration of contractions, CPR, etc)
o Read measurement marks (e.g., measurement tapes, scales)
o Add, subtract, multiply, and/or divide whole numbers
o Compute fractions and decimals (e.g., medication dosages)
o Document numbers in records
Analytical Thinking
o Process information from multiple sources
o Evaluate outcomes; Solve problems; Prioritize tasks
o Use long-term and short-term memory
Critical Thinking
o Identify cause-effect relationship
o Make decisions independently
o Adapt decisions based on new information
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
o Establish rapport with patients and interact with families and groups
o Respect/value cultural differences in others
o Establish rapport with team members
o Negotiate interpersonal conflict
o Listen/Comprehend written/spoken word
o Collaborate with others (e.g., health care workers, peers)
o Manage clinical information
COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THE RT PROGRAM
Students in the RT Program must be able to use a computer. Computer skills required include: email, accessing and using the SJC
Canvas course delivery system, creating documents and presentations, uploading and downloading information to and from the
internet. All students must have access to a computer on a regular basis. Students are NOT required to have a personally owned
computer or home-based high speed internet access as these materials and services are made readily available at all SJC campuses.
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Respiratory Therapy Application YEAR ___________ for FALL SEMESTER
Personal Information
1. Name of Applicant
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAST M.I. FIRST MAIDEN
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Preferred Name:
2. San Juan College ID#
LAST FOUR digits
of your SSN#
3. Physical Address
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
STREET NAME & NUMBER APT.# CITY STATE ZIP CODE
4. Mailing Address
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
STREET NAME & NUMBER APT.# CITY STATE ZIP CODE
5. E-Mail Addresses
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A. Personal/Work
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Personal/Work
6. Home Phone Number
( )
7. Work Phone Number
( )
8. Cell Phone Number
( )
9. Preferred Method of
Contact
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________
10. Emergency Contact
NAME
RELATIONSHIP
STATE
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________
DAYTIME PHONE
EVENING PHONE
CELL PHONE
Revised 2/2018
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Personal Information, continued
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
Yes
No
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor?
Yes
No
If yes, have you contacted the Respiratory Therapy Licensing Board in your State?
Yes
No
TELL US WHY YOU WANT TO GET INTO THE SJC RT PROGRAM:
(Please use another sheet of paper if needed)
Section A: Prerequisites
PREREQUISITE
COURSES
COURSE ID
(E.G. BIOL 121)
COURSE TITLE FINAL
GRADE
YEAR &
SEMESTER
COMPLETED
INSTITUTION
WHERE
COURSE WAS
TAKEN
Course
Equivalent
(for office
use only)
Freshman Composition
Public Speaking/
Interpersonal
Communication
Math for Health Careers
Introduction to
Psychology
Business
Microcomputer
Introductory Biology
Introductory Chemistry
Human Body Structure
& Function
Have you completed any of the following courses within the last 5 years?
A & P I
A & P II
Medical Terminology
Microbiology
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NAME OF INSTITUTION:
City: STATE:
Health Related
Dates Attended:
Yes No
Program:
Degree and/or Certificate
NAME OF INSTITUTION:
City: STATE:
Health Related
Dates Attended:
Yes No
Program:
Degree and/or Certificate
Date of Exam: Copy of First Page of Results
Yes No
Attached to Application:
OR/Completion of Associates
Date Completed
Associate’s Bachelor’s
Degree or higher
Section C: Educational Institutions
NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL:
City: STATE:
Health Related
Graduation Date:
Yes No
Program:
NAME OF INSTITUTION:
City: STATE:
Health Related
Dates Attended:
Yes No
Program:
Degree and/or Certificate
Section B: ATI TEAS V for Health Science Entrance Exam Results
Please document the date of your ATI TEAS V for Health Science Entrance Exam in the table below and include a copy of
the FIRST PAGE of the ATI TEAS V results with your application packet.
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10
Job Title Organization’s Name Dates Is this Healthcare related?
Name of Organization Month/Year to Month Year
Indicate Type of Experience:
Yes No
Work/Volunteer
List Work or Volunteer Responsibilities/Skills
Job Title Organization’s Name Dates Is this Healthcare related?
