College of Technology

Health Professions Department

Bobette Pattee, Chair

Pages 146-148

Special Certificate Requirements

The health professions programs in Practical Nursing, Respiratory Therapy Technology and Surgical Technology have a waiting list for admittance. Interested persons are encouraged to apply at least one year prior to anticipated school attendance.

Prior to entry in the clinical portion of these programs, students must take a test for tuberculosis, the PPD (Purified Protein Derivative), and give the results to the Health Professions Department Chair at the College. If the test is positive, the student must present a letter written by a physician to the department chair stating that the student is under the physician's care and can continue in the clinical portion of the training program. Students are strongly encouraged to receive the hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) prior to working in clinical settings. Usually three vaccines are required at an approximate cost of $60 each. It is suggested that students start the series of vaccines upon acceptance into the program. CPR training must be completed prior to entering the clinical portion of training.

The related studies requirements are included in the following courses of study. Refer to the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog for the specific requirements.

Upon completion of the Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, or Respiratory Therapy Technology programs students are expected to take professional examinations. Students are responsible for filing required forms, associated fees, and grade transcripts. More information can be obtained by contacting the Health Professions Department chair.

Practical Nursing-Certificate

Students in the Practical Nursing program are trained to be licensed practical nurses (LPNs). With the guidance of a registered nurse or other licensed personnel, the LPN assists individuals in meeting basic human needs, such as spiritual, physical, emotional, cultural, educational, and health promotional, in order to achieve optimum wellness. The LPN uses the nursing process which includes critical thinking and decision-making skills. The LPN will gather, record, and communicate client data within the ethical and legal guidelines specified in the Nurse Practice Act. The LPN performs skilled technical procedures, administers medications, and provides basic care to culturally diverse clients throughout the life span.

Students in the program must pass all courses with a minimum grade of "C" in order to continue in the program and to graduate. Students who successfully complete the program earn a Certificate of Completion and are prepared to take the examination required for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The program is approved by the Montana Board of Nursing. Students who successfully complete NUR 152T may obtain a Certified Nurse Aide certificate. Students may enter in autumn or spring semester.

Autumn and Spring Entry:

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Respiratory Therapy Technology-Certificate

Students who complete the Respiratory Therapy Technology program are trained to become respiratory therapy technicians. Respiratory therapy technicians administer respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system (heart and lungs) under the supervision of physicians or respiratory therapists. They set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, aerosol generators and EKG machines. Duties include treating patients with breathing devices in order to deliver medication directly into the lungs. Technicians will be involved in most medical emergencies that involve shock, chest injuries, asthma, post-thoracic surgery, and cardiopulmonary arrest. A national credentialing examination must be passed to become a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician.

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 spring semester, summer session, and the following autumn semester. These sites may include, but are not limited to, Kalispell, Butte, and Billings.

Students in the program must pass all courses with a minimum grade of "C" in order to continue in the program and to graduate.

Students who successfully complete the program earn a Certificate of Completion and are prepared to take the National Board for Respiratory Care entry level examination required to become a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician. The cost of the exam is $90. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Students may enter in the autumn semester only.

Autumn Entry:

First Year

Summer Session

Autumn Semester (first 8 weeks)

Surgical Technology-Certificate

Students in this program are trained to be surgical technologists who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses in delivering patient care pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and post-operatively. They function as a scrub technologist, the sterile member of the surgical team who passes instruments, sutures, and sponges during surgery. They follow strict adherence to aseptic techniques, as well as the care, cleaning, and maintenance of surgical supplies. In addition, surgical technologists function in assisting the R.N. circulator by assisting the anesthesiologist and anticipating additional needs of the surgical team.

Students in the program must pass all courses with a minimum grade of "C" in order to continue in the program and to graduate. Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a Certification of Completion and are encouraged to take the national examination to become certified. The program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Students enter in the autumn semester only.

Autumn Entry:

Post-Spring Session

95-96 UM Undergraduate Catalog