2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Respiratory Care
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351090800	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	76 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-1126 Respiratory Therapists
	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program trains students for the occupation of Respiratory Therapist (SOC Code 29-1126) or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.  The respiratory therapist specializes in the application of scientific knowledge and theory to practical, clinical problems of respiratory care.

The content includes but is not limited to quality control of all units, intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB); humidity/aerosol therapy; medical gas administration; broncho-pulmonary drainage; mechanical ventilation; airway management; emergency care; pulmonary function testing; cardiopulmonary  rehabilitation; measurement and reporting of cardiopulmonary sampling, infection control; cardiopulmonary drug administration, physiologic monitoring, and special advanced procedures.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 76 credit hours.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Select, review, obtain, and interpret patient data.
13.0	Select, assemble, and check equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness.
14.0	Initiate, conduct and modify prescribed therapeutic procedures.
15.0	Maintain records and communications.
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of employment requirements as a Respiratory Care Professional.
17.0	Adapt appropriate respiratory care procedures to the home care environment.
18.0	Perform advanced respiratory care procedures.
19.0	Administer cardiopulmonary drugs.
20.0	Assist the physician with special respiratory therapy procedures.

2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Respiratory Care
CIP Number:		1351090800
Program Length:	76 credit hours
SOC Code(s):		29-1126

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations–The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the healthcare delivery system including public, private, government and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify common methods of payment for healthcare services.	
01.03	Describe the various types of healthcare providers and the range of services available including resources to victims of domestic violence. 	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a healthcare team. 	
01.05	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the individual members of the healthcare team. 	
01.06	Identify the roles and responsibilities of the consumer within the healthcare delivery system. 	
01.07	Identify characteristics of effective teams. 	
01.08	Recognize methods for building positive team relationships.	
01.09	Analyze attributes and attitudes of an effective leader. 	
01.10	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.	
01.11	Demonstrate effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
01.12	Describe factors that influence the current delivery system of healthcare.	
01.13	Explain the impact of emerging issues including technology, epidemiology, bioethics and socioeconomics on healthcare delivery systems. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively–The student will be able to:	
02.01	Develop basic speaking and active listening skills.	
02.02	Develop basic observational skills and related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including communication styles and barriers. 	
02.04	Respond to verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Compose written communication using correct spelling, grammar, a formatting and confidentiality and specific formats of letter writing.	
02.06	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.07	Recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other healthcare workers and maintain good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.08	Recognize the importance of patient/client educations regarding healthcare. 	
02.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. