Bobette Pattee, Chair

Special Degree and Certificate Requirements

The health professions programs in Medical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy Technology, Practical Nursing, Respiratory Therapy Technology, and Surgical Technology have waiting lists for admittance. Interested persons are encouraged to apply at least one year prior to anticipated school attendance. Students on the waiting lists are encouraged to complete some of the courses required in the first semester to help reduce their loads once they are admitted into their programs.

Prior to entry in the clinical portion of these programs, students must be tested for tuberculosis with 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 program. Students are required to receive the hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) prior to clinical laboratory experiences and potential 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 program acceptance. 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 must pass all courses with a minimum grade of "C" in order to continue in their programs and to graduate.

Students are expected to take professional examinations upon completion of their programs. 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. Student internships are offered only during spring semester. Students are required to rotate to clinical sites and some may be outside the Missoula area.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write national examinations to become certified Medical Laboratory Technicians.

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, 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. Students are required to rotate to clinical sites and some may be outside the Missoula area.

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.

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 $100. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Students may enter in the autumn semester only.

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 Certificate 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.