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FRESNO CITY COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE
Respiratory Care Program Handbook &
Program Policies
The Respiratory Care Practitioner Program, CoARC #200083, associate degree, at Fresno City
College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
(www.coarc.com)”
Developed by
Diana Day, MBA/GM, RRT, RCP Delmy Bedolla,
Program Director-Respiratory Care Director of Clinical Instruction
George Saul, M.D.
Medical Director
Updated April 2019
(This handbook is to be used in conjunction with the FCC catalog 2018-2019 and may be
subject to change anytime throughout the RCP program)
This institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap or religion.
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Respiratory Care Program
Fresno City College
1101 E. University Ave.
Fresno, CA 93741
April 2019
Dear Respiratory Care Student;
This student handbook is a supplement to the Fresno City College catalog. The purpose of this
handbook is to provide information specifically related to the Respiratory Care Practitioner
Program at Fresno City College. As new policies relating to respiratory care activities are
formulated, they will be added to the handbook. It is important that you keep this handbook
throughout the program. Each student will be expected to know this material and where to find
important information about the program.
Students must continuously review this material throughout their respiratory care education in
order to successfully incorporate the program policies and procedures and to perform the duties
and responsibilities of each clinical rotation.
Congratulations and welcome to the Fresno City College Respiratory Care Practitioner Program.
Diana Day, MBA/GM, RCP, RRT
Director- Respiratory Care Program
Delmy Bedolla, RRT, RCP
Director-Clinical Education
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Table of Contents
Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Mission of Fresno City College.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Mission of the Respiratory Care Program................................................................................................................................ 6
Respiratory Care.......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Program Objectives..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Student Learning Outcomes ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Philosophy .................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Patient........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Environment ................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Health............................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Education...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Students........................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Respiratory Care Faculty Members.......................................................................................................................................... 9
Purpose of the Program ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Respiratory Care Practitioner’s Code of Ethics..................................................................................................................... 11
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act............................................................................................................. 12
Before You Get Started ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Essential Job Functions............................................................................................................................................................ 13
Physical Demands................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Work Environment................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Cognitive Abilities .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Disabled Student Program and Services............................................................................................................................... 14
Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Care................................................................................................................ 14
Prerequisites: ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
RCP Curriculum:.................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Summer first course:......................................................................................................................................................... 14
First year-first semester (fall) ........................................................................................................................................... 14
First year-second semester (spring)............................................................................................................................... 15
Second Year-first semester (fall)..................................................................................................................................... 15
Second Year-second semester (spring)......................................................................................................................... 15
A.S. Degree Electives: (Please speak to an Allied Health Academic Counselor for a complete list.).................. 15
Financial Responsibilities of Students.................................................................................................................................... 15
Online Ethics Course ................................................................................................................................................................ 16
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Mandatory Background Check and Drug Screen................................................................................................................. 16
Transportation............................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Current Address......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Financial Aid............................................................................................................................................................................... 18
General Information Regarding FCC and Program Policies............................................................................................... 18
At
tendance and Re-entry ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Health Services for the FCC Student ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Immunizations -Requirements and Exams for Health Science Majors ............................................................................. 20
Tuberculosis or Gold QuantiFERON ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Varicella................................................................................................................... 21
Hepatitis B .................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap).................................................................................................................................... 21
Influenza vaccine....................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Psychological Services............................................................................................................................................................. 21
Sexual Harassment Policy ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Drug Abuse Policy..................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Academic Dishonesty ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
Cheating.................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Plagiarism............................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Grading System ......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Lab Competencies, Clinical Evaluations, and Remediation................................................................................................ 24
Student Orientation to the Clinical Facilities.......................................................................................................................... 24
Clinical Expectations................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Guidelines for Professional Conduct ...................................................................................................................................... 26
Personal Appearance: .......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Clinical Uniform.......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Hair .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Makeup and Perfume................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Nails............................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Jewelry ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Speech and Conversation........................................................................................................................................................ 27
Injury and Exposure Insurance................................................................................................................................................ 27
Malpractice Insurance............................................................................................................................................................... 28
Pregnancy Leave....................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Antepartum............................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Postpartum ............................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Learning Resource Center....................................................................................................................................................... 28
Credit by Examination............................................................................................................................................................... 28
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Credit for Military Service ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Veterans Services ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Student Rights ........................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Educational Program Standards and Progress..................................................................................................................... 29
Student Grievance Procedure ................................................................................................................................................. 29
Graduation and Testing............................................................................................................................................................ 30
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) ............................................................................................ 30
Respiratory Care Board of California...................................................................................................................................... 32
California Society for Respiratory Care.................................................................................................................................. 32
American Association for Respiratory Care........................................................................................................................... 33
AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLE FOR SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION....................................... 35
APPENDIX II .............................................................................................................................................................................. 36
DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT ............................................................................................................................................ 37
APPENDIX III ............................................................................................................................................................................. 38
STUDENT GRIEVANCE APPEALS PROCEDURE............................................................................................................. 39
APPENDIX V.............................................................................................................................................................................. 40
APPENDIX VI............................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Prohibition of Sexual Harassment....................................................................................................................................... 44
APPENDIX VII ........................................................................................................................................................................... 51
OUT-OF-SEQUENCE AGREEMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 1
COMMENTS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY ............................................................................................................................................... 1
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Mission of Fresno City College
As California’s first community college, Fresno City College provides quality, innovative
educational programs and support services directed toward the enhancement of student
success, lifelong learning and the economic, social, and cultural development of our students
and region.
Mission of the Respiratory Care Program
"To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge),
psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as
performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).” (CoARC, 2015)
Respiratory Care
Respiratory Care is an interactive process that applies problem-solving interventions to meet the
needs of the patient. Respiratory Care facilitates the wellness-illness continuum supporting
opportunities for the patient to achieve optimal health and wellness. The purpose of the
Respiratory Care Practitioner is to assist the patient in maintaining health, preventing or
minimizing disease and disability, rehabilitating and restoring cardio-pulmonary wellness, and
providing comfort and dignity in death. The interactive process is used to assess and identify
patient problems, to plan care systematically, to implement care, and to evaluate the results of
that care.
Introduction
Welcome to the Respiratory Care Practitioner Program. As defined by the American Association
for Respiratory Care, Respiratory Care is a life-supporting, life-enhancing health care profession
practiced under qualified medical direction (medical direction means that the practice of
respiratory care is provided under the license of an M.D.). Respiratory care services include
appropriate therapies for the cardio-pulmonary patient as it relates to the totality of patient care.
Many tasks associated with respiratory care include, but are not limited to routine floor care
(aerosol, bronchodilator therapy, oxygen therapies, and bronchial hygiene), advanced airway
interventions may include airway management, ventilator care management, advanced
cardiopulmonary interventions and techniques, resuscitation of the infant, child, and adult.
Respiratory Therapists currently enjoy careers in sub-acute, acute, critical care, trauma, medical
flight transports, and skilled nursing facilities. The growth of the respiratory care practitioner
profession has expanded rapidly into home-care, polysomnography (sleep studies), and
pulmonary function testing.
You are entering a career that is exciting, dynamic, challenging and demanding. FCC’s RCP
program is specifically designed to provide you (the student) with the necessary knowledge
base and skills for problem solving in the acute and critical care environment. Teamwork, good
communication skills, punctuality, and a solid work ethic are necessary for success in this field
and the healthcare field at large. Students must learn to communicate with all members of the
health care team, the patient, and the family. Weaknesses in this area will be addressed and
discussed immediately for professional growth.
Program Objectives
Graduates are to demonstrate competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills),
and the affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by
registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
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Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be prepared to:
Assess, gather, organize and establish a cardio-pulmonary profile to determine the
patient’s health care needs utilizing physiological, psychological, socio-cultural,
ethnic, developmental, spiritual and environmental information
Function as an active and informed member of the health care team.
Analyze patient data to formulate a respiratory care plan
Plan care to meet the prioritized needs and goals
Implement the plan of care
Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care in achieving desired patient
outcomes and modify the plan appropriately to insure continuity of care
Provide professional RCP care by:
Functioning as a member of the health care team.
Implementing effective leadership and management techniques.
Acting as a patient advocate.
Developing triage skills.
Practicing within the legal and ethical scope of practice.
Employ practices to assist the patients and their significant others by:
Ensuring safe and supportive care.
Utilizing therapeutic communication techniques.
Building cross-cultural relationships, addressing the psychosocial needs of the
patient, and enhancing assessment skills when needed for a variety of patient
health concerns and outcomes (neonatal to geriatric).
Teach patients and their families about safe and effective care.
Educate patients and their families about disease states and signs of distress.
Assessing learning needs and implementing teaching practices.
Student Learning Outcomes
Definition: Assessment of the results of the educational process; a determination of the extent to
which student skills are consistent with the standards of professional practice. (CoARC, 2015)
The programmatic measurable student learning outcomes will be obtained through successful
completion of this entry level program. Following graduation, the graduate will take two (2)
national examinations through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to obtain the
RRT credential. The results of all testing are sent electronically to the Director of the RCP
Program. The data is compiled from every graduating class on an annual basis. The data is
analyzed and submitted as an annual report on each graduating class to CoARC.
Over the next two (2) years, at the completion of each course, the faculty will be providing the
student with a theory and clinical evaluation document. The questionnaire is designed to be
anonymous. The student will be asked to complete the form in order for the faculty to assess on
a semester to semester basis the Fresno City College RCP program objectives/goals. This
feedback is essential. Program faculty members strive to meet the needs of each individual
learner.
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Students will receive CoARC mandated documents from the program approximately 8 months
after graduation. These questionnaires are important. The program must meet and continue to
exceed the percentage (%) thresholds for returned evaluations after graduation. This requires a
commitment from the student to keep faculty informed of graduate progress on national exams
and employment. The purpose of the CoARC document is to measure statistically the
preparedness of the graduate for employment.
