The Health Professions Department of Missoula College of University of Montana seeks to prepare students to be health practitioners who are technically competent and who are safe and in a variety of clinical, agency and community settings. The Health Professions Department offers four Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degrees, one Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree, and one Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) program with courses and learning experiences that contribute to understanding the health needs of individuals and society. Clinical affiliations and on-site experiences are essential elements of all programs; local and regional communities, their agencies, and organizations are a valuable resource and provide cooperative learning experiences in health delivery systems.
The goals of the Health Professions Department are:
The Health Professions Department offers A.A.S. degrees in Practical Nursing (PN), Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care, Surgical Technology, an A.S. degree in Registered Nursing (ASRN), and a Certificate in Applied Science (CAS) in Pharmacy Technology. Admission to a specific Health Professions (HP) program requires documented completion of the Associate of Arts (AA) prerequisite courses as required by the specific HP program to which the student is applying. The AA prerequisite courses are different for each HP program and are listed in the specific program description in this catalog. A prerequisite course may be attempted a maximum of two (2) times. A minimum of a B grade must be earned in BIOH 201N/202N (SCN 201N) and BIOH 211N/212N (SCN 202N) Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II to be considered a passing grade. Any general prerequisite course required for an HP program must be taken prior to acceptance into the program. Additional requirements for admission to each of the HP programs vary and are also listed in the specific program descriptions.
Students enter Missoula College of University of Montana as a pre-program of their choice major. Students select courses from the required prerequisite courses after conferring with a Health Professions advisor within their major. Assessment of writing for placement in writing courses follows University guidelines and is offered during orientation and at various times during the semester. Math placement is determined by the ALEK math placement test found on the Missoula College web-page. Placement testing must be done prior to the initial advising appointment to assure that students are enrolled in the appropriate course to ensure success in writing and math studies.
Following successful completion of the prerequisite courses, admission to a health program requires a completed application for the specific program to which the student is applying, with documented completion of the program specific prerequisite courses. For program specific admission requirements and grade point average (GPA) expectations, please refer to the individual program descriptions or contact the specific HP Program Director. Applications can be obtained on the respective HP Program webpage. Students must submit a separate application to each HP program they desire admission to. If a student is accepted to multiple programs, the student can only accept admission to one HP program and must decline admission to the other program(s). Deadlines for applications are April 1 and November 1.
Students provide proof of the following health requirements prior to beginning the clinical portion of HP programs:
Many licensing bodies/employing institutions in health care have increasingly stringent requirements and background checks as conditions for licensing or employment. If students have a concern about this they should contact the licensing board for their specialty (contact information may be obtained from appropriate HP Program Director).
Most programs in the Health Professions Department include courses with course fees and special supplies requirements. To obtain a complete listing of these additional items and costs, call the Missoula College Department of Health Professions Office at 406- 243-7868.
The groups of courses are different for each HP program and are listed in the specific program description. Some program courses may not be offered in all semesters. Consult your Program Advisor regarding which courses to take and when to enroll.
There are other courses which will enhance HP program studies and improve a student’s ability to provide quality health care. Students may take these additional courses prior to acceptance to a HP program. Courses should be selected with the assistance of an approved HP program advisor, as taking too many courses may adversely affect financial aid. These courses include, but are not limited to:
The American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) - accredited Pharmacy Technology Program at the University of Montana-Missoula College prepares students to function in hospital-based pharmacies, community pharmacies, and a number of other types of pharmacies. The two-semester program includes classroom, lab, and experiential learning opportunities. Lab and experiential hours allow students to integrate their classroom knowledge into the practical setting. Students are required to rotate to experiential sites and some may be outside the Missoula area. Transportation and housing are the student's responsibility.
The Pharmacy Technology Program is an autumn entry program. Applicants to the Pharmacy Technology program must complete the program specific application packet which can be obtained on the UM Missoula College Pharmacy Technology webpage. Please note that application deadlines are found on this webpage. Generally, applications to the program are due April 1 during the spring semester prior to the autumn semester program start. Documentation of required assessments must be included in the application packet. Assessments are required in writing, and in math. Transcripts are not accepted in place of the assessments. Students should place in Level 3 or higher in the ALEKS Math Assessment, and should attain a 7 or better on the E-Write Assessment, or provide alternate assessment scores as instructed in the application packet. Students who do not score high enough on assessments should consult with an advisor to arrange enrollment in the necessary courses to build their skills. Students must either complete the Intro to Computers (CAPP 120) or pass the challenge for CAPP 120 prior to enrollment in the Pharmacy Technology Program. The challenge is offered several times each year. Instructions for scheduling the challenge and assessments are found in the application on the program website:http://www.cte.umt.edu/health/pharmacytech/.
