Independence University.

I checked with the florida board and they do accept it, may be different in various states. Florida only looks that the program is eligible for credentialing by the NBRC. Yo are also in charge of finding your own clinical site and preceptor that acts as your teacher.... that is the part that scares me!

How are clinicals not a good representation of the real world???

Patty in Baltimore, Maryland said: I wish that the clinical hours weren't so much. I'd like to finish the program fast and get started right away. Some of the online nursing programs only require about eight clinical hours. I figure what difference does the clinicals make? You still have to do an orientation anyway and the experience that you get working makes you a therapist, not the clinicals. And besides the clinicals aren't a good representation of the real world.

Hi Patty, I disagree. Clinical rotations is where all the puzzle pieces I was learning in class finally came together for me; when it all made sense. Understanding concepts is crucial in our profession. It is the quality of education and our clinicals which makes us good Respiratory Therapists. It gives us a strong foundation to build upon as we gain experience. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Good journey.

I am looking to network with anyone who has successfully secured a clinical site in DC, Maryland or Virginia. I live in Maryland and prefer a Maryland based clinical site but I am open to anyone in the DC-Metro Area. Please feel free to contact me at therespiratorytherapist@gmail.com. If you have a lead or a in with someone somewhere in the area I would really be interested in talking to you.

It's not difficult to find a Respiratory Therapist job after going to CCHS. I do suggest you get your RRT. Not many employers are hiring without the RRT and those that are, will give you no more than one year to get it.

I went to CCHS and for me it was the best decision. I teach, work with an air ambulance company as a flight therapist and also work as a critical care therapist at a hospital. Your determination and competence is what will help you make it in this career.

I AM ALSO THINKING ABOUT GETTING ENROLED IN THIS SCHOOL BUT I AM REALLY concerned OF NOT BEING ABLE TO LEARN AS MUCH AS THE PEOPLE WHO GOES TO A CLASSROOM.

I AM ALSO VERY CONCERN ABOUT THE pass rate of the NBRC exams following graduation AND THE Employment following graduation.

IF YOU HAVE GRADUATED FROM THIS SCHOOL OR IF YOU ARE ALREADY ENROLLED WITH THEM,PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR EXPERIENCE . I NEED URGENT ADVICE!

THANK YOU!

I'm thinking about going to CCHS, but I can't seem to find a clinical site in nj or pa.Is there anyone in NJ or PA that has gone through the program or is in the program currently. If so, where did you find a clinical site, I really need some help! any suggestions?

well..I am going to attend a traditional school..I hear it is very difficult to do this alone..and furthermore..finding a clinical site seems virtually impossible...but good luckto all anyway..I had..thought I had a site and then lost it..thank god I did not pay any money yet...I suggest you guys check out your local community colleges..lots offer respiratory programs...

I'm intereted in enrolling in IU's Respiratory Therapy program online but am apprehensive about the field experience part. I live in Vermont where there are only two hospitals within a 45 mile radius of me and I'm concerned that I won't be albe to secure a clinical site. How soon into the program do you start your clinical hours? Is it right away or must you complete some courses first? Also, is anyone else in the same boat as far as lack of opportunities in the area? Any help or advice would be great. Thanks!

RRT in Dearborn, Michigan said: "You're going to go home and study anyway."

When I went to school, I noticed the people who did just that (on their own) eventually failed out of the program. The people who always studied with at least one other person (a group is of course better) did much better and had a much easier time completing and understanding the school portion of becoming an RT. How will this work trying to do this online? Seems like it would be benefitial to try and find someone else in your immediate area to meet up with and study the material with. But what if there is no one near? I would also be very interested in hearing how their graduates do with passing the CRT and RRT on the first try.

FYI
This is the passing rate of CCHS/IU students: "Right now our CRT program is at the 80% margin and our RRT program is at 85% margin." Not too shabby for an online school. I checked the board and a lot of community colleges have way worse passing rates. It all depends on how much effort you put into the program. I personally don't have a study group and I am getting straight A's. You get the hands on knowlege in the clinical setting. Don't get me wrong, it's not for everyone, but some people don't necessarily need study groups to succeed. It just depends on each individual. This school may not be right for everyone, but I love it!

VERONICA in San Diego, California said: I AM ALSO THINKING ABOUT GETTING ENROLED IN THIS SCHOOL BUT I AM REALLY concerned OF NOT BEING ABLE TO LEARN AS MUCH AS THE PEOPLE WHO GOES TO A CLASSROOM.

I AM ALSO VERY CONCERN ABOUT THE pass rate of the NBRC exams following graduation AND THE Employment following graduation.