Philosophy
The Fresno City College Respiratory Care Program (RCP) believes in the overall philosophy
and objectives of the State Center Community College District. Being an integral part of the
community college, the RCP program serves the educational needs of individuals within its
specialty. The program provides graduates the competency to work within structured health care
facilities and in various community settings.
Patient
Patient refers to an individual, patient support groups, and any group participating in and
receiving respiratory care. Each patient is characterized by dynamic components that are
physiological, psychological, cultural, ethnic, developmental, and spiritual. All of these areas
interact by influencing the patient’s response to internal and external needs. The patient has a
right to self-determination in meeting his or her needs. Each patient is worthy of respect and
concern.
Environment
The environment has internal and external components, which are constantly changing. The
internal environment consists of cognitive, developmental, physiological, and psychological
processes, while the external environment consists of the physical and social world. The
dynamics of the internal and external environments constantly affect the patient’s ability to adapt
and to maintain homeostasis.
Health
Individual health practices impact the value and meaning of health as determined by culture and
society. Wellness is identified as successful management of multiple stresses from internal and
external environments. Illness results when the bio-psycho-social system is disrupted. The
person’s ability to cope with illness is influenced by how successfully the patient is able to adapt
within the health care environment. The perception of wellness-to-illness is a highly
individualized process, which is influenced by the patient’s health beliefs and health behaviors.
Education
Education is a process involving active participation and communication between the student
and the instructor. Respiratory Care education blends the science of cardio-pulmonary system
with concepts from support courses and the prerequisite courses. The theoretical framework for
patient care is meeting the patient’s physiological, psychological, cultural and ethnic, social,
developmental and spiritual needs.
Respiratory Care education occurs at various levels within institutions of higher learning and
involves the student, faculty, and environment in a dynamic process. The complex collaborative
process includes the teaching-learning of theoretical concepts, practicum of clinical skills and
professionalism that prepares graduates for competent practice. Respiratory Care education
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progresses from simple (basic) to complex. Associate degree RCP education represents the
entry level of professional practice.
Students possess unique individual qualities that reflect their backgrounds, goals, and learning
styles. In addition, differences in age, life experiences, support systems, education, and
economic resources influence the students’ learning processes. Students are empowered to be
self-motivated, independent critical thinkers who accept personal accountability and
responsibility in the learning process. Students will learn best when learning goals are perceived
as useful, realistic, important, and relevant to a person’s personal, professional, and career
needs.
Fresno City College offers a wide support of services to meet individual needs of the student.
These include health services and counseling, library and learning resource center, respiratory
skills lab for individualized tutoring and mentoring, learning disability specialists, childcare
center, and financial aid.
Students
Students possess unique individual qualities. Students are encouraged to become self-
motivated, independent critical thinkers who accept personal accountability and responsibility in
the learning process. Cognitive skills essential to the learning process in respiratory education
include analysis, synthesis, and the ability to transfer learning to the application process of
patient care. The learning process of respiratory students is augmented by the application of
other academic disciplines of the college. The program is open to all individuals regardless of
ethnicity, gender, religious preference or age who have met admission standards.
Respiratory Care Faculty Members
Faculty members share the belief that learning occurs best in an atmosphere of mutual respect
in which there is an appreciation for and consideration of different learning styles. Faculty
recognizes the varied backgrounds and experiences that each student contributes to the
learning environment. Individual learning styles and needs are considered when designing
learning experiences to maximize the success potential of each student. Faculty functions as
educators, facilitators, resource persons, mentors, coaches, and role models to create and
maintain a positive learning environment.
Respiratory Care faculty members are committed to the goal of graduate who will function safely
and efficiently as Registered Respiratory Therapists’ (RRT) in the health care community.
Faculty possesses competent theoretical knowledge and clinical skills. They facilitate learning
by directing, providing opportunity, and assisting students with the acquisition of knowledge and
the mastery of clinical skills. Faculty members respect the differences unique to each student’s
ethnic, cultural, spiritual, and learning needs.
Keep in mind that the student is responsible for his or her education. You are
responsible for you. Stay disciplined and attentive towards your studies, as well as, your
approach to your clinical competencies. We will in turn, meet you 100% of the way.
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Purpose of the Program
Respiratory Care students are required to complete all Associate of Science Degree
requi
rements and apply for graduation from Fresno City College. All general education courses
required for this degree are program prerequisites, RCARE courses, program co-requisites, and
general education courses. For further information regarding the A.S. degree in Respiratory
Care, contact an FCC-Allied Health Academic Counselor at 244-2604.
Courses designated RCARE in the program’s curriculum must be taken after admission to the
RCP program. There is no provision in the program for admission with advanced standing or for
challenging a respiratory care course. The student is encouraged to take all general education
courses before the program. This is encouraged, but not mandated. All Respiratory Care
curriculum courses must be completed with a grade “C” (78%) or better to continue from one
semester to the next in the program.
Upon successful completion of the program (A.S. in Respiratory Care) and having met the RCP
Program Objectives, the student is allowed to test for the following exams through the National
Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC):
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) ----The Registry Examination System was
developed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of
advanced respiratory therapists and to set uniform standards for measuring such knowledge.
Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) ----The Entry Level CPFT Examination is
designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of entry
level pulmonary function technologists at beginning practice.
Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) ----The RPFT Examination is designed
to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of an advanced
pulmonary function technologist.
Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist (RRT-NPS) ----The Neonatal/Pediatric
Respiratory Care Specialty Examination is designed to objectively measure essential
knowledge, skills and abilities required of respiratory therapists in this specialty area.
Sleep Disorders Testing and Therapeutic Intervention Respiratory Care Specialist (RRT-
SDS)
The Specialty Examination for Respiratory Therapists Performing Sleep Disorders Testing
and Therapeutic Intervention is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills
and abilities required of respiratory therapists in this specialty area.
Adult Critical Specialty Exam (ACCS) ----Credentialing exam is designed to objectively
measure essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of respiratory therapists in critical
care areas.
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) addresses all of the above examinations and
testing. The NBRC strives for excellence in providing credentialing examinations and associated
services to the respiratory community, and intends to remain at the forefront of the testing field
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by offering valid, reliable credentialing examinations, consistent with leading measurement
standards and techniques. The website address is The National Board for Respiratory Care
(NBRC)
The primary purposes of the NBRC and its 31-member Board of Trustees are to provide high
quality voluntary credentialing examinations for practitioners of respiratory therapy and
pulmonary function technology; establish standards to credential practitioners to work under
medical direction; issue certificates to and prepare a directory of credentialed individuals;
advance medicine by promoting use of respiratory care in treating human ailments; support
ethical and educational standards of respiratory care; and, cooperate with accrediting agencies
to support respiratory care education. A successful completion of the RRT examinations is the
standard for applying for a licensure in any of the 49 states that regulate the profession (Alaska
does not have a licensure for respiratory therapists). Most students complete the NBRC testing
4 weeks after graduation.
California licensing is addressed through the Respiratory Care Board (RCB) in Sacramento. The
mission of the RCB is to protect and serve the consumer by enforcing the Respiratory Care
Practice Act and its regulations, expanding the delivery and availability of services, increasing
public awareness of respiratory care as a profession, and supporting the development and
education of all respiratory care practitioners. A student must have a RRT credential before
applying for a CA license. For all matters concerning California State licensing contact:
Respiratory Care Board of California
3750 Rosin Court, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Ph.: (916) 999-2190
Fax: (916) 263-7311
Toll Free: (866) 375- 0386
Website: Respiratory Care Board (RCB)
Respiratory Care Practitioner’s Code of Ethics
The development of a code of ethics is an essential characteristic of a profession and provides
one means whereby professional standards may be established, maintained, and improved. A
code of ethics indicates a profession’s acceptance of the responsibility and trust with which it
has been invested. Each practitioner, upon entering a profession inherits a measure of that
responsibility and trust and corresponding obligation to adhere to standards of ethical practice
and conduct set by the profession.
1. The RCP shall practice medically acceptable methods of treatment and shall not
endeavor to extend his/her scope of practice beyond the individual’s level of competency,
the authority vested in the individual by a physician, or by the legislative scope of practice
in of the State in which the RCP is to practice.
2. The RCP shall continually strive to increase and improve his/her knowledge and skill and
render to each patient the full measure of his/her ability. All services shall be provided
with respect for the dignity of the patient, unrestricted by considerations of social or
economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of a health problem.
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3. The RCP shall be responsible for the competent and efficient performance of his/her
assigned duties and shall expose incompetence and illegal or unethical conduct of
members of the profession. (Refer to the mandatory online course on “Ethics for the
RCP” as legislated by the California Respiratory Care Board).
4. The RCP shall hold in strict confidence all privileged information (HIPAA) concerning the
patient and refer all inquiries to the physician in charge of the patient’s medical care.
5. The RCP shall not accept gratuities for preferential consideration of the patient. He/she
shall not solicit patients for personal gain and shall guard against conflicts of interest.
6. The RCP shall uphold the dignity and honor of the profession and abide by established
standards of care.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Respiratory students are responsible for adhering to program and clinical site HIPAA
standards. Infractions may lead to dismissal from the program or possible federal
monetary fines.
All patient information is considered confidential.
Students will be educated on HIPAA in the first semester.
Before You Get Started
Organize your life and time; use a planner, calendar or other devise to keep track of
assignments, clinical schedules, work, and family obligations.
Get help with daily chores from family and friends - do not try and do it all as you did
before the program
Prepare that school is a full time job taking 40-60 hours per week of classes, studying,
and clinical.
Discuss your needs and goals with your family before beginning the RCP program; it will
change their life as well.
Make some time for yourself somewhere in the schedule, even if it is only 15 minutes a
day.
Make sure your schedule includes outside activities and balance. A physical activity
routine will help with stress and the resulting weight gain some people experience.
Find childcare and a reliable back-up for unexpected events.