Once accepted into the program, all students are expected to register with the State of Montana as Pharmacy Technicians in Training. Please note the requirements of registration as a Pharmacy Technician in Training found on the application form on the Montana State Board of Pharmacy website: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/pha_board/pdf/pha_tech.pdf
Students must complete the required autumn PHAR classes with a B or higher to proceed to the spring semester. If a student does not pass the required courses with a B or better, he/she will not be able to continue in the program and will need to apply for readmission. A student may take any required course a maximum of two (2) times.
After successfully completing the program, students are awarded a Certificate of Applied Science and are well prepared and encouraged to sit for the national technician certification examination such as offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Some students may be prepared to take the PTCE as early as December of the first semester of the program, so that they may complete their experiential training as certified Pharmacy Technicians rather than Certified Technicians in Training.
Conviction of a crime (misdemeanor or felony) could leave an individual ineligible for participation in the certifying test and/or becoming registered in Montana as a certified pharmacy technician. Background checks are required prior to internships. Additionally, the Montana State Board of Pharmacy Application for Pharmacy Technician Registration includes a number of questions regarding personal history, including but not limited to criminal charges. Please contact the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board), www.ptcb.org, and the Montana State Board of Pharmacy (http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/pha_board/board_page.asp) if this is a potential problem.
Current salary range in Montana is from $7 per hour to $20 per hour, depending on employer, job duties, and experience.
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| PHAR 100 (PHA 100) Introduction to Pharmacy Practice for Techs. | 3 | - |
| PHAR 101 (PHA 101) Pharmacy Calculations | 3 | - |
| PHAR 191 (PHA 102) Pharmacology for Technicians | 3 | - |
| PHAR 104 (PHA 104195) Pharmacy Dispensing Lab | 4 | - |
| BIOH 108 (SCN 115N) Basic Anatomy | 3 | - |
| PHAR 198 (PHA 106) Internship: Pharmacy Technology Retail | - | 4 |
| PHAR 198 (PHA 107) Internship: Pharmacy Technology Alternate | - | 4 |
| PHAR 120 (PHA 110) Medication Safety | - | 3 |
| AMHS 144 (MED 195T) Medical Terminology | - | 3 |
| Total | 16 | 14 |
The Missoula College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in Practical Nursing (PN). Applicants for the PN program must have a high school diploma or equivalency, have completed the AA prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C, except in BIOH 201N/BIOH 211N & BIOH 211N/BIOH 212N (SCN 201N and 202N) which requires a B or higher grade, and possess a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
Admission to the program also requires completion of the application which can be obtained on the Missoula College UM Nursing webpage. The number of students accepted into the A.A.S. Program is limited to 20 each autumn and spring. Application deadlines are April 1 and November 1. A student may apply while enrolled in the final semester of the A.A.S. pre-nursing courses with acceptance to the program to be determined after the currently completed semester grades are finalized. All candidates who meet the admission requirements will be considered.
Students learn practical nursing skills through independent study, lectures, simulations, demonstrations, and practice in a nursing skills lab. Under instructor supervision, students also provide patient care in a variety of health care settings. The program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing (301 South Park, Helena, MT 59601).
Students must provide proof of having met the following requirements to the Nursing Program Administrative Associate, on or before the first day of class:
Many licensing bodies and employing institutions in health care have increasingly stringent requirements and background checks as conditions for licensing or employment. If a student has concerns about this, she/he should contact the licensing board for nursing at dlibsdnur@mt.gov.
Practical Nursing program graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses. Completion of the A.A.S. Practical Nursing Program does not guarantee a student licensure. This is a decision of the Montana State Board of Nursing.
After licensure, graduates typically find employment in hospitals, long term care facilities, physician offices and other health care agencies. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, dentist, osteopath or other health care provider as specified in the State of Montana Nurse Practice Act.
