Cardiopulmonary Science, B.S.

Respiratory Care and Cardiovascular Technology

Diana Merendino, D.P.T., RRT
Program Director

The Program of Cardiopulmonary Science provides professional preparation in the allied health specialties of respiratory care and cardiovascular technology. The Cardiopulmonary Science program at LSU Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The education of cardiopulmonary science prepares students to provide care to neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients with cardiopulmonary disease, administer diagnostic tests, therapeutic agents and techniques, and the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation and equipment involved in these procedures. With a firm background in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical medicine, thegraduate is prepared to exercise judgment and accept responsibility in performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the care of the cardiopulmonary patient. In addition, the baccalaureate cardiopulmonary science graduate is a potential teacher or supervisor in cardiovascular technology and respiratory care departments.Graduates are eligible to earn professional credentials in Respiratory Care and Cardiovascular Technology along with acquiring a license to practice respiratory care in the State of Louisiana.

Minimum Requirements for Admission

Admission to the Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Cardiopulmonary Science is on a competitive basis. Satisfactory completion of the minimum requirements identified below is required.

1. Satisfactory completion of listed prerequisite courses (as part of the 7 semester credits specified), or their equivalent, based upon the program faculty’s acceptance of equivalency. Applicants should have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher for all prerequisite courses.
2. The applicant is advised to research the profession to gain knowledge of the various responsibilities they will be learning thru the program and the employment opportunities that are available within the profession. The student can make an appointment with the program director, speak with other respiratory care professionals or visit our website (www.lsuhscshreveport.edu) for links to other professional organizations.
3. Students who hold baccalaureate degrees may earn a second bachelor’s degree in cardiopulmonary science provided that they: (a) complete all requirements (including subject requirements) for the second degree; and (b) meet all quality point and grade requirements applicable to the second degree.

Technical Standards

In addition to proven academic ability and other relevant personal characteristics, the Program of Cardiopulmonary Science expects all applicants for admission to possess and be able to demonstrate the skills, attributes and qualities set forth below, without unreasonable dependence on technology or intermediaries.

Physical Health: A cardiopulmonary science student must possess the physical health and stamina needed to perform the various procedures, therapies, and other related activities in each of the program’s courses, both didactically and clinically.

Intellectual Skills: A cardiopulmonary science student must have sufficient powers of intellect to acquire, assimilate, integrate and apply information. A cardiopulmonary science student must have the intellectual ability to solve problems. A cardiopulmonary science student must possess the ability to comprehend three dimensional and spatial relationships.

Motor Skills: A cardiopulmonary science student must have sufficient use of motor skills to carry out all necessary procedures, both those involved in learning the fundamental sciences and those required in the hospital and clinical environment. This includes the ability to participate in relevant educational exercises and to extract information from written sources.

Communication: A cardiopulmonary science student must have sufficient use of the senses of speech, hearing and vision to communicate effectively with patients, teachers, and peers in both oral and written forms.

Sensory Abilities: A cardiopulmonary science student must have sufficient use of the senses of vision, hearing, touch and smell to observe effectively in the classroom, laboratory and clinical setting. Students must possess the ability to observe both close at hand and at a distance.

Behavioral Qualities: A cardiopulmonary science student must possess emotional health sufficient to carry out the tasks above, and must have good judgment, and must behave in a professional, reliable, mature and responsible manner. A  cardiopulmonary science student must be adaptable, possessing sufficient flexibility to function in new and stressful environments. A cardiopulmonary science student must possess appropriate motivation, integrity, compassion and a genuine interest in caring for others.

Academic Progression Requirements

The following requirements pertaining to the status of academic progress apply to all students enrolled in the Cardiopulmonary Science Program:

In order to achieve academic progress the student must satisfy the following minimum standards:

1. Maintain a grade-point average that is consistent with the academic standards set by the School of Allied Health Professions. (A minimum letter grade of “C” or “P” in all didactic and clinical course work).
2. Satisfactorily complete the required number of credit hours per semester established by the program.
3. Satisfactorily complete all course work required for graduation in not more than four calendar years. Individual programs may specify different time lines.

Students’ academic progress will be reviewed by the program once per academic semester and if necessary, counsel the student on their status. Students are expected to be aware of their academic standing throughout the semester.

Appeals may be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in the section of this catalog/bulletin entitled, “Student Academic Appeals .”

Note: Course descriptions given, and the curriculum and other requirements described for this program are subject to revision, modification, and/or change following the publication of this Catalog/ Bulletin.

Method of Application

Procedures for applying for admission to the Cardiopulmonary Science Program are as follows:

1. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the program director prior to making application to discuss the program, prerequisite courses, and opportunities for Cardiopulmonary Science graduates. On-site tours of the health sciences center are available by contacting the program director
2. An application for admission to the Cardiopulmonary Science Program may be obtained at www.lsuhscshreveport.edu/alliedhealth or by calling the Office of Student Affairs and Records at 318-813-2908.
3. A completed application must be submitted by February 15 of the year the applicant plans to start the program. This date is subject to change. Applicants are encouraged to contact the program director for confirmation of the application due date.
4. Two copies of official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Student Affairs and Records by the application deadline date.
5. All applicants will participate in an admissions interview and the action taken by the Admissions Committee will be forwarded in writing to the applicant.
6. Accepted applicants are expected to notify the program in writing as to whether or not they plan on enrolling in the program by a date noted in their acceptance letter.
7. Accepted students will be required to pass a criminal history background check and a drug screening before enrolling into the program.
8. Once accepted the student will receive additional information about the Cardiopulmonary Science Program prior to enrolling.

Transfer of Credit

Non-professional undergraduate credit will be accepted from another recognized accredited institution provided the course description meets the pre-requisite requirements for the program. Professional undergraduate credit will be accepted at the  discretion of the program director. Transfer hours must be from a CoARC accredited institution and must meet or exceed current program requirements. Students who have completed a registry eligible program must have passed the NBRC Advanced Practitioner Examination for credit to be issued for those courses to transfer.

Curriculum

• Cardiopulmonary Science Professional Curriculum