Consider investing in a computer and software that will make your papers and
presentation professional. Computer familiarity is a requirement of the school and the
RCP program.
Read and organize your syllabi to insure you know when reading, papers and testing
occur so you can prepare ahead of time.
If you need extra units to be full-time for financial aid, take those courses that will be less
stressful - try a PE class.
Be flexible and understand that the faculty and administrators are working hard to provide
you the best education possible
Rather than aim for a C, aim for an A, you are more likely to succeed and it will pay off
later for passing your national boards.
Be aware of your surroundings, assignments, and patient care at all times. You cannot
slide- that is when mistakes happen.
The faculty wants you to succeed; we are here to help you.
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Keep up with your reading in your textbooks and other assignments. Your test questions
will come from all sources including the textbook, power point presentations, workbooks,
lectures, and other reading assignments.
Get enough rest so your mind can absorb the material being provided.
Use the computer lab resources to familiarize yourself with national board testing styles,
course content, practice exams, and virtual scenarios to help you better succeed.
When available, use the RCP skills lab to practice your skills, watch videos, small group
work, and tutorial assistance.
Be prepared for clinical, come on time, dressed in a clean RCP navy blue uniform with
proper I.D.
Form study groups that help with studying the objectives required for each class.
Support each other. Be kind, remember respiratory care is a science and requires time.
Remember this is a two-year journey and you develop your knowledge and skills each
day.
Purchase all your books in the current edition. Older editions are not acceptable and may
be missing vital information.
Faculty, staff, and administrators have office hours- please use those resources to help
you succeed.
Many scholarships available through financial aid and t he health professions institute
Health Professions Education Foundation.
See the health science academic counselors at least once a semester to make sure you
are on the right track with your courses and future plans.
Essential Job Functions
Physical Demands
Must be medically cleared prior to program entry to complete all physical demands
required in the handbook.
Must be able to use all physical senses (i.e. sight, smell, touch, and hearing) in a manner
that allows the RCP student to accurately assess the patient and clinical situation.
Must be able to use fine motor skills of the hands to c arry out clinical procedures
accurately and safely.
Must be able to operate various types of medical equipment.
Must be able to perform such duties as, but not limited to:
Lifting patients of various sizes and weights
Maneuvering, pulling, pushing and lifting of patients and medical equipment
Performing related tasks which require the use of hands, arms, shoulders, legs and feet.
Work Environment
Must be aware of potential risks in health care settings which require wearing safety
equipment such as masks, head coverings, glasses, goggles, gloves, gowns, shoe
coverings, etc. There is one exception, NO RCP student is to be in a patient room with
active TB or Rule out TB as a diagnosis. This situation requires that each health care
worker be specially fitted w ith an N95 mask.
Must be able to meet hospital and college performance standards.
Must be able to travel to and from academic and clinical training sites.
Cognitive Abilities
Must be able to understand and work from written and verbal orders.
Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
Must be able to understand and implement academic and health regulations, health care
facilities, hospital policies, and procedures.
Must follow all state, federal and local hospital policies regarding confidentiality rules on
patients personal, family and health related information.
Must possess technical competency in patient care and related areas.
Must be able to perform mathematical calculations to determine correct medicine
dosages and v entilator equipment.
Must be in a functional state of mental health.
Must be able to demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing patient care and
professional situations.
Must not have any disability that would interfere with cognitive, physical or sensate ability
to function safely in patient care situations.
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Disabled Student Program and Services
Fresno City College has a program designed to assist students with various disabilities. If you
have a physical, mental, sensate or learning disability, or think that you might have one, please
go to the office for disabled students’ services for counseling and evaluation. The faculty cannot
assist you with any special accommodations until you have this evaluated and determined what
special assistance you may need. Make an appointment to see a DSP&S counselor to
determine the best next action for you. If you do have special needs as identified by DSP&S
then special testing considerations will be conducted by the RCP faculty. If RCP faculty cannot
accommodate the special testing need, then schedule testing will occur with DSP&S in their
offices. DSP&S can be reached at (559) 442-8237 and is located in Building 1 on the FCC
Campus Map. A Notice of Accommodation form must be presented to instructors of record.
Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Care
Prerequisites:
High School diploma/GED (45 CHSPE)
College Cumulative GPA 2.5 or higher
Math 103, Elementary Algebra or higher
Biology 20 and Biology 22 or Biology 21A and Biology 21B
Biology 31 (Microbiology)
Chemistry 3A (Intro to General Chemistry) OR college equivalent or higher.
RCP Curriculum:
Summer first course:
RCARE16 Patient Assessment --3 units
First year-first semester (fall)
RCARE 16B Diagnostic Methods 3 units
RCARE 17 Pharmacology 3 units
RCARE 20 Introduction to Respiratory Care 5.5 units
First year-second semester (spring)
RCARE 18 Physiology of the Respiratory System 3 units
RCARE 21 Applications and Procedures -- 10 units
Second Year-first semester (fall)
RCARE 21B Simulation Lab 1 unit
RCARE 22 Clinical Applications I 8 units
RCARE 24 Neonatal and Pediatric Diseases 2 units
Second Year-second semester (spring)
RCARE 23 Clinical Applications II 8 units
RCARE 25 Respiratory Diseases 2 units
A.S. Degree Electives: (Please speak to an Allied Health Academic Counselor for a
complete list.)
Physical Science 11 (Introduction to Physics)
Physical Education Two (2) classes
Humanities elective
Political Science 2
English 1A
NOTE: Prior to entering t he RCP program we encourage students to complete as many
sciences and A.S. electives as possible. In addition, we encourage you to maintain an ongoing
relationship with the allied health academic counselors.
Financial Responsibilities of Students
Before Program Begins Program Expenses:
California State Resident Tuition (subject to increase) $47.00 /per unit=$2,400
California State Mandated Health Fee (subject to change/yr.) 20.00
Parking fee (per semester) subject to change 30.00
Admission health examination, immunizations/diagnostic tests (approximate) 350.00
Background check and drug screen through Castle Branch 120.00
School uniform, lab coat, FCC student I.D., FCC program logo, watch, stethoscope, etc. 300.00
Basic Life Support (approximately) 60.00
During Program
Books(approximate only) 1200.00
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) approximately 300.00
Neonatal Resuscitation Provider(NRP) 300.00
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) 300.00
Kettering National Seminars (NBRC review-approximately) 360.00
Exit Exams (written RRT, clinical simulations) 120.00
Online Ethics course (via AARC or CSRC) 15.00
After Graduation
TMC Exam 190.00
Clinical Simulations Exam 200.00
California State license fee 250.00
(Approximate) Total $6,170.00
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The approximate price does not include pre-requisites and co-requisites or any other fees
associated with other courses. Tuition may change at any time.
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Online Ethics Course
All RCP graduates in the State of California are r equired to complete an online course regarding
RCP Ethics in the Workplace. This course is specific to the practice of respiratory care. Faculty
suggests that this online course be taken in the 4
th
semester, prior to graduation. This course is
not a part of the Fresno City College RCP curriculum. However, it is a mandatory component for
California State Licensure. The testing relationship is between you and the Respiratory Care
Board in Sacramento. The student may take the test through the American Association for
Respiratory Care (AARC) or through the California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC). The
cost for an ethics course is $15 for students on the CSRC web site at Respiratory Care Board of
California.
Mandatory Background Check and Drug Screen
Every student enrolled in an Allied Health program at Fresno City College is required to undergo
a mandatory Social Security Number, drug screen, and sex offender background check. The
background check is to be completed prior to the fall semester start date. Phyllis Willis, our
Administrative Aide for the RCP program needs to see proof that this task is completed and she
will document it as such. Phyllis, the college, nor faculty members are to have copies of these
private documents. Although positive findings on the background check will not disqualify a
student for admission to the Fresno City College Respiratory Care Practitioner Program; various
infractions may result in the graduates’ inability to obtain a California State license. In addition,
some hospital rotation sites have the legal right to look at and evaluate your background check
and may block the student from their facility. Each RCP student must fulfill all clinic rotation
hours. Based upon the results of this initial background check, you may be asked to “double up”
at another clinic site. Please see appendix with background information at San Joaquin Valley
Nursing Education Consortium and click the tab Background Check. Follow the instructions
carefully and thoroughly for obtaining a background check and drug screen. PERFORM
BACKGROUND and DRUG SCREEN between August 1
st
and September 1
st
.
Furthermore, upon graduation from the Fresno City College Respiratory Care Program, the
Respiratory Care Board in the State of California requires two additional background checks.
Both are called "live scans.” One fingerprint scan will be sent to the FBI and the other is sent to
the DOJ (Department of Justice.) In order to be licensed as an RCP in the State of California,
you must be cleared by both of these federal entities. In the event that you are not, you need to
communicate directly with the Respiratory Care Board in Sacramento. If you believe that there is
anything in your private history that might exclude you from licensure, contact the Respiratory
Care Board in Sacramento immediately at, 1-(866) 375-0386 or 1-(916) 999-2190. These issues
are addressed between you and the RCB. Fresno City College does not have a relationship
between you and the Board regarding these issues. By failing to contact the RCB immediately,
you could potentially spend two years in this program only to discover that you will be denied the
right to practice.
17
SUMMER SESSION TEXT BOOKS
Textbook (may purchase in bundles, as EBooks, or
individually)
ISBN
Estimated
Cost
Clinical Manifestations and Assessment of
Respiratory Disease 8
th
ed.
978-0-323-55369-8
130.00
Heart and Lung Sounds, On-line through Evolve
978-0-323-08015-6
75.00
Lab Kit
120.00
1ST SEMESTER (FALL) TEXT BOOKS
Textbook (may purchase in bundles, as EBooks, or
individually)
ISBN
Estimated
Cost
Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care 11
th
ed.
Workbook
978-0-323-34136-3
978-0-323-35852-1
155.00
50.00
Rau’s Respiratory Care Pharmacology 9
th
ed.