IF YOU HAVE GRADUATED FROM THIS SCHOOL OR IF YOU ARE ALREADY ENROLLED WITH THEM,PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR EXPERIENCE . I NEED URGENT ADVICE!

THANK YOU!

see my reply to "RRT in Dearborn" regarding my experience and the passing rates. FIND A CLINICAL SITE FIRST. Not everyone is successful in locating one and you don't want to pay money to the school just to find out you can't find a clinical site.

Maybe we can start a list of school that have successfully accepted RT students from CCHS? That might help future prospective students find clinical sites.

Mine is in Simi Valley, California and it is Simi Valley Adventist Health.

Anyone else, feel free to add other hospitals that you know accepted CCHS students so that there will be a resource for future students!

hAVE YOU STARTED SCHOOL YET AND HAVE YOU FOUND A CLINICAL SITE.i AM ALSO IN THE PROCESS OF STARTING BUT SCARED ABOUT FINDING A CLINICAL SITE

Lisa in Severn, Maryland said: Hi Patty,

Thanks for your response. I will be on the phone first thing Monday morning trying to find a clinical site. I am hopeful that Mercy or another one nearby in Baltimore will be helpful.

Will you please clarify your statement regarding your bachelor's degree. Are you enrolled with Independence University currently in their RT Bachelor's program? If so, do you need a clinical site? Why do you say you have to do something? I ask, because I do too. I have to do something. I considered Excelsior's Nursing program but decided against it. I was in the military and could have enrolled but I heard that if you have been off of the floors for an extended period of time that the final test could be very difficult, besides it just didn't fit with my current objectives in life. I am keeping it in the back of my mind just in case I want to pursue it in a few years.

I have enrolled with IU and am expecting my first set of books next week. I am excited and apprehensive. I live in Hanover, just across from the Arundel Mills Mall.

Hi Jamie,

I have started class. In fact a couple of weeks ago I passed RES100. Have to make a payment and then begin A&P.

I haven't located another site, but again I haven't actually been looking. Might start looking again next week.

I work with another girl who is also enrolled with IU.
Send me an email to imabuyacar@yahoo.com. Be sure to include a descriptive subject as I won't open it if I don't recognize the name. Also, this is my junk email so send an email within the next day or so. Otherwise it could be months before I actually get it. I'll give you my correct email address afterwards.

alisa in Encino, California said: Maybe we can start a list of school that have successfully accepted RT students from CCHS? That might help future prospective students find clinical sites.

Mine is in Simi Valley, California and it is Simi Valley Adventist Health.

Anyone else, feel free to add other hospitals that you know accepted CCHS students so that there will be a resource for future students!

Reche Canyon in San Bernardino, California

Lisa in Severn, Maryland said: Hi Jamie,

I have started class. In fact a couple of weeks ago I passed RES100. Have to make a payment and then begin A&P.

I haven't located another site, but again I haven't actually been looking. Might start looking again next week.

I work with another girl who is also enrolled with IU.
Send me an email to imabuyacar@yahoo.com. Be sure to include a descriptive subject as I won't open it if I don't recognize the name. Also, this is my junk email so send an email within the next day or so. Otherwise it could be months before I actually get it. I'll give you my correct email address afterwards.

Hi Lisa, Glad to know you started your classes. I am ready to get started but I am waiting for a response from the hospital in which I work. I talk to an RRT at my job that attended CCHS/IU and she obtain her RRT through CCHS and CRT at another school. When I talked to the RT manger she seem to be doubtful about letting me doing my clinical there. She said she would get back to me by Friday, she had to talk to human resources before she could give me an answer.

Etta,

I wonder why? She attended there, but doesn't want to help?

Ron in Victorville, California said: Etta,

I wonder why? She attended there, but doesn't want to help?

Sorry for the misunderstanding. Actually the respiratory manager is not the one that attended CCHS, it is another employee which is a RRT(which have been there 25 years) that works the night shift. But the hospital in which I work is small and many of the people work there have been there for years and many of the employee have stock in the hospital. I have been employed there for about three months. The way the manager explained is that they may not have time to train me or it may be to risky since I don't have any RT experience. But I am waiting on her answer, when I call her back today she had gone for the day, so now I have to wait until Monday.

Ron in Victorville, California said: Etta,

I wonder why? She attended there, but doesn't want to help?

Ron, I forgot to add that the RRT that works the nights shift was very excited when I told her I wanted to attend CCHS and highly recommended the school. Also she said she would be glad to help in anyway she could, but I have to go through the RT manager first.

Thanks for the clarification. The hospital I am going to does clinicals for the local college too. Works out great!