A.A.S. pre-nursing courses must be completed prior to application to the program. Students are eligible to apply to the program during the semester of completing the A.A.S. pre-nursing course. An A.A.S. pre-nursing course may be attempted a maximum of two (2) times.
| PN Prerequisites | A/S |
|---|---|
|
CHMY 121N (CHEM 151N) Introduction to General Chemistry |
3 |
| CHMY 122N (CHEM 152N) Introduction to General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| M 121 (MAT 118) College Algebra (requires a placement test) or M 115 (MATH 117) Linear & Probability or M 151 (MATH 121) Pre-Calculus or M 171 (MATH 152) Calculus | 3 |
| NRSG 100 (NUR 101) Introduction to Nursing | 1 |
| PSYX 100S (PSY 100S) Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| NUTR 221N (SCN 150) Nutrition (Suggested prerequisite is SCN 100N, Issues in Biology) | 3 |
| BIOH 201N-201N & BIOH 211N-212N (SCN 201N-202N) Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab and Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab (must be completed with a minimum of a B grade). (Suggested Pre-requisite is BIOH 108 (SCN 115) Basic Anatomy) | 8 |
| WRIT 101 (WTS 101) College Writing I (requires a placement test) | 3 |
| NRSG 197 Certified Nursing Assistant (if student is not a Certified Nursing Assistant) | 4 |
Being certified as a CNA is a change to the A.A.S PN nursing program prerequisites staring autumn 2013. The CNA course is designed for students who do not already have a CNA. The course does not have to be completed at MC, but an active CNA Certificate must be included in the PN Nursing Program Application.
Students who have begun the PN program under an earlier catalog will have a slightly different course of study. Please see a program advisor for the correct schedule of courses.
Scope and Sequence of the Practical Nursing Program:
| First Year Start in Spring | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| NRSG 130 (NUR 110) Fundamentals of Nursing and Lab | - | 7 |
| NRSG 135 (NUR 125) Nursing Pharmacology | - | 3 |
| NRSG 138 (NUR 146) Gerontology for Nursing | - | 2 |
| NRSG 140 (NUR 156) Core Concepts of Adult Nursing and Clinical | 7 | - |
| NRSG 142 (NUR 168) Core Concepts of Maternal Child Nursing and Clinical | 3 | - |
| NRSG 144 (NUR155) Core Concepts of Mental Health Nursing | - | 2 |
| NRSG 148 (NUR 173) Leadership Issues and Clinical | 2 | - |
| NRSG 147 (NUR 170) Practical Nursing NCLEX Review (elective) | 2 | - |
| Total | 14 | 14 |
| First Year Start in Autumn | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| NRSG 130 (NUR 110) Fundamentals of Nursing and Lab | 7 | - |
| NRSG 135 (NUR 125) Nursing Pharmacology | 3 | - |
| NRSG 138 (NUR 146) Gerontology | 2 | - |
| NRSG 144 (NUR 155) Core Concepts of Mental Health Nursing | 2 | - |
| NRSG 140 (NUR 156) Core Concepts of Adult Nursing and Clinical | - | 7 |
| NRSG 142 (NUR 168) Core Concepts of Maternal Child Nursing and Clinical | - | 3 |
| NRSG 148 (NUR 173) Leadership Issues and Clinical | - | 2 |
| NRSG 147 (NUR 170) Practical Nursing NCLEX Review (elective) | - | 2 |
| Total | 14 | 14 |
The Associate of Science degree (A.S.N.) program articulates with the PN program and requires at least two additional semesters of full-time study. Applicants must have completed a PN program with the A.A. pre-nursing courses listed in the practical nursing course of study, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. A.A.S. PN students are eligible to apply to the A.S.N. program during the final semester of the A.A.S. PN program. Admission to the program also requires completion of the application which can be obtained on the Missoula College UM Nursing webpage. The number of students accepted into the A.S.N. program is limited to 18 each autumn and spring. Of the 18 students accepted, 10 are on campus, face-to-face program and 8 are part of the Goodman hybrid program. Application deadlines are April 1 and November 1. All candidates who meet the admission requirements will be considered. Students learn Registered Nursing skills through independent study, lectures, simulations, demonstrations and advanced skills practice in the nursing lab. Under instructor supervision and preceptorship, students also provide patient care in a variety of acute care settings.
The A.S.N. degree program is approved by the State Board of Nursing (301 South Park, Helena, MT 59601). The program is accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) (3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326).
