Special Certificate Requirements
The health professions programs in Medical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy Technology, 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. Students on the waiting list are encouraged to complete some of the courses required in the first semester to help reduce their load once they are admitted into their programs.
Prior to entry in the clinical portion of these programs, students must take a test for tuberculosis, the PPD (Purified Protein Derivative)or chest x-ray, 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 required to receive the hepatitis B vaccine HBV) prior to exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Usually three vaccines are required and may be obtained at Student Health Services on the Mountain Campus. 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.
Students in the program must pass all courses with a minimum grade of "C" in order to continue in the program and to graduate.
Upon completion of the Medical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy Technology, 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.
Course Fees and Supplies
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 College of Technology Admissions Office at 243-7882.
Medical Laboratory Technology A.A.S. Degree
Medical laboratory technicians work in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, public health departments, and commercial and industrial laboratories under the direction of a medical technologist, physician, or pathologist. They perform a wide variety of complex biochemical, bacteriological, serological, hematological, and other diagnostic tests. They perform such tasks as collecting blood specimens, making microscopic and chemical examinations of urine, blood, and body fluids, performing cross match techniques, and culturing and identifying bacteria. The technician distinguishes abnormal results from normal results and reports to the physician to facilitate patient care.
Students are awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree upon successful completion of the program. Students may enter autumn semester only.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write national examinations to become certified Medical Laboratory Technicians.
Autumn Entry:
First Year A S
| Biol 106N--Elementary Medical Microbiology | - | 3 |
| Biol 107N--Elementary Microbiology Laboratory | - | 1 |
| Chem 151N-General and Inorganic Chemistry | 3 | - |
| Chem 152N--Organic and Biological Chemistry | - | 3 |
| Chem 154N--General Chemistry Lab | - | 2 |
| COM 145T--English Composition or | 3 | - |
| Enex 101--Composition | 3 | - |
| COM 160A--Oral Communications | 3 | - |
| MAT 100T--Basic Algebra | 3 | - |
| MLT 100T--Introduction to Medical Laboratory Technology | 2 | - |
| MLT 101T--Basic Laboratory Techniques | - | 2 |
| PSY 110T--Organizational Psychology | 3 | - |
| SCN 119T--Anatomy and Physiology | - | 6 |
| Total | 17 | 17 |
Summer Session
| MLT 102T--Clinical Chemistry 4 | 4 |
| MLT 103T--Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, and Mycology 6 | 6 |
| Total 10 | 10 |
Second Year A S
| MLT 201T--Hematology and Coagulation | 5 | - |
| MLT 202T--Clinical Experience I | 10 | - |
| MLT 203T--Immunology, Serology, and Blood Banking | - | 5 |
| MLT 204T--Clinical Experience II | - | 10 |
| Total | 15 | 15 |
Pharmacy Technology - Certificate
Pharmacy technicians assist in the various activities of the pharmacy department not requiring the professional judgment of the pharmacist. They perform such duties as maintaining patient records, filling prescriptions, pricing, drug calculations, IV compounding, filing and dispensing routine orders for stock supplies and patient care areas, and maintaining inventory of drug supplies.
Students are awarded a Certificate of Completion after successfully completing the program.
Students are prepared to function in hospital-based pharmacies and retail pharmacies and may sit for the national technician certification examination offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Graduates may be employed in hospitals, retail drug stores, drug manufacturers, and wholesale drug companies.
Autumn Entry: A S
| COM 100T--Employment Communications | - | 1 |
| PHA 100T--Introduction to Pharmacy Practice | 4 | - |
| PHA 101T--Pharmacy Calculations | 2 | - |
| PHA 102T--Pharmacology | - | 6 |
| PHA 103T--Community Pharmacy | - | 3 |
| PHA 104T--Institutional Pharmacy | - | 3 |
| PSY 110T--Organizational Psychology | - | 3 |
| SCI 119T--Anatomy and Physiology | 6 | - |
| SEC 107T--Keyboarding | 1 | - |
| SEC 154T--Beginning Medical Terminology | 2 | - |
| Total | 15 | 16 |
Summer Session
| PHA 105T--Internship | 5 |
Practical Nursing-Certificate
Students in the Practical Nursing program are educated 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 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
| CRT 101--Introduction to Computers | 2 |
| MAT 112T--Math for Health Professions | 3 |
| NUR 100T--Introduction to Health Professions | 1 |
| NUR 150T--Nutrition | 3 |
| SCN 119T--Anatomy and Physiology | 6 |
| SEC 154T--Beginning Medical Terminology | 2 |
| Total | 17 |
Second Semester
| NUR 151T--Psychosocial Needs | 1 |
| NUR 152T--Fundamental Nursing Skills | 7 |
| NUR 154T--Pharmacological Products I | 2 |
| NUR 155T--Adult Physiological Needs I | 7 |
| NUR 158T--Aging Process Needs | 1 |
| Total | 18 |
Third Semester
| NUR 164T--Pharmacological Products II | 2 |
| NUR 165T--Adult Physiological Needs II | 7 |
| NUR 167T--Childbearing Family Needs | 4 |
| NUR 169T--Nursing Trends and Issues | 2 |
| Total | 15 |
Respiratory Therapy Technology-Certificate
Students who complete the Respiratory Therapy Technology program are educated 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 and the following autumn semester. These sites may include, but are not limited to, Kalispell, Butte, and Billings.
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 A S
| CRT 101--Introduction to Computers | 2 | - |
| MAT 112T--Math for Health Professions | 3 | - |
| RES 120T--Ethics and Health Communications | 1 | - |
| RES 129T--Patient Care and Assessment | 3 | - |
| RES 131T-132T--Respiratory Therapy Theory I, II | 4 | 4 |
| RES 133T--Respiratory Care Pharmacology | - | 2 |
| RES 194T--Cardiopulmonary Physiology | - | 4 |
| RES 195T--Respiratory Therapy Laboratory I | - | 2 |
| RES 196T--Clinical Experience I | - | 6 |
| SCN 119T--Anatomy and Physiology | 6 | - |
| Total | 19 | 18 |
Autumn Semester A
| RES 232T--Respiratory Pathology and Disease | 2 |
| RES 242T--Respiratory Therapy Home Care | 2 |
| RES 250T--Respiratory Therapy Seminar | 1 |
| RES 285T--Respiratory Therapy Lab II | 3 |
| RES 290T--Clinical Experience II | 8 |
| Total | 16 |
Surgical Technology- Certificate
Students in this program are educated 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 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 spring semester only.
Spring Entry: S
| CRT 101--Introduction to Computers | 2 |
| MAT 112T--Math for Health Professions | 3 |
| NUR 100T--Introduction to Health Professions | 1 |
| PSY 110T--Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| SCN 119T--Anatomy and Physiology | 6 |
| SEC 154T--Beginning Medical Terminology | 2 |
| Total | 17 |
Autumn and Spring Semester A S
| COM 100T--Employment Communications | - | 1 |
| NUR 154T-NUR 164--Pharmacological Products I, II | 2 | 2 |
| SUR 102T--Safe Patient Care and Operating Room Techniques | 5 | - |
| SUR 104T--Surgical Technology Laboratory | 3 | - |
| SUR 105T--Minor Surgical Procedures | 4 | - |
| SUR 106T--Major Surgical Procedures | - | 5 |
| SUR 192T-SUR 193T--Clinical Experience I, II | 3 | 4 |
| SUR 194T--Internship | - | 5 |
| Total | 17 | 16 |