Ron in Victorville, California said: Thanks for the clarification. The hospital I am going to does clinicals for the local college too. Works out great!

Ron, how are your classes going are your enjoying them?

Not bad. On exam #4 for RS100. After this, it's finals.

I'm starting Independence University in August. How do they track you clinical hours?

I'm a respiratory therapy student second year to a community college. My advise ...don't do it on line. You can't learn much this way. The hardest class is Mechanical Ventilation and you need a good teacher and many lab hours before they will let you to even touch a vent in ICU. You guys cannot even imagine how difficult this class is and how many problems you can have inr eal life , in real hospital situations if you don't have a good skills. I know everybody wants to cut corners and get their degree fast...but is not working like this in real life. I looked at their curriculum...it is outrageus the way they split basic clases in 3 or 4 classes just to charge more money. they have aclass 3 units about infection cotnrol!!! Give me a breack. You'll pay 600 dollars to learn how to wash your hands properly in hospital. They have 2 classes fro anatomy. WHY? They mad eon single class - another 600$ for blood gases when that is one single chapter, part of ather classes... Speaking about money...for how much they charge, don't you think THEY should find clinical sites fro the students? What exactley they do for you? Send you soem books you can buy on Half.com? No instructors...no labs...no real teaching...it is everything on your shoulders and they want thousands of dollars for that...Think about before you sign anything!!!!

I did and am very happy so far! :-) Curious as to why your here? Job or ?

I think you are right.

I agree with MIA and Ted
when it comes to patient care it is very rare that you will get a "text book patient"
and remember you (the RT) are the one managing someone on life support....

Glad Teddy remembers me :-) That guy needs a life...lol

OMG in Houston, Texas said: Just wondering if any of you that are thinking about doing these online RT programs have contacted graduates or have any clue as to whether or not this place is accredited with CoARC or if the NBRC will even let you sit for the CRT with a degree from there? If you can sit for the test(s), what is the school's 1st time pass success rate? Personally, I would never hire anyone who did ANY portion of their core RT classes online.

IU is FULLY accredited my CoARC and the NBRC recognizes the accreditation.

Is anyone enrolled at independence university? and if so have you secured a clinical site (georgia)? if so would you mind sharing some area hospitals name? thinking about enrolling. thanks in advance!

Back to you Ted, I don't think your understanding me or lack of english. Not sure which? I don't want to debate you, I can care less what your opinion is. Really. I come here to rattle your cage daily for laughs, mean while I am working on my diploma. I loose no time with this :-) You Ted, need to move on. Again, I don't want to debate your opinion. Get a job, study, and move-on!

Ted, I understand what you are saying about graduates from IU not being prepared for the profession after graduating from this program. However, I do disagree somewhat. I graduated 9 years ago with high marks and I passed my NBRC the first time with a high score. Now, I do believe that some may have difficulty grasping the concept of mechanical ventilation from a text book. When I went through the program, you didn't start the mechanical ventilation portion until you were already into your clinicals. That is why you have the clinicals, so you get the hands on while going through that course. As for the blood gas portion, that is hands on too, and you get your experience during the clinicals. Years ago, Respiratory Therapy was an on the job training (OJT) profession, there was no schooling, as were many other health care professions (eg. Lab Technician). I do understand what you're saying, but I know of many graduates from IU that have been very successful and profficient in their profession. I've worked with some new grads who have come into the job being graduates of a large University who don't have a clue either, but with experience they become profficient. Heck, I was in my ACLS certification class with a Pediatric Cardiologist who didn't have a clue how to run a code....he had to keep referring to his ACLS algorithm! A CARDIOLOGIST! Go figure?!?!

Ted in Cape Coral, Florida said: 1. I'm employed
2. Your cage is the one that's rattled. You have never attempted to defend
your position and prefer to resort to childish insults, which shows your lack
of intelligence.
3. Just as much as your goal seems to be a huge advocate of IU, my goal is to
dissuade people from attending an inferior program.
4. Sorry Ron, I'm not going anywhere, so I guess you're going to loose your
recruitment bonus.

No bonus here. Really. You can claim anything online. Your word means nothing. I noticed your felony charge?

Again, not going to defend anything. Your a troll with too much time on his hands.

Ted,

I have read your postings and dude, you really need to chill out. Your coming across as a crazy man! When you do this, your view gets lost regardless.

Hello-
This may sound like a dumb question... but here it goes...ha Both me and my husband are interested in enrolling in IU and my question is do you need to get your associated degree before enrolling or is that part of the program? I'd call the school, but I learned my lesson from Bryman College... they stalk you...lol
Thank you Ü

Hey Courtney (local!),

Part of the program. This lady will not stalk you. She has been there for years (I think 10 years or more). Very good!