978-0-323-29968-8
95.00
Green’s Respiratory Therapy
978-1-593-30934-3
50.00
Typhon clinical tracking
90.00
BLS Manual
50 + Skills
(50)
2ND SEMESTER (SPRING) TEXT BOOKS
Textbook (may purchase in bundles, as EBooks, or
individually)
ISBN
Estimated
Cost
Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care 11
th
ed.
Previously purchased
Philbeam’s Mechanical Ventilation 6
th
ed.
978-0-323-32009-2
200.00
Elsevier Adaptive Quizzing
978-0-323-35347-2
100.00
3
RD
SEMESTER (FALL) TEXT BOOKS
Textbook (may purchase in bundles, as EBooks, or
individually)
ISBN
Estimated
Cost
Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care 5
th
ed.
Walsh
978-0-323-47947-9
130.00
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Manual
60.00 +
Skills (50)
Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) Manual
60.00 +
Skills (50)
Hesi Respiratory Practice Exam
100.00
4
th
SEMESTER (SPRING) TEXT BOOKS
Textbook (may purchase in bundles, as EBooks, or
individually)
ISBN
Estimated
Cost
Sills Case Studies & Clinical Simulations or
Equivalent information will be posted at a later date
978-0-323-10051-9
100.00
Clinical Manifestations and Assessment of
Respiratory Disease 8th ed.
Previously purchased
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) need to
purchase book and skills testing in 4
th
semester
50.00 +
Skills (50)
18
Textbook (may purchase in bundles, as EBooks, or
individually)
ISBN
Estimated
Cost
All advanced life support certification courses are
taught by various instructors and prices are subject
to change.
Transportation
All transportation arrangements are the responsibility of the student. The student must submit
current automobile insurance the first week of every semester if they are using a car for
transportation to and from school and/or any clinical or related school activities. Students are
responsible for transportation to and from school and to and from their clinical rotations.
Students may park only in designated parking areas both at the college and at the clinical sites.
It is the responsibility of the student to be on time for his/her clinical rotation. Simply put, if your
transportation is unreliable, then you may appear unreliable to the manager of your clinical site.
Take the appropriate steps to ensure your timely arrival. Make a good impression, this is a job
interview.
Current Address
It is the responsibility of the student to keep his/her current address and telephone number on
file with the Program Director, Clinical Director, and Departmental Secretary. This information
will be kept confidential unless the student requests otherwise.
Financial Aid
The college provides financial to as many students as possible through scholarships, grants,
loans and job opportunities. The following programs are available to qualified students:
Federal PELL Grants
Federal Work Study
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Family Educational Loans
Boards of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver
Cal Grants
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
Bureau of Indian Affairs Scholarships
Other Institutional and Non-institutional Scholarships
General Information Regarding FCC and Program Policies
The academic policies of the RCP program apply to all students regardless of location of
instruction or circumstances. This statement refers to grading, performing assigned tasks
according to clinical preceptor and clinical skills sheet, patient safety, attendance, HIPAA, and
professionalism. Faculty is responsible for adhering and implementing academic policies.
Attendance and Re-entry
Students may be dropped from class if they fail to attend the first class session of the
semester. There are no institutionally approved excused absences for any reason. Only
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your instructor may excuse an absence. Absences caused by personal engagements,
trips to the dentist, work, and transportation delays and business affairs will not be
excused, nor will absences from class to complete registration or add/drop activities.
(Fresno City College 2018-2019 Catalog) Students who miss two successive weeks of
any RCP class will be dropped from the course. This includes those courses that meet
once per week. When petitioned, reinstatement will be considered under the college
reinstatement procedures.
Students must attend clinical and theory courses on campus for the full assigned hours.
Any time a student is away from a clinical setting or absent from the classroom, whether
planned or unplanned, is considered an absence. Leaving a clinical session or theory
course without instructor permission is contrary to program policy. It is expected that
students will be on time and will stay the entire time. Those leaving early without
instructor permission will be considered absent. All absences will be recorded and
there are no excused absences.
A clinical absence may impact negatively on the student’s performance evaluation.
Students who are ill on a clinical day and unable to report to the hospital where they are
assigned will be responsible for notifying the agency in accordance with policies
established by that agency and/or clinical instructor. Failure to comply may result in a
safety infraction on your evaluation.
Students who are given a deficiency notice are expected to make an appointment to
meet with the Program Director and the Director of Clinical Education of the RCP
Program before they can attend the next class session. This appointment needs to be
made within two (2) days of the notice. It is to be signed by all parties prior to returning to
class.
The faculty places strong emphasis on attendance in all classes. Students are expected
to be in the classroom at the time class begins. Instructors are required to take
attendance at each class session and to report any student who is absent for two
successive weeks of instruction.
Unless there are significant extenuating circumstances, that student will be immediately
dropped from class by the instructor if the absences are within the 50 percent drop
deadline (50 percent of the class term).
If a student’s lack of attendance causes an instructor to judge that unsatisfactory
progress is being made, that student may be dropped from class by the instructor if the
absences are within the 50 percent drop deadline.
Lack of regular attendance after the 50 percent drop deadline may result in an
unsatisfactory grade.
Students who fail or are incompetent with meeting the psychomotor (skills) competency
level as determined by the Program Director and the Director of Clinical Education may
be dropped from the program.
Once dropped, should a student believe there is just cause for reinstatement, the student
may petition through the office of Admissions and Records.
Reinstatement will be granted only if the student had been doing satisfactory work
immediately prior to the excessive absence and if it is the judgment of the instructor that
the student has a reasonable chance of passing the course.
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Progression in the sequence of respiratory care courses will be permitted only after the
dropped course are repeated successfully.
After successfully repeating a respiratory care theory course, returning students will be
allowed to continue in the successive theory course.
Regardless of the circumstances, those courses in which a student receives a “D” or “F”
grade may be repeated only once.
All courses must be repeated in entirety.
If a student fails a repeated course or has failed 2 different courses in any of the
required respiratory care courses, the student will be removed from the Fresno
City College Respiratory Care Practitioner Program and will not be allowed reentry
as a respiratory student in this college.
Each student planning to re-enter a respiratory care course must contact Phyllis Willis 90
days prior to re-entry start date. This is to ensure enrollment and clinical placement.
Re-entry students on a waiting list may defer re-entry to a respiratory care class one time.
After that, they must re-apply to be placed on a new waiting list for re-entry.
Health Services for the FCC Student
The Health Service office, located in the Student Services Building, room 112, is open during
the fall and spring semesters from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday, closed 12 to 1pm.
During the summer session, the office hours are from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Consultation with a
college health nurse is available by appointment during scheduled hours.
Health services available to FCC students include confidential health counseling, health
education, screening tests, emergency first aid, assistance in obtaining medical care, limited
immunizations and HIV and TB skin testing.
In addition to the above-mentioned services, accident insurance coverage is available to
students injured while on campus or at school sponsored and supervised events. These
services are supported by the $19.00 health fee. Call 442-8268 for more information.
The Respiratory Care Practitioner Program at Fresno City College in conjunction with the local
hospitals has set up specific immunizations that need to be in progress prior to the beginning of
your program. The following material was provided by the Health Nurse at Fresno City College.
Immunizations -Requirements and Exams for Health Science Majors
The Student Health Services at Fresno City College can assist the Health Science student with
some of the immunization requirements. This information is given to you as a guideline only.
Please read your admission packet carefully to clarify the specific program requirements. All
immunizations are recorded by the faculty of the Respiratory Care Program. You are to make
copies for our records, the hospital records, and your personal records. All immunizations are to
be completed before the program begins. Exceptions to this are the Hepatitis series, which must
be at least started. To prove immunity and previous immunizations, go to Health Services and
request for a referral for titers. Titers are a blood draw that will prove immunity. Cost of titers
varies according to facility.
21
Tuberculosis or Gold QuantiFERON
The Fresno City College Respiratory Care Program requires that all new students begin with a
2-step TB skin test. The CDC recommends a two-step be performed in the time span of one to
three weeks. If the second test is negative, the individual is considered to be non-infected.
From that point forward, the Mantoux TB skin test is to be performed once a school year. TB
testing at FCC health services Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 1pm and 4pm.
Gold QuantiFERON is a blood test that some hospital sites require in place of a skin test. Some
hospitals want the Gold QuantiFERON every 6 months as compared to a skin test annually.
If a history of a positive skin test is given, evidence of a normal chest x-ray is required all health
facilities. The health science major can bring in the chest x-ray report and receive a clearance if
the symptom review in the Health Service is negative. The chest x-ray report must describe the
exam as “normal” or “no evidence of tuberculosis”.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Varicella
The Student Health Service at FCC offers the MMR at $76.58 charge per shot to students.
Unfortunately, the Varicella is not offered and must be obtained elsewhere. The MMR and
Varicella vaccines are live vaccines. The Health Service prefers to have the TB Clearance
completed before giving a live vaccine. The Health Services nurse will provide you with
information and instructions to follow for all vaccines.
Hepatitis B
The Health Service offers the Hepatitis AB vaccine for $67.55. The series takes approximately
six months to complete. The vaccine administration schedule is as follows: the first vaccine is
given on a scheduled day. The second vaccine is given at least 4 weeks after the first. The 3
rd
vaccine is given at least 8 weeks after the 2nd and 4 months after the first.
To be accepted into a hospital clinical rotation the following immunizations must be completed:
MMR 2 vaccines or a titer, Varicella 2 vaccines or a titer, Hepatitis AB series of 3 vaccines, titer,
or signed declination, TB skin test see previous TB section. A positive TB result requires a CXR
once a year with physician documentation of a clear CXR.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
Vaccine FCC cost is $52.46 or signed declination.
Influenza vaccine
For current season (free of charge). An annual flu vaccine is mandated for clinical rotations.