Name of Organization Month/Year to Month Year
Indicate Type of Experience:
Yes No
Work/Volunteer
List Work or Volunteer Responsibilities/Skills
List Work or Volunteer Responsibilities/Skills
Job Title Organization’s Name Dates Is this Healthcare related?
Name of Organization Month/Year to Month Year
Indicate Type of Experience:
Yes No
Work/Volunteer
Job Title Organization’s Name Dates Is this Healthcare related?
Name of Organization Month/Year to Month Year
Indicate Type of Experience:
Yes No
Work/Volunteer
List Work or Volunteer Responsibilities/Skills
Section D: Work Experience
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11
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Section E: Certifications
Do you have any State or National certifications? Examples: Basic life support, Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy
Technician, Emergency Medical Technician.
Certification:
Date Completed Current
Yes No
Expiration Date
on License
Certification
Copy of Certification
Attached to Application
Yes No
Certification:
Date Completed Current
Yes No
Expiration Date
on License
Certification
Copy of Certification
Attached to Application
Yes
No
Certification:
D Current
Yes No
Expiration Date
on License
Certification
Copy of Certification
Attached to Application
Yes
No
ate Completed
Applicants Signature
Date
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12
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________
Application Acknowledgment
I, _______________________________________________, acknowledge that the following information required with
my application for the Respiratory Therapy Program must be completed and submitted by June 29, 2018 at 5:00 pm.
Please initial in front of the following to confirm that the requested information was submitted and/or acknowledged by
the applicant.
_____ Two (2) Completed Letters of Recommendations; in sealed envelopes with signature over seal.
_____ Completed Verification of Job Shadow Form
_____ Results of TEAS Exam (Copy of score only). The exam MUST be taken within one year of your application
date. If you have a degree, please submit a copy of an unofficial transcript confirming the degree.
_____ Copies of any additional certifications and/or licenses (must be current).
_____ Copy of unofficial transcripts (for GPA validation).
_____ I acknowledge that there will be additional expenses required to participate in the program: 12-panel
Drug test (May be required more than once), Criminal Background Check (May be required more than
once), Required Immunizations, BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP Certification, Uniforms, Shoes, Licensure
Exam, Equipment and Graduate Cap & Gown. Students are responsible for travel and/or housing costs
for all clinical assignments. Some clinical rotations will be outside of the Four Corners Region.
_____ I acknowledge that ALL students in the RT program ARE REQUIRED to attend ALL assigned clinical sites.
_____ I acknowledge that ALL students ARE REQUIRED to attend the RT PROGRAM ORIENTATION the week
before classes start.
_____ I acknowledge I have been informed of the essential technical and academic abilities required of the
Respiratory Program, and acknowledge I will be able to meet and maintain these standards throughout
the length of the program.
_____ I acknowledge a requirement to pass a New Mexico Department of Health Criminal Background Check,
and I understand that this is a requirement to attend clinical practicum assignments.
_____ I acknowledge that I must schedule an interview with the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator
PRIOR to the application deadline. Date and Time Scheduled ________________________________
_____ I understand that if required information is not included with my application for the SJC
Respiratory Therapy Program my application will not be considered.
_____ Submitted signed acknowledgement page.
Student Name (Please Print) Student Signature
Date
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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
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14
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
Job Shadow Verification Form
Name: ________________________________________________________
(Please Print)
Email: _________________________________________________________
San Juan College Student ID#:______________________________________
Please read the statement below and then sign and date this form.
As a San Juan College Student in the Respiratory Therapy Program, I understand
I am required to job shadow prior to the start of the academic year.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________________
Name of Hospital: ______________________________________________________________
Date Job Shadow Completed: _____________________ Hours of Observation: _____________
Name of Respiratory Therapist (printed): ____________________________________________
Signature of Respiratory Therapist: _________________________________________________
Comments:
If you have any questions concerning this form, you may call (505) 566-3854 or email rt@sanjuancollege.edu
Student must return this form with his/her completed Respiratory Therapy Application to the Respiratory
Program Administrative Assistant prior to application deadline.
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