Paula DeEsch

Enrollment Advisor

Independence University

California College For Health Sciences

Stevens Henager Online

(570) 252-4013

800-410-5014

Fax (570) 796-0008

paula.deesch@independence.edu

Here is some reading.....
www.independence.edu/Programs/HSAssociates.php

Same girl just at work ;)

Thanks so much Ron I appreciate it. I will give her a jingle today, hopefully.

I actually went to Don Lugo MANY moons ago. When there was no fence there for open campus :-)

Sounds good!

Does anyone know of any hospitals in the Western Pennsylvania/Eastern Ohio area that allows a student from CCHS to do the clinicals with them?
I've already started the program, but now I'm having alot of difficulty finding a site. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.

Its all how you go about it. Just call around and sell yourself :-).

Ron in Victorville, California said: Its all how you go about it. Just call around and sell yourself :-).

I wish it were that easy. I live in the heart of dutch country. The few hospitals around here either see you as a liability, taking too much of their RTT's time to train you, or both.
This program is my only hope. All other associates respiratory care programs are atleast 1 1/2 hours away in any direction with a long waiting list.

I would think that you're best bet would be to try calling a few teaching hospitals. Have you already committed to the online program?

Ted in Cape Coral, Florida said: I would think that you're best bet would be to try calling a few teaching hospitals. Have you already committed to the online program?

I got a list of all of the hospitals in PA and I've been calling everyone within driving distance. None seem overly thrilled with the idea of having to teach someone.
I only paid for and enrolled in the first course of Intro to Respiratory Therapy.
I wish I could find a local school to go to. We have an ample supply of nursing programs, but lack of respiratory therapy ones.

Maybe try another angle? ASk to shadow someone, then get to know them and ask the RT if you can do clinicals there? That's a thought.

What is your pitch when you call? Can you help teach you for school? Or can you do your clinicals there? Maybe you need to also change your wording?

I'm sure you've read through the posts on here regarding how difficult it is to obtain a clinical site for IU for alot of people. Just make sure you don't pay for the entire program before you find a clinical site. I know that you said the closest programs are an hour plus away, but if you really want to do it, make the commute work and go local. It's going a lot cheaper, no worries of finding clinical sites, and an overall better experience. When you do the math, it seems that if you are able to find a clinical site, you're going to have to drive over an hour to get one anyhow, and since the minimum clinical hours required by the NBRC is around 700, there isn't a real "speed" advanage to the IU program anyhow.

I agree with Ted, and to further add that healthcare encompasses a very tight-knit community, basically it's a lot of "Who you know" kind of thing when it comes to networking within this field. I was going to go the CCHS route too, but I let the advisor know up front that I wouldn't sign anything, and I definitely wouldn't register for a class until I was able to secure a clinical site. And of course where I am located, this is very difficult to do, and it goes back to what I stated earlier about it being a close circle and very "it's who ya know" kind of society here in WA. When I tried calling around and even visiting some of the local hospitals here, they weren't inclined at all to let me do clinicals at their hospitals. After awhile, I just gave up, and applied at a local cc and was accepted, although I'm still trying to figure out if this is truly the profession I want to commit to for the long-term. At any rate, I hope you do manage to secure a clinical sites, just keep us updated with your progress.

Marci in New Castle, Pennsylvania said: I wish it were that easy. I live in the heart of dutch country. The few hospitals around here either see you as a liability, taking too much of their RTT's time to train you, or both.
This program is my only hope. All other associates respiratory care programs are atleast 1 1/2 hours away in any direction with a long waiting list.

Marci I am having the same problem at the hospital where I work, The RT manager told me that the hospital can't be liable for me and the RRT would not have time to do clinicals so I am in the same boat. I applied at three other hospital I have not gotten a response from either one. I don't want to waste much time trying to seek a clinical site so I am working on another plan, also I did not sign up for the program, I told my advisor that I would not sign until I find a clinical site. I wish you luck in finding a clinical site.

Remember, rather it's CCHS or a local community college, if they aren't allowing clinicals, they aren't allowing them. You might be SOL regardless.

Just because they won't allow a CCHS student for clinicals DOES NOT mean that they are not allowing a community college to have clinical privilages at their site. In my program, we have a professor in charge of overseeing all of the clinical rotations and placement of students at area hospitals, as well as a clinical instructor at each site who is affiliated with our program. This puts the responsibility on the school for it's students. CCHS's clinical rotation places the hospital in charge of the students, which is a liability that many facilities won't take on.