The requirements for all students entering the program are:
Many licensing bodies and employing institutions in health care have increasingly stringent requirements and background checks as conditions for licensing or employment. If a student has concerns about this, she/he should contact the licensing board for nursing at dlibsdnur@mt.gov.
Upon completion of the A.S.N. program, graduates earn an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASRN) and are eligible to write the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Completion of the A.S.N. Program does not guarantee a student licensure. This is a decision of the Montana State Board of Nursing. Graduates are prepared for employment as registered nurses in acute care facilities, geriatric care centers, industrial setting, and in public and private health care agencies.
| Prerequisite courses | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| Have completed all PN Prerequisites | ||
| BIOM 250N (BIOL 106N) Microbiology for Health Sciences (not mandatory but highly recommended due to clinical scheduling conflict) | 3 | - |
| BIOH 251N Microbiology for Health Sciences Lab (not mandatory, but highly recommended due to clinical scheduling conflict) | 1 | - |
| BIOH 211N-212N (SCN 202N) Human Anatomy and Physiology II (required if student has not taken 2 semesters of A&P (4 credits each with a lab)) | 4 | – |
| SOCI 101S (SOC 110S) Introduction to Sociology (not mandatory but highly recommended due to clinical scheduling conflict) | - | 3 |
| RN First Year Start in Autumn | A | S |
|---|---|---|
|
NRSG 250 (NUR 240) Transition to Registered Nursing |
3 | - |
| NRSG 252 (NUR 268) Complex Care Maternal/Child Client and Clinical | 3 | - |
| NRSG 254 (NUR 255) Complex Care Mental Health Client and Clinical | 2 | - |
| NRSG 256 (NUR 230) Pathophysiology | 3 | - |
| NRSG 262 (NUR 256) Complex Care Needs - Adult Client and Clinical | - | 4 |
| NRSG 265 (NUR 270) Advanced Clinical Skills Lab | 1 | - |
| NRSG 266 (NUR 290) Managed Client Care and Clinical | - | 4 |
| Total | 12 | 8 |
| RN First Year Start in Spring | A | S |
|---|---|---|
|
NRSG 250 (NUR 240) Transition to Registered Nursing |
- | 2 |
| NRSG 252 (NUR 268) Complex Care Maternal/Child Client and Clinical | - | 3 |
| NRSG 254 (NUR 255) Complex Care Mental Health Client and Clinical | - | 2 |
| NRSG 256 (NUR 230) Pathophysiology | - | 3 |
| NRSG 262 (NUR 256) Complex Care Needs - Adult Client and Clinical | 4 | - |
| NRSG 265 (NUR 270) Advanced Clinical Skills Lab | 2 | - |
| NRSG 266 (NUR 290) Managed Client Care and Clinical | 4 | - |
| Total | 9 | 11 |
A Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer) uses critical thinking and independent judgment to obtain a diagnostic imaging study while maintaining quality patient care and minimizing radiation exposure. Technologists are employed in acute care settings, ambulatory care settings, physicians’ offices, in education and in management or sales positions. With additional education and training, radiographers may be employed in radiation therapy, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic medical ultrasound, nuclear medicine, special vascular imaging and cardiac catheterization.
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology requires students to successfully complete the Pre-Radiology prerequisite courses prior to applying to the program. Students admitted to the University of Montana may enroll in the Pre-Radiology prerequisite courses. Students must pass BIOH 201N-202N (SCN 201N-202N) with a minimum grade of ‘B’ and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all course work including prerequisite courses to apply to the Radiologic Technology program. Students must prove competence with computer technology in one of the following three ways; Acceptable transfer credit for CAPP 120; Pass the challenge exam for CAPP 120; take and pass CAPP 120. A course may be attempted a maximum of two times. As some courses are offered autumn or spring semester only, it is important to obtain advising with the Program Director each semester prior to registration. Application to the program is required spring semester the year prior to the autumn semester program start. Students may apply while enrolled in the Pre-Radiology prerequisite courses with acceptance to the program to be determined after spring grades are finalized. Students who apply twice to the program and are not accepted are strongly encouraged to contact Career Services for counseling toward another degree. The program classes begin autumn semester each year with four semesters consisting of classroom and clinical education. A ten-week summer clinical rotation is required between the first and second years and consists of 40 hour per week of clinical and classroom instruction.
