Baccalaureate Degree Program

 

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) provides students who already possess the associate degree and licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) with additional knowledge, skills, and attributes in leadership, management, education, research and advanced clinical practice.

The BSRC allows students to accomplish their professional goals and prepare for advanced degrees without leaving the Antelope Valley, and at a fraction of the cost compared to other institutions offering bachelor’s degrees.

Why the BSRC?

Employers are placing greater demands on respiratory therapists (RTs), but many lack the necessary knowledge and skills to meet these demands. Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) are required to expand their knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities beyond what is taught in an associate degree program. RCPs are being asked to take on more responsibilities than ever before, and employers are seeking those with additional skills and knowledge.

California Community College Baccalaureate Program Background:

In September 2014, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 850, which permitted the California Community Colleges Board of Governors (BOG) to launch a pilot program of baccalaureate degrees in 15 California Community Colleges. Later in May 2015, the Board of Governors approved the Airframe Manufacturing Technology program proposed by Antelope Valley College, making AVC one of the first 15 California community colleges to offer a baccalaureate degree.

In October 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 927, which authorized the California Community Colleges Board of Governors to expand the statewide baccalaureate degree programs indefinitely, solidifying the need for equitable, accessible, and affordable baccalaureate degrees.

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Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) 

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes-based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the program's educational goals are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.

Antelope Valley College's Bachelor in Science Respiratory Care program is currently in the process of obtaining accreditation from CoARC. This accreditation is vital to ensuring that our program meets the highest standards of education and training in the field of respiratory care.

www.coarc.com

(817) 283-2835

CoARC outcomes data is available through this link: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/ 

Program Goals

To provide associate degree level graduates and licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) with additional knowledge, skills, and attributes in leadership, management, education, research, or advanced clinical practice both to meet their current professional goals and to prepare them for practice as advanced degree respiratory therapists.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon Completion of Degree requirements, students will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of advanced Respiratory Care concepts and functions in  Neonatal, pediatric, adult critical care, and leadership.
2. Draw on multiple sources of analysis, research, and critical thinking to address a problem and construct an applicable project focused on Respiratory Care.
3. Participate as a multidisciplinary team member in patient education and disease management of acute and chronic illnesses.
4. Integrate professional and ethical behavior with enhanced communication skills required for practice within the diverse field of respiratory care.

What are the prerequisites for entrance to the BSRC Program:

• Students must meet a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all college courses taken.
• Complete lower division Respiratory Care coursework from a CoARC accredited program.
• Be a licensed RRT or licensure eligible.

Students should complete all prerequisites by the end of the spring term, the year of enrollment intent. The program is limited to 30 students per year. Up to 24 spaces will be prioritized for the current year's graduating class, the remaining spaces will be prioritized by the following type of applicant: 

1. Past Antelope Valley College Respiratory Care Graduates who wish to complete the BSRC program. 
    
2. Graduates from other programs who have completed an accredited Respiratory Care program equivalent to an A.S. in Respiratory Care, are California licensure eligible and have completed 30 CSU GE breadth or IGETC (CSU or UC) lower division GE units and submitted all application materials. 

For the remaining spaces, if more applications are received than spaces are allowed, admission will be determined by the multi-screening criteria and priorities 1 & 2 as listed above. A waiting list of 10 students will be formed for the current enrollment period. The multi-screening criteria may be found in this page's Program Forms and Documents section.  

Submission of an application for enrollment form does not guarantee a student's admission to the program.

Application Process:

Admission to the Bachelor of Science Respiratory Care Program (BSRC) will be by special application. 

All students applying for enrollment in the BSRC program should follow these instructions. All required forms are available under the Program Forms and Documents section (bottom of page). 

1. Complete the Application for Enrollment Form (made available only during the application period).
    
2. Attach official college transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended, including Antelope Valley College. If you have Advance Placement (AP) credits, an official transcript must also be included. "Official" college transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope that has not been opened by the student. 
   
   • One set of transcripts is to be turned in with your application and one set must also be on file with the AVC transcript office.
   
   • For multi-screening criteria; consideration of prior degrees earned: appropriate degree name and conferral date must be listed on the official transcript.
    
3. Attach a copy of your updated Education Plan completed by the listed AVC Counselor assigned to the BSRC program (see below).  Appointments should only be made with the assigned personnel listed below. Appointments can be made through email at counseling@avc.edu or by calling (661) 722-6300 ext. 6338. Request to meet with the following Counselor: 
   • Nathasha Hong*
    
4. Submit items 1 through 3 to the Career Technical Education division office, Enterprise Lab, Room 136. Items 1 through 4 are considered your "application packet". You may also mail your application packet to: Antelope Valley College, Attn: Rosie Heasley, 3041 W. Avenue K, Lancaster, CA 93536. Call (661) 722-6300 ext. 6882 for drop-off hours.

*Approved to evaluate transcripts from other institutions