Admission Criteria and Suggested Prerequisites

Applicants to the respiratory care program are required to meet the standard admissions criteria of Clarion University.   .   

• It is highly recomended that four documented hours of respiratory care career shadowing with a respiratory therapist be completed prior to starting course work for the respiratory care program.  Career shadowing may be scheduled through Clarion University's Department of Allied Health by calling 1-877-VENANGO, extension 1250.  A career shadowing form should be completed.  

 Suggested Prerequisites (Prior to the Start of the First Fall Semester)

• Math 050, if necessary, as shown by Clarion University's math placement examination

• BIOL 111 (Basic Biology) if student has not had one year of high school or college biology with a minimum grade of "C" or higher 

Pre-Clinical Requirements

Students must satisfy the following pre-clinical requirements prior to beginning clinical rotations in May.   Pre-clinical requirements are subject to change.

• Satisfactory physical examination at student's expense

• Child abuse history clearance at student's expense 

• Satisfactory results of a screening for illegal drug use at student's expense

• FBI fingerprinting and criminal background clearance at student's expense

• Current Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider (CPR) certification by the American Heart Association

• Documentation of health insurance during clinical rotations at student's expense

• Documentation of individual malpractice insurance at students expense*

 * Students will purchase their own individual malpractice insurance policies in the amount of $1 million ($1,000,000.00) for each claim and $3 million ($3,000,000.00) in the aggregate. Cost of this two-year policy is currently less than $100 but is subject to change.

Other Information

Only students who have satisfied the above pre-clinical requirements and have completed all science and general education requirements will be permitted to start clinical education. Clinical education begins each May.  All expenses incurred by students for the respiratory care program are non-refundable.

Throughout the 24-month respiratory care program, students will be assigned to various clinical rotations in the region.  Considerable travel is required and students must have reliable transportation.