Once accepted in the program, all students are expected to complete BIOH 211N-212N (SCN 202N) and all courses with an AHXR rubric with a minimum grade of “B” to continue in the program.
The Radiologic Technology program is approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. When all requirements for the associate degree are completed, the student will be eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Upon successful completion of this examination, the student becomes a Registered Radiologic Technologist, R.T. (R) ARRT.
Students entering the program are required to rotate to clinical sites outside the Missoula area on a periodic basis. These rotations will take place during any term or session beginning the second semester of the program. These sites may include, but are not limited to, Ronan, Hamilton, and Polson, Montana. Transportation and housing are the student’s responsibility.
To be successfully completed prior to application to the program. An AA Prerequisite course may be attempted a maximum of two (2) times:
| M 115 (MAT 117) Probability and Linear Math or M 121 (MAT 118)College Algebra | 3 |
| SCN 175N Integrated Physical Sciences | 3 |
| BIOH 201N-202N (SCN 201N) Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab | 4 |
| WRIT 121 (WTS 115) Introduction to Technical Writing or WRIT 101 College Writing | 3 |
| Total | 13 |
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| COMX 111A (COM 160A) Introduction to Public Speaking | – | 3 |
| PSYX 161S (PSY 110S) Organizational Psychology or PSYX 100S (PSY 100S) Introduction to Psychology | 3 | – |
| AHXR 100 (RAD 110) Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging | 3 | - |
| AHXR 121 (RAD 121) Radiographic Imaging I | - | 4 |
| AHXR 140 (RAD 111) Radiological Methods | 3 | - |
| AHXR 195 (RAD 151) Radiographic Clinical: I | - | 8 |
| AHXR 240 (RAD 112) Radiological Methods II | - | 3 |
| BIOH 211N-212N (SCN 202N) Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab | 4 | - |
| Total | 13 | 18 |
| Summer Session | A | S |
| AHXR 195 (RAD 161) Radiographic Clinical: II | 12 | |
| Total | 12 | |
| Second Year | A | S |
| AHMS 270E (MED 280E) Medical Law and Ethics | - | 3 |
| AHXR 221 (RAD 222) Radiographic Imaging II | 3 | - |
| AHXR 225 (RAD 241) Radiobiology/Radiation Protection | 2 | - |
| AHXR 270 (RAD 245) Radiographic Registry Review | - | 2 |
| AHXR 295 (RAD 251) Radiographic Clinical: III | 8 | - |
| AHXR 295 (RAD 261) Radiographic Clinical: IV | - | 9 |
| Total | 13 | 14 |
Respiratory Care is an allied health specialty. It is an important part of modern medicine and health care. Respiratory Care encompasses the care of patients with respiratory problems in the hospital, clinic, and home.
Respiratory therapists, as members of a team of health care professionals, work to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders in a wide variety of clinical settings. Respiratory therapists must behave in a manner consistent with the standards and ethics of all health care professionals. In addition to performing respiratory care procedures, respiratory therapists are involved in clinical decision-making (such as patient evaluation, treatment selection, and assessment of treatment efficacy) and patient education. The scope of practice for respiratory therapist includes, but is not limited to:
Starting salaries are excellent with premiums paid for evening, night, and weekend shifts. Jobs are plentiful throughout the United States. Graduates are eligible to take the credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) which lead to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Licensure requirements in the state of Montana also are met by successful completion of the NBRC Entry Level (CRT) examination.
The goal of the program is, "To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs)" CoARC standard 3.01.
The program is 4 ½ semesters in length which includes the AA prerequisite courses and a summer session. The Respiratory Care Program at The University of Montana Missoula College, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com), 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244. Graduates receive the degree of Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care.
Students accepted to the program are required to rotate to clinical sites outside the Missoula area on a periodic basis. These rotations take place during the spring semester, summer session and autumn semester of the second year. These sites may include, but are not limited to: Kalispell, Ronan, Polson, Butte, Billings, Bozeman, Hamilton, Helena, Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston, Idaho and Spokane, Washington. Transportation and housing are the student’s responsibility.
Note: If a student has not completed the general health core courses until the end of spring session, he/she should still apply in spring semester and request a provisional acceptance contingent upon successful completion of general health core courses during the summer session.