Psychological Services
The goal of Psychological Services is to assist students who experience interpersonal or
personal difficulties during their college stay so they can remain effective in their educational
pursuit. Psychological counseling is available for a variety of problems, including issues
stemming from:
Adjustment to college life
Depression and anxiety
Relationship and communication skills
22
Stress and anger management
Mental illness
Substance abuse
Eating disorders
Leaves should not be requested and cannot be granted near the end of the semester or during
mid-terms or final examinations.
Sexual Harassment Policy
It is the policy of the governing board of the State Center Community College District that no
person shall, on the basis of ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, sex, race,
color, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation be subjected to unlawful discrimination
in any program or activity of the district. It is further the policy of the governing board that the
district shall maintain a working and learning environment free from sexual harassment of its
students, employees, and those who apply for student or employee status. All students and
employees should be aware that all institutions of the district are concerned and will take action
to eliminate sexual harassment. Engaging in sexual harassment is conduct which may subject
the harasser to disciplinary action.
Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of State and Federal Law.
Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other
verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by someone from or in the work or
educational setting under any of the following conditions:
Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an
individual’s employment, academic status, or progress.
Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of
employment or academic decisions affecting the individual.
The conduct has the purpose or effect of having negative impact upon the individual’s
work or academic performance, or creating an intimidating hostile, or offensive work or
educational environment.
Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any
decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or
activities available at or through the educational institution.
Complaints of sexual harassment should be processed according to the terms of District
Administrative Regulation 5530. (FCC catalog 2018-2019)
Drug Abuse Policy
For the protection of other students in the State Center Community College District, the
Governing Board of this District may suspend or expel, and the Chancellor of this District is
authorized to suspend whenever it is established to the satisfaction of the Board or the
Chancellor, as the case may be, that the student has on college premises used, sold, or been in
possession of narcotic or other hallucinogenic drugs or substances, or has on college premises
inhaled, or breathed the fumes of, or ingested any poison classified as such by Schedule D in
Section 4160 of the Business and Professions Code. (Fresno City College 2018-2019 Catalog).
23
Academic Dishonesty
It is the consensus of the faculty that those who are proven to be dishonest or have
compromised patient safety will be given the minimum of a failing grade for the assignment.
Academic dishonesty is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by Fresno City College.
Cheating, plagiarism, and collusion in dishonest activities erode the college’s educational and
social role in the community. Academic dishonesty in the Respiratory Care Program may
include but is not limited to: deduction in total points, the student may be referred to the Dean of
Allied Health, Physical Education, and Athletics, possible dismissal from the program for the
infraction. Students may seek due process through the student grievance process.
Students at Fresno City College are entitled to the best education that the college can make
available to them, and they, their instructors, and their fellow students share the responsibilities
to ensure that this education is honestly obtained. Because cheating, plagiarism, and collusion
in dishonest activities erode the integrity of the college, each student is expected to exert an
entirely honest effort in all academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty in any form is a very
serious.
Cheating
Cheating is the act or attempted act of taking an examination or performing an assigned,
evaluated task in a fraudulent or deceptive manner, such as having improper access to
answers, in an attempt to gain an unearned academic advantage. Cheating may include, but is
not limited to, copying from another’s work, supplying one’s work to another, giving or receiving
copies of examinations without an instructor’s permission, using or displaying notes or devices
inappropriate to the conditions of the examination, allowing someone other than the officially
enrolled student to represent the student, or failing to disclose research results completes.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a specific form of cheating: the use of another’s words or ideas without identifying
them as such or giving credit to the source. Plagiarism may include, but is not limited to, failing
to provide complete citations and references for all work that draws on the ideas, words, or work
of others, failing to identify the contributors to work done in collaboration.
Grading System
Grades are earned in each course and are recorded on students’ permanent records. Grades
are posted on Blackboard within one week of the test date. Grades represent the evaluation of
student achievement of course objectives and student learning outcomes. In the core courses
for the Respiratory Care Practitioner Program, the following grading scale is used:
A = 92-100%
B = 84-91%
C = 78-84%
D = 70-77%
F = <70%
In order to systematically pass in successive order all RCP core courses must be passed with a
grade C or better. If a student earns a 77% in a RCP course, then the student did not pass the
course and must wait one year to repeat. Most courses are weighted please refer to course
syllabi. All sciences and electives that are applied to the A.S. degree must also be passed with a
24
grade C or better. Students are to maintain communication with a health science academic
counselor at least once per semester.
Lab Competencies, Clinical Evaluations, and Remediation
Refer to specific course syllabi for test dates including lab competency testing. Each syllabus
will describe the expected learning objectives and outcomes for the students. Clinical
evaluations are conducted by FCC instructors or hospital preceptors. Second year clinical
evaluations are conducted every four weeks for a total of four clinical evaluations (grades). The
clinical evaluation grading rubric is posted to the student portal in the corresponding clinical
course. The evaluation grade is considered a test grade and should be viewed as a test. An
instructor visits each clinical site once a week. This is the time for the student to ask questions
and for the instructor to provide feedback to student. If remediation is required during a lab
competencies or clinical evaluation, the instructor will provide remediation immediately following
the competency or evaluation.
If a student is deemed unsafe in the clinical setting by the instructor, the student will be
directed to report to the college the following day for remediation and competency
testing. Frequent remediation will negatively affect a student's grade. Unsafe behavior may
cause a student to be dropped from the program. Students will be supervised at clinical sites
and will not substitute for a staff therapist. As a student, you may not accept any monies or gifts
for your clinical work, and in turn, the staff therapist cannot request any monies or gifts from you.
Student Orientation to the Clinical Facilities
A. Policy: All students must be oriented to the educational setting where the clinical experience
is taking place. Beginning in October of the first fall semester, students will be placed at clinical
facilities. A staff person/preceptor should orient you to the basic acute areas of the hospital. In
the second year of clinic, the Clinical Instructor or a staff person/preceptor should be made
available to you for this general orientation. If you do not believe the orientation to the hospital
was adequate, contact your Clinical Instructor directly and asked to have the orientation
repeated.
B. Procedure: Orientation will include:
Hospital shift hours
Parking
Respiratory Care Department
Bathroom facilities
Respiratory Care Equipment
Respiratory care charting documents
Patient wards and charts
Fire regulations (RACE)
Codes (Code Blue, Pink, Red, etc)
Incident reports
Staff and patient accidents
Disaster plans
25
C. Absence/Tardy in the clinical setting:
This is your first job interview…MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION
Telephone number or pager of the person to contact
When to notify? (~ two (2) hours before your scheduled arrival)
Clinical hours are set and do not allow for make-up hours
Absences may cause a student to be dropped from the program.
D. Orientation to the Respiratory Therapy Department
(To be reviewed by the hospital staff)
Review of departmental policies and procedures
Review charting (Varies from hospital to hospital)
Drug locations
RCP storage and equipment locations
CXR computer access or hard copy locations
Emergency/Code cart equipment
Remember A, B, and C
E. Introduction to key personnel:
Department Manager
Educational Coordinator
Team Leaders/ Supervisors
Staff respiratory therapist
Medical Doctors (Pulmonary, Cardiac, Intensivists, etc.)
Clinical Expectations
If you are on time, you are late.
Adhere to the following professional conduct guidelines, especially HIPAA.
Do not use your cell phone in a patient’s room or at the nurses’ station.
Infractions to professional conduct guidelines or according to the course syllabus may
result in dismissal from the program.
Students will be assigned clinical sites each semester.
Clinical dates and times vary according to hospital; this may include an evening shift or a
weekend shift.
You are expected to attend the clinical site you are assigned.
Be prepared to travel outside of the Fresno area for your clinical site rotation.
Transportation issues or personal constraints for travel that are not managed
appropriately by the student may cause the student to be dropped from the program.
Immunizations must be kept up to date. This is your responsible, not the instructor’s.
Lack of immunizations will disqualify you from attending your clinical rotation.
26
Guidelines for Professional Conduct
Personal Appearance:
The fact that you have entered the health care profession intensifies the standards of
acceptable appearances. Your personality is the total sum of the behavior patterns by which you
are known as a unique person. In taking inventory of your standards, consider the following:
Asepsis (infection control practices) and comfort are integral parts of patient care. Student
interference with these aspects of patient care due to uniform, hair, rings, nails, jewelry, or any
other contributing factors must be corrected as determined by the established language in your
student handbook and followed up by the Director of Clinical Education. The clinical uniform is
to be worn in the classroom and in the clinical setting.
Clinical Uniform
Students are to wear Cherokee Workwear olive green scrub tops and Cherokee Workwear
olive green scrub pants purchased at Scrubs and Beyond. The scrubs and jacket are to be
clean and pressed to be considered professional attire. The hospitals’ own internal policies may
supersede that of Fresno City College. 2
nd
year students are to wear Cherokee grey scrubs.
The approved scrub uniform for all RCP students includes: scrub pants, scrub top, scrub
jacket, white, black, or gray undershirt, and hose or socks, shoes (constructed to insure
safety and support). All shoes worn in clinical areas must be clean, in good repair and
enclosed - NO OPEN areas on shoes (ex: no clogs or Birkenstocks).
Low-riding scrub bottoms are prohibited.
All visible tattoos are to be covered up.
No dangling earrings are allowed.
All undergarments must not be visible through the material of the uniform.
All students are required to have as part of their uniform, the FCC ID nametag and the
hospital I.D. Decorative or lapel Pins or any other jewelry or paraphernalia must not be
worn at any time during the clinical setting.
Belly bags, fanny packs, cellular phones and pagers are not allowed in the clinical setting
or in the classroom. Any disruption by an electronic device will result in the student being
invited to leave the classroom or hospital setting. Violation of this practice will result in an
unexcused absence.
Students are not permitted to wear sweaters with their scrub uniforms.
FCC respiratory patch is to be sewed or placed on the left arm (shoulder area).
Available at the bookstore.
Hair
Hair must be neat and clean both in the classroom and in the hospital setting.
For female students, the guideline for length of hair is off the collar. No extreme hairstyles
or colors are permitted. The hospital in support of their patients, may ask for modification
in hairstyles. Long hair must be worn up or tied back neatly.
For male students, hair must be off the collar. No extreme hairstyles or colors permitted.
The hospital in support of their patients, may ask for modification in hairstyles. Sideburns
should be neatly trimmed and groomed (not long and bushy). Beards interfere with the
effectiveness of the N95 mask (TB, H1N1, etc.), for safety purposes we request that men
be clean shaven.
Makeup and Perfume
27
Moderate, simple makeup is recommended. Extreme eye makeup (including false eyelashes)
and extreme shades of lipstick and heavy makeup are discouraged. Clinical instructors, at their
discretion, may ask students to alter makeup, nails, and jewelry. Perfume and cologne are
prohibited. Fragrances are not allowed in the hospital setting, classroom, or any professional
seminar where the smell may exacerbate an already compromised asthmatic patient or other
hospital personnel.
Nails
Fingernails will need special care to insure patient safety and asepsis. No artificial nails or
acrylic nails are allowed. Natural nails must not extend beyond the tips of the fingers.
Jewelry
Small, inconspicuous earrings may be worn. No other jewelry shall be worn while in the hospital
and health agency except an engagement ring and/or wedding band. (Jewelry is discouraged in
the interest of asepsis and safety). No hand jewelry is allowed in the NICU at VCH. No visible
piercing is allowed except for one small earring per ear lobe. No facial or tongue piercing is
allowed.
Speech and Conversation
Be aware of your responsibility as well as the legal implications in respecting the rights of
others, especially the right to privacy. Confidentiality of patient information must never be
violated.
Do not discuss any patient, any member of the health team, or any disease or surgical
intervention in a place where you might be overheard and possibly infringe on someone’s
right to privacy.
HIPAA will be discussed in greater detail the first semester of the program. Violation of
HIPAA may result in dismissal of the program and a monetary federal fine.
Injury and Exposure Insurance
Student insurance coverage is provided for all students for accidents that occur on campus or at
college related activities including clinical education. All injuries sustained by the students in the
clinical areas or on campus must be reported to the DCE or PD and the school nurse (if on
campus). It is the responsibility of the student to file that report in order to be covered by
Workman’s Compensation through the school. Failure to report accidents, injuries, or infectious
exposure may result in a lack of timely care. The student is to call The Company Nurse Hotline
at 1.877.854.6877. Student must state the company name as State Center Community College
District and the code VIPJP. The student is to communicate with The Company Nurse and
follow the instructions for all paperwork and follow-up care. Students may go to their personal
physicians or be treated in the hospital emergency room if medical attention is needed.
Treatment of students in the Emergency Room is not free regardless of whether or not hospital
personnel suggest they go there.
28
Malpractice Insurance
The Allied Health, Physical Education, and Athletics Division at Fresno City College is currently
paying for the RCP student’s malpractice insurance.
Pregnancy Leave
The student may remain active in the respiratory care program with physician clearance until
she delivers, provided she is able to meet all the weekly clinical and didactic objectives. The
clinical hours must be maintained in the hospital rotations. Communication between student and
directors of the program are important to maintain the student’s progress in the program.
Antepartum
A written clearance from a physician should be submitted to the Director of Respiratory Care.
This must be done within the first trimester of pregnancy. The letter must indicate that the
student is able to function at the full and essential student RCP level of practice. The specific
school form must be signed by the physician, nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife. The
student may remain active in the RCP program with physician clearance until delivery, provided
student is able to meet all the weekly clinical laboratory objectives and attendance is
satisfactory. The student should notify the clinical instructor as soon as pregnancy is suspected.
Some scheduled observational experience may need to be eliminated for student safety.
Postpartum
The student may return no sooner than one week postpartum. The student must present a
written clearance that she can perform the full duties of an RCP student from her attending
physician. The specific school form must be submitted and signed by the physician, nurse
practitioner or certified nurse-midwife. This should be submitted to the Director of Respiratory
Care.
Learning Resource Center
The learning resource center (LRC) is located near the east side of the library. Students are
encouraged to use the (LRC) to reinforce and update specific components related to the
process of learning the art of respiratory care.
Credit by Examination
Those students interested in credit by examination for specific college courses will find the
college policy in the Fresno City College Catalog. The challenge procedure as it applies to FCC
students is available through the Student Services Building Office. Those students
contemplating challenge must contact a Health Science Academic Counselor and/or the
Admissions and Records Department.
Credit for Military Service
Upon successful completion of 12 units at Fresno City College with “C” grades or higher, any
veteran/service person/reservist may submit for possible Fresno City College credits appropriate
documents and transcripts representing completion of basic military training, military in-service
training or credit earned in a serviceperson’s community college. A person who has completed
army basic training can receive one (1) semester hour in personal physical conditioning, one (1)
in outdoor skills practicum, one (1) in marksmanship and one (1) in first aid. A person who has
completed Navy basic training can receive one (1) semester hour in personal/fitness
29
conditioning, one (1) in personal/community health and two (2) in first aid and safety. A person
who has completed Air Force or Marine Corps basic training can receive one (1) semester hour
in personal fitness/conditioning, one (1) semester hour in personal fitness/conditioning, one (1)
in beginning swimming, one (1) in boating/seamanship and one (1) in personal health and first
aid. These may be used to fulfill the PE requirement. To receive credit, the student must present
a copy of his/her DD 214 or other appropriate documents citing pertinent data to the Admissions
and Records office.
Veterans Services
Veterans Services, located in the Student Services building, room 114, provides assistance to
veterans and their dependents. Open 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, the staff will assist
veterans and dependents in applying for educational benefits. Counseling and academic
advising are available in the Counseling Center.
Student Rights
1. Have access to their educational records according to the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA). The college will not release their records to anyone who is not
designated by the student to receive them, except as provided by law itself.
2. Explanation of entries in educational records.
3. Challenge contents in educational records.
4. Use the college appeal procedure as indicated in the college catalog.
5. During the first class session of the course, be given written information detailing
course assignments, expectations, grading system and pertinent schedules. However,
clinical schedules may change upon hospital availability.
6. General advisement as well as assistance with course work from their instructors.
7. Offer constructive input regarding the instructional process and overall curriculum of the
program.
8. Prompt verbal and written notice of unacceptable and/or unsafe behaviors as a respiratory
care student that includes suggestions for resolution of related problems.
Educational Program Standards and Progress
Efforts shall be made to maintain high standards for educational programs to insure that
students will meet requirements for the occupations for which they are preparing. This includes
a commitment to provide adequate facilities and materials and qualified instructional personnel,
as well as administrative support and supervision.
Likewise, students are expected to maintain established performance standards. Failure to do
so jeopardizes their right to continuing attendance. Students are to be kept informed relative to
their educational performance and progress.
Student Grievance Procedure
The FCC Respiratory Care Program follows the Student Grievance Procedure as outlined in the
college catalog. The student grievance procedure is established to allow students to address
grievances in cases of rejected grade appeal or alleged unprofessional conduct. A student who
has a grievance may take action in the following sequence.
Discuss the problem with the individual involved.
If mutually satisfactory understanding has not been reached, the student may submit a
Student Grievance Petition to the appropriate supervisor of the area of concern.
The supervisor will send the Grievance Petition form to the appropriate staff member
involved who, in turn, will respond in writing to the supervisor within five (5) working days.
The supervisor will send a copy to the student.
If the student is dissatisfied with the response, the student may submit the grievance, in
writing, to the supervisor. The supervisor will respond within five (5) working days.
If the student is still dissatisfied after taking these steps, the student may submit the
grievance, in writing, to the District Dean of Admissions and Records, District Associate
Dean of Financial Aid, Dean of Instruction, the Dean of Students, or the Business
Manager, whichever is appropriate, who will respond in writing.
As a final step, the student may submit the grievance, in writing, to the Academic
Standards Committee for academic matters or for nonacademic matters to the College
President, who will also respond in writing.
The College President has final authority.
30
Note: Grievance Petition forms for this procedure are available in the office of the District Dean
of Admissions and Records, in the office of the Dean of Students or any Associate Dean of
Students and in any division office. A Grievance Petition form may not be filed later than 30
days after the beginning of the fall or spring semester following the date of the grievance.
Graduation and Testing
Immediately following graduation, and transcript verification, the Fresno City College Program
Director will send your online graduation data directly to the National Board for Respiratory Care
(NBRC). The Program Director must have your updated address and phone number to send to
the NBRC to verify that you are a graduating student. You are responsible for coming to the
college on the Monday following graduation and asking Admission and Records to send a hard
copy of your transcripts to the NBRC. The transcripts are to be sent directly from the college to
the Board.
It is the NBRC that you will be communicating with for all aspects of your national testing (RRT,
etc.). You will be paying approximately $200 per test and the monies will be sent to the NBRC.
These tests are national tests which allow you to work in all States and U.S. territories.
All materials for California licensure are to be downloaded at www.rcb.ca.gov a month prior to
graduation. A great deal of the information that is requested by the Board will be personal to
you. The information should remain private.
Important: The NBRC and the Respiratory Care Board in California do not communicate with
each other regarding test results. You will know immediately upon completing your test(s)
whether you passed or failed. You need to contact the NBRC and ask for your test result(s) to
be sent to the R espiratory Care Board of California.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
CoARC accredits degree-granting programs in respiratory care that have undergone a rigorous
process of voluntary peer review and have met or exceeded the minimum accreditation
31
Standards as set by the professional association in cooperation with CoARC. These programs
are granted accredited status by CoARC, which provides public recognition of such
achievement. Refer to first page of the handbook for CoARC contact information.
Mission:
The mission of the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is to ensure that
high quality educational programs prepare competent respiratory therapists for practice,
education, research, and service.
Vision:
By 2020, CoARC will be recognized as the leader in advancing respiratory care education
across the spectrum of programs offered (e.g. associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree
programs).
Purpose:
Provides consumer protection, advances and enhances the profession, and protects against
compromise of educational quality
Introduction
CoARC and its sponsoring organizations cooperate to establish, maintain, and promote
educational standards of quality to prepare individuals for respiratory care practice, and to
provide recognition for post-secondary educational programs that meet the minimum
requirements outlined in these Standards. These Standards are to be used for the development,
evaluation, and self-analysis of respiratory care programs.
Respiratory therapist are members of a team of health care professionals working in a wide
variety of clinical settings to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with respiratory
illnesses and other cardio-pulmonary disorders. As members of this team, respiratory therapists
should exemplify the ethical and professional standards expected of all health care
professionals.
Respiratory therapists provide patient care which includes clinical decision making and patient
education. The respiratory care scope of practice includes, but is not limited to the following
basic competencies:
Acquiring and evaluating data;
Assessing the cardiopulmonary status of patients;
Performing and assisting in the performance of prescribed diagnostic studies such as:
obtaining blood samples, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and
polysomnography;
Evaluating data to assess the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care;
Establishing therapeutic goals for patients with cardiopulmonary disease;
Participating in the development and modification of respiratory care plans;
Case management of patients with cardiopulmonary and related diseases;
32
Initiating prescribed respiratory care treatments, managing life support activities,
evaluating and monitoring patient responses to such therapy and modifying the
prescribed therapy to achieve the desired pulmonary therapeutic objectives;
Initiating and conducting prescribed pulmonary rehabilitation;
Providing patient, family, and community education;
Promoting cardiopulmonary wellness, disease prevention, and disease management;
Promoting evidence-based practice by using established clinical practice guidelines and
by evaluating published research for its relevance to patient care.” (CoARC-Accreditation
Standards for the Profession of Respiratory Care, 2010)
Respiratory Care Board of California
The mandate of the Respiratory Care Board is to protect and serve the consumer by
administering and enforcing the Respiratory Care Practice Act and its regulations in the interest
of the safe practice of respiratory care. Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs)
regularly perform critical lifesaving and life support procedures prescribed by physicians that
directly affect major organs of the body. RCPs provide care directly to the patient in either a
hospital setting or the patient's home. Patients may be suffering from lung cancer, emphysema,
asthma, or cystic fibrosis, or may be premature infants whose lungs have not yet fully
developed. More than 34,000 RCP licenses have been issued in the State of California. The
graduate must pass the NBRC exams for RRT before applying for a CA RCP license. Must
have a license in order to have a job.
Respiratory Care Board of California
3750 Rosin Court, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Ph: (916) 999-2190
Fax: (916) 263-7311
Toll Free: (866) 375-0386
Website www.rcb.ca.gov
California Society for Respiratory Care
The California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC), as an affiliate of the American Association
of Respiratory Care (AARC), is a non-profit professional organization, whose mission is to
represent and support our members through public and legislative advocacy, educational
opportunities, and to continuously strive for excellence in the cardiopulmonary profession. By
these means, the CSRC is committed to health, healing and disease prevention in the California
community.
California Society for Respiratory Care
1961 Main Street - Suite #246,
Watsonville, CA 95076
email: office@csrc.org
888/730-CSRC (2772) Toll Free
831/763-2814 (fax)
33
American Association for Respiratory Care
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) will continue to be the leading national
and international professional association for respiratory care.
Vision Statement
The AARC will encourage and promote professional excellence, advance the science and
practice of respiratory care, and serve as an advocate for patients, their families, the public, the
profession and the respiratory therapist.
American Association for Respiratory Care
9425 N. MacArthur Blvd. Suite 100,
Irving, TX 75063-4706, USA
1-972-243-2272
aarc.org
34
Appendix 1
PRIVATE VEHICLE USE AUTHORIZATION
___________________________________________ ________________
____ ____ _____ ______
____________________ _________________________
______________________________________ ________________
________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
___________________________________ ___________
__ ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_____ _
______________________________________________________
_________________________ ___________
___
_________________________ ______________
35
STATE CENTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLE FOR SCHOOL
TRANSPORTATION
PRIOR TO TRIP: Submit to College Business Manager/Vice Chancellor, External Operations
Fresno City College Reedley College Madera Center
Oakhurst Center
Clovis Center
District Office
Community Campus
I. INFORMATION ON VEHICLES
Vehicle 1 Make or Model_________________________ ______________ Vehicle License #
Vehicle 2 Make or Model Vehicle License #
Vehicle 3 Make or Model Vehic
le License #
Registered Owner:
Address of Registered Owner:
Name of Driver: Dri
ver’s License #
Name of Ins
urance Company:
Type of Insurance: (Check as appl
icable)
Public Lia
bility Property Damage Medical Coverage Collision
II. INFO
RMATION ON T RIP
Date of
Trip: Destinat
ion:
Purpose of
Trip:
Number
of
Passen
gers:
III.
AUTHORIZATIONS
1.
Reque
sted By:
2.
Authorized By:
3.
Unit
Manager:
4.
C
ollege Business
Man
ager/Vice Chancellor,
External
Operations
36
APPENDIX II
DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________ ___________________
____________________________________________________________________
(_____)__________________ (____)______________
________________________
STATE CENTER C
OMMUNITY COLLEGE
DISTRICE
Fresno City College
DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT
____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________
_______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________.
___________________________________________________________________________________.
_____________________________________________________
37
PLEASE PRINT
NAME DATE
ADDRESS
HOME TELEPHONE NO. ALTERNATE
TIMES
I WIS
H TO COMPLAIN AGAIN
ST: Name of person, college, program or activity:
Address (if available)
Indicate by c
hecking the appl
icable box(es) below what you believe was the basis for the discrimination
against you (please check only those which apply):
Ethnic group identification Race/National Origin Religion
Color Physical or mental disability
Sex
Other (Please explain)
In what way do you feel that you were discriminated against? (Please describe what happened. Use
additional sheets if necessary):
Date of alleged discrimination
If t
here is anyone who could provide more information regarding this, please list names, addresses, and
phone numbers
NAME
ADDRESS PHONE
I certify that this information is correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signature of Complainant
38
APPENDIX III
STUDENT GRIEVANCE APPEALS PETITION
39
STUDENT GRIEVANCE APPEALS PROCEDURE
A student who has a grievance should take action in the following sequence.
1. Discuss the problem with the individual staff member involved.
2. If a mutually satisfactory understanding has not been reached, the student may
submit a Student Grievance Petition to the appropriate supervisor of the area of
concern.
3. The supervisor will send the Grievance Petition form to the appropriate staff
member involved who, in turn, will respond in writing to the supervisor within five
(5) working days. The supervisor will send a copy to the student.
4. If the student is dissatisfied with the response, the student may submit the
grievance, in writing, to the supervisor. The supervisor will respond within five (5)
working days.
5. If the student is still dissatisfied after taking these steps, the student may submit the grievance, in
writing, to the Dean of Instruction, the Dean of Students, or the Business Manager, whichever is
appropriate, who will respond in writing.
6. As a final step, the student may submit the grievance, in writing, to the Academic Standards
Committee for academic matters or to the College President for non-academic matters who will
also respond in writing.
7. The College President has final authority.
NOTE: Grievance Petition forms for this procedure are available in the Office of the Associate Dean of
Records, in any division office, and/or in any Director’s office.
A Grievance Petition form may not be filed later than 30 days after the beginning of the Fall or Spring
semester following the date of the grievance.
40
APPENDIX V
VERIFICATION OF STUDENT HANDBOOK RECEIPT
_____________________________ ______________________
42
Fresno City College
Respiratory Care Program
Verification of Handbook Receipt
Please sign and date this form to verify that you have been provided with a
copy of the Fresno City College Respiratory Care Program Handbook for
the May of 2019.
It is your responsibility to read this handbook in its entirety and keep for
reference throughout your time in the respiratory care program.
Student Signature Date
Name, Please Print
43
APPENDIX VI
POLICIES ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT
44
Prohibition of Sexual Harassment
It is the policy of the governing board that the State Center Community College District
shall maintain a working and learning environment free from sexual harassment of its
students, employees, and those who apply for student or employee status. All students
and employees should be aware that Fresno City College, Kings River Community
College, and the State Center Community College District are concerned and will take
action to eliminate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is conduct subject to
disciplinary action.
Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the 1964 Civil
Rights Act, which is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Sexual harassment is included among legal prohibitions against discrimination. Title IX
of the Educational Amendments of 1972 also establishes sexual harassment as
discriminatory and unlawful.
Sexual harassment includes such behavior as implied or expressed requests for sexual
favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed towards an
employee, student, or applicant when one or more of the following circumstances are
present:
1. Submission to or toleration of the conduct is an explicit or implicit term or
condition of appointment, employment, admission or academic evaluation;
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for a personnel
decision or an academic evaluation affecting an individual;
3. The conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an employee’s work
performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive or otherwise adverse
working environment;
4. The conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with a student’s academic
performance, creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive, or otherwise adverse
learning environment, or adversely affecting any student.
In determining whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment the circumstances
surrounding the conduct should be considered.
In order to ensure adherence with the board policy, the colleges shall designate persons
responsible for receiving complaints of sexual harassment and publicize the names and
titles of the persons so designated on each campus. When a complaint has not been
resolved on the campus, the district’s Affirmative Action Officer shall be the officer
responsible for ensuring district compliance with the rules and regulations adopted by
the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges for district investigation
and resolution of complaints of discrimination including sexual harassment.
45
Legal reference: Ad. Code, Title 5, 59300-59362
Adopted by the governing board: December 6, 1993
Revised: September 4, 1984
41/3B18 AR 5109 (a)
District Procedures for Investigation and Resolution of Student
Complaints of Unlawful Discrimination, Including Sexual Harassment
The district officer responsible for insuring district compliance with the rules and
regulations adopted by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges
will be the Director of Certificated Personnel/Affirmative Action Officer.