To be successfully completed prior to application to the program. An AA prerequisite course may be attempted a maximum of two (2) times.
| M 115 (MAT 117) Probability and Linear Mathematics Probability and Linear Math or M 121 (MAT 118)College Algebra | 3 |
| PSYX 161S (PSY 110S)Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| BIOH 201N-201N & BIOH 211N-212N (SCN 201N-202N) Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab and Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab | 8 |
| WRIT 121 (WTS 115) Introduction to Technical Writing or WRIT 101 (WTS 101) College Writing I | 3 |
| SCN 175N Integrated Physical Science 1 | 3 |
| Total | 20 |
| Autumn Entry | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| AHRC 101 (RES 101T) Communication and Management | 1 | - |
| AHRC 115 (RES 115T) Blood Gas Analysis (wintersession) | - | 2 |
| AHRC 129 (RES 129T) Patient Care and Assessment | 4 | - |
| AHRC 130 (RES 130T) Respiratory Care Lab 1B | 1 | - |
| AHRC 131 (RES 131T) Respiratory Care Fundamentals | 5 | - |
| AHRC 133 (RES 133T) Respiratory Care Pharmacology | - | 3 |
| AHRC 150 (RES 150T) Respiratory Care Laboratory I | 1 | - |
| AHRC 231 (RES 231T) Respiratory Critical Care | - | 4 |
| AHRC 232 (RES 232T) Respiratory Pathology and Disease | - | 3 |
| AHRC 235 (RES 235T) Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology | 3 | - |
| AHRC 250 (RES 250T) Respiratory Care Laboratory II | - | 2 |
| AHRC 255 (RES 255T) Clinical Experience I | - | 5 |
| Total | 15 | 19 |
| Summer Session | ||
| AHRC 260 (RES 260T) Respiratory Care Laboratory III | 1 | |
| AHRC 265 (RES 265T) Clinical Experience II | 5 | |
| Total | 6 | |
| Autumn Semester | A | S |
| AHRC 243 (RES 241T) Prenatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care | 3 | |
| AHRC 252 (RES 252T) Respiratory Care Review | 2 | |
| AHRC 270 (RES 270T) Respiratory Care Laboratory IV | 1 | |
| AHRC 275 (RES 275T) Clinical Experience III | 6 | |
| Total | 12 |
Students in the program are educated to be Surgical Technologists who work as part of the surgical team to ensure the operative procedure is conducted under optimal conditions. The ST is responsible for three phases (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative) of patient care with minimal direction. All surgical team members must adhere to the principles of asepsis and the practice of sterile technique. The ST normally functions in a sterile capacity by passing instruments, equipment and supplies to the surgeon during the surgical procedure but may also perform many non-sterile duties throughout the workday.
Students admitted to The University of Montana enter as Associate of Arts (AA) General Studies majors with an emphasis in the program of their choice. Students must select the specific prerequisite courses required for their chosen area of study after meeting with the program advisor. Students must apply to the program by October 1. Students may apply while enrolled in the A.A. prerequisite courses with acceptance to the program to be determined after the Autumn semester grades are finalized. The course, BIOH 201N/202N (SCN 201N), Anatomy and Physiology I, and lab, must be passed with a grade of B (3.0). All other prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C (2.0). The program-specific courses begin spring semester.
Once accepted to the program, a student must complete each Surgical Technology-specific course (those courses with an AHST with a minimum grade of ‘C' (80%) in order to continue in the ST program. All other required courses must also be passed with a grade of "C". Course grading scales may vary. If a student does not pass the required courses, he/she will not be able to continue in the program and will need to apply for readmission. If a student is re-admitted, he/she will be required to complete skills labs, AHST 115 (SUR 102T) and AHST 215 (SUR 202T), to ensure sterile technique skills are acceptable for patient care. A student may take any required course a maximum of two (2) times. A student may apply to the program a maximum of two (2) times.
A student will become a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists (www.ast.org) during the first year in the program. A student anticipating program completion will write the National Certification Exam prior to graduation. A student who successfully completes the ST program is awarded an A.A.S. degree in Surgical Technology. The credential of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) will be awarded to a student upon passing the National Certification Exam and graduation from the ST program. The credential of Certified is awarded by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Students are required to rotate sites during the clinical portion of their education. During the last semester of the program, internships may be outside the Missoula area. Transportation and housing are the student's responsibility. Prior to entering a healthcare facility for clinical experiences, a student will be required to submit a background check. Many healthcare facilities have increasingly stringent requirements. A student could be refused entry into a clinical facility based on information disclosed in a background check. If this is a concern for you, please consult the Program Director. If a student is denied agency access based on the Background Check, there will be no placement at an alternate site, and the subsequent inability of the student to complete the clinical education will result in inability to continue in the Surgical Technology program.
The University of Montana Missoula College Surgical Technology Program also has Outreach campuses in Butte and Billings. The Butte site is the Montana Tech of The University of Montana Missoula College campus in collaboration with St James Healthcare. The Billings site is the Montana State University-Billings Missoula College campus in collaboration with St Vincent Healthcare and Billings Clinic. Students at those sites take the equivalent prerequisite courses on their respective campuses. The Surgical Technology-specific courses begin spring semester. Students must apply to the ST program by October 1. Students may apply while enrolled in the prerequisite courses with acceptance to the program to be determined after fall grades are finalized. The classroom portion of the ST program curriculum is delivered in web-based format using the Moodle course delivery system from the Missoula campus. Lab and clinical courses are conducted on each Outreach campus. Outreach students are required to travel to Missoula to write the National Certification Exam and to participate in Commencement exercises. Prospective students may contact the Health Professions' Office at 406-243-7868 for more information regarding the ST Program on the Butte and Billings campuses. Please refer to the specific course catalogs on the Butte and Billings campuses for prerequisite requirements.
The ST program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL 33756; phone 727-210-2350, www.caahep.org.
A student may apply to the program either following completion of the prerequisite courses or during the semester completing the courses. Any required course may be attempted a maximum of two (2) times.
| WRIT 121 (WTS 115) Introduction to Technical Writing or WRIT 101 (WTS 101) College Writing I | 3 |
| BIOH 201N/202N (SCN 201N) Anatomy and Physiology & Lab | 4 |
| CAPP 120 (CRT 100) Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| M 105 Contemporary Math | 3 |
| AHMS 144 (MED 154T) Medical Terminology | 3 |
| PSYX 100S (PSY 100S)Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| Total | 20 |
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| BIOM 250N (BIOL 106N) Microbiology for Health Sciences | - | 3 |
| BIOH 211N-212N (SCN 202N) Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab | - | 4 |
| AHST 115 (SUR 102T) Surgical Lab I | - | 2 |
| AHST 101 (SUR 101T) Introduction to Surgical Technology | - | 3 |
| AHST 154 (SUR 154) Surgical Pharmacology | - | 3 |
| Total | - | 15 |
| Second Year | A | S |
| AHST 200 (SUR 200) Operating Room Techniques | 5 | - |
| AHST 201 (SUR 201) Surgical Procedures I | 4 | - |
| AHST 215 (SUR 202T) Surgical Lab II | 2 | - |
| AHST 250 (SUR 203T) Surgical Clinical I | 4 | - |
| AHMS 270E (MED 280E) Medical Law and Ethics | 3 | |
| AHST 202 (SUR 202T) Surgical Procedures II | - | 5 |
| AHST 251 (SUR 206T) Surgical Clinical II | - | 5 |
| AHST 298 (SUR 290T) Surgical Internship | - | 5 |
| Total | 18 | 15 |
R- before the course description indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R. Credits beyond this maximum do not count toward a degree.
Allied Health Medical Support (AHMS) - Course Descriptions
144, 191, 216, 220, 270E
Surgical Technology (AHST) - Course Descriptions
101, 115, 154, 200, 201, 202, 215, 250, 251, 298
Radiologic Technology (AHXR) - Course Descriptions
100, 121, 140, 191, 192, 195, 221, 225, 240, 270, 291, 295, 298
Nursing (NRSG) - Course Descriptions
100, 110, 130, 131, 135, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 147, 148, 149, 191, 192, 250, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 262, 263, 265, 266, 267, 291, 292
Pharmacy (PHAR) - Course Descriptions
100, 101, 102, 104, 120, 191, 192, 198
Allied Health Respiratory Care (AHRC) - Course Descriptions
101, 115, 129, 130, 131, 133, 150, 191, 231, 232, 235, 242, 243, 250, 252, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 291
Registrar's Office
Lommasson Center 201
Phone: (406) 243-2995
Fax: (406) 243-4807