The colleges will post and/or publish annually in appr opriate publications available to all
students the board policy and complaint procedures herein described.
The colleges of the district may develop procedures for attempting to resolve charges
on discrimination before the district complaint procedure takes effect, but such campus
procedures must be limited to 30 days from the date of the alleged discrimination.
(Appendix K)
Complaint procedure
1. After all other attempts to resolve a complaint have failed, a complaint may be filed
either by:
a. A student who alleges that he or she has suffered unlawful discrimination
in a college or district program or activity, or
b. An employee of the district who has learned of such unlawful
discrimination against a student in his or her official capacity.
1. The complaint must be filed on the form titled “Unlawful Discrimination Complaint.”
Forms will be available in the Dean of Student’s office on each campus, as well as in
the office of the Director of Certificated Personnel/Affirmative Action Officer.
a. The complaint must be filed within 120 calendar days of the alleged
unlawful discrimination.
46
b. Within 14 calendar days of receipt of the complaint form, the Affirmative
Action Officer will:
1). Commence an investigation of that complaint,
2). Notify the State Chancellor’s office that a complaint has been
received, and
3). Notify the complainant that an investigation is being conducted.
2. If the Affirmative Action Officer receives a complaint, which is defective in its
compliance, he/she shall immediately notify the complainant that the complaint is
defective and specify in what requirement the complaint is defective.
3. The investigation must be completed within 90 calendar days from its initiation.
Upon completing the investigation, the Affirmative Action Officer will attempt to
resolve any valid complaint and will take such action as is deemed necessary to
correct the effects of the discrimination and to insure that no unlawful discrimination
will occur in the district.
4. The investigation officer will notify the complainant of his/her proposed resolution
and will also notify the complainant that he/she may object to the proposed
resolution by submitting objections to the state chancellor within 30 days. Such
notice to the complainant shall be given on the form provided by the state
chancellor.
5. Within 90 days from the initiation of the investigation, the district will forward to the
state chancellor:
a. The original complaint,
b. A report of the nature and extent of the investigation,
c. A report of any action taken to resolve any valid complaint, and
d. Evidence that the district has notified the complainant of the proposed resolution
and of his/her right to object by appealing to the state chancellor.
47
Legal reference: Ad. Code, Title 5, 59300-59362
Approved: January 13, 1982
Revised: December 14, 1983; September 4, 1984
50/3B17 AR 5109.1 (a)
48
College Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment (Students)
(Complaints of other forms of discrimination will follow established channels and
procedures outlined in AR’s 4136, 4236, and 4336.)
This procedural statement is a special application of the district’s established complaint
procedures and prohibition against discrimination. It is presented in direct reference to
the sexual harassment of students of the colleges of the State Center Community
College District and to the related policy of the district adopted by the district’s
governing board. The board policy is based on federal and state statues on this
subject.
While sexual harassment of students by other students or by district employees
represents a wrong as described by board policy and in the district’s complaint
procedures, the nature of this particular offense renders it exceptional. Thus, a
separate procedure has been established to recognize this distinction.
Sexual harassment is a matter requiring unusually prompt attention by authority since
failure to act may represent various kinds of academic and personal damages to the
alleged victim. Further, the issues involved are typically very personal and sensitive,
and many victims will not risk the delays, publicity and complications attendant upon
regular complaint procedures. Since this district recognizes the delicate nature of such
situations, each step in the complaint procedure will be conducted with discretion in
order to maintain a high degree of confidentiality. It is the intent of these procedures to
establish prompt recourse and to ensure fairness and equity both to the persons
alleging the wrong and to the person accused of the wrong.
The colleges and the district recognize their responsibility to make every effort to
maintain a neutral work and educational environment free of sexual harassment or any
other kind of intimidation.
For purposes of this regulation, sexual harassment includes such behavior as sexual
advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature directed towards a student, when one or more of the following circumstances are
present:
1. Submission to or toleration of the conduct is an explicit or implicit term or
condition of appointment, employment, admission or academic evaluation;
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for a personnel
decision or an academic evaluation affecting an individual;
3. The conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with a student’s academic
performance, creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive or otherwise adverse
learning environment, or adversely affecting any student.
50/3B9 AR 5109.1 (b)
49
In determining whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment the circumstances
surrounding the conduct should be considered.
Procedure
All steps in this campus procedure must be completed within 30 calendar days. Since
the dean of students has five (5) working days in Step 3, and the president has ten (10)
working days in Step 4 in which to act, the first two steps must be completed within nine
(9) calendar days.
Step 1 Students who believe that they have been subjected to any form of sexual
harassment should carefully review both the district’s policies on this subject and this
procedure. They are encouraged to seek counsel from any number of the college
community in whom they have confidence; however, it is recommended that the student
contact one of the faculty or staff members identified expressly at each college to
discuss any complaint of sexual harassment. The names of the women and men who
have been given special responsibilities for advising in complaints of sexual harassment
are available by telephone or in person at the office of the dean of students on each
campus.
The complaint advisor and/or the student may attempt to verify the validity of the
complaint and/or resolve the complaint directly with the person against whom the
complaint is lodged. If resolution is possible at this informal level, then no record needs
to be made of the complaint. However, should such a direct approach be
uncomfortable, threatening, or be otherwise deemed by the student or the advisor to be
undesirable, this step may be omitted. The student must sign a statement describing
the incident and the nature of the complaint, using a form provided for that purpose (see
attachment). The identity of the student shall be protected at all times and the signed
complaint shall at this step remain confidential and held only by the advisor.
The complaint advisor shall then confer with the person against whom the complaint
has been brought, advising him/her of the nature of the complaint but keeping
confidential the identity of the complainant. If the problem cannot be resolved at this
level, the complainant may proceed to Step 2.
Step 2 If the complaint of sexual harassment is against a faculty member or another
employee of the district, and if no resolution of the problem has been achieved, the
student and/or the complaint advisor shall review the signed complaint and the failure to
resolve it with the immediate supervisor of the faculty member of employee against
whom the complaint has been brought. The signed complaint shall not leave the
possession of the advisor; a copy shall not be given to the supervisor unless the
problem is resolved at this level. The supervisor must subsequently confer with the
person against whom the student has complained and must continue to respect the
student's request for anonymity. If the supervisor questions the validity of the complaint
or is unwilling or unable to take action to resolve the problem, the student may proceed
to Step 3.
Step 3 A students’ unresolved complaint of sexual harassment shall be brought to the
attention of the dean of students either by the complainant, the complaint advisor, or
both.
50
The complaint signed by the student shall be forwarded to the dean of students by the
complaint advisor. The dean of students shall hear the student’s complaint, and confer
with the faculty member or employee against whom the complaint has been brought in
the presence of his/her immediate supervisor and, if advisable, in the judgment of the
dean, the complaint advisor.
If the Dean of Students cannot resolve the complaint within five (5) working days, Step 4
will be implemented.
Step 4 The dean will transmit the complaint, in writing and signed by the complainant, to
the college president with a copy to the district affirmative action officer for information
purposes.
The president will act as described in the circumstances that follow:
The president will consult the person mentioned in the complaint and all persons as
may be necessary to resolve the complaint. The supervising manager of the person
accused must be again consulted in this process, and the accused will at this time be
given a copy of the written accusation.
If the problem cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties within ten (10) working
days, the president may either dismiss the matter because he deems it invalid, stating
his reasons in writing to all parties, with a copy to the district affirmative action officer; or
he may forward the case to the district affirmative action officer and notify the student of
her/his right to appeal. The president must act within ten (10) working days.
Should the president’s resolution be to insert a written reprimand in an employee’s
personnel record, or to take disciplinary action, such action will be taken in compliance
with federal, state, and district rules, regulations, and contracts. The district affirmative
action officer shall be copied on all such actions and a full summary of the nature of the
complaint and its resolution shall be provided.
District procedures for investigation and resolution of student complaints of
discrimination, including sexual harassment
Should resolution not be achieved at the campus level, the procedures outlined in AR
5109 must be followed and a report submitted to the California Community Colleges’
counsel as required by law.
Approved: December 14, 1983
51
APPENDIX VII
OUT OF SEQUENCE AGREEMENT
___ ___ ____ ____ ____
____
____________________ ______________
____________________ ______________
Fresno City College
Respiratory Care Program
OUT-OF-SEQUENCE AGREEMENT
I will not be able to continue my course of study in the Respiratory Care
Program because of one of the following reasons:
Financial Family Illness Excessive Absences Course
Failure Other
COMMENTS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
I am aware that interruptions in my program of study for any one of the above
reasons will subject me to loss of my continuing student status, and I will be
reclassified as an out-of-sequence student whose placement is contingent on
space availability. If there are more students than spaces, placement will be
determined by lottery. I understand that as a consequence of this delay in my
coursework, I will not be continuing on with my fellow classmates; and I will be in
classes with continuing students in other semesters of the program. Regardless
of the circumstances, those courses in which a student receives a “W”, "D" or
an "F" grade may be repeated once only.
I understand that while the continuing students are guaranteed positions
throughout the program, the out-of-sequence student is given no
guarantee from one semester to the next in the absence of available
spaces.
I further understand that as an out-of-sequence student, if I wish to defer a
rotation I can expect to have my name moved to the bottom of the list.
I am required to keep my address up to date and notify the Respiratory
Care Program Director of any changes of address and telephone number.
If the RCP office cannot contact me for placement, I can expect to have
my name removed from the list, to be reinstated only after conference with
the RCP Director and the Dean of the Allied Health, Physical Education,
and Athletics Division.
I am aware that student placement will be determined at the end of each
semester after final grades have been calculated. .
I have read and understand the above, and I have been informed by the
Program Director of the consequences of noncompliance.
Student’s Signature Date
Director Signature Date
Respiratory Care Program
Rev. 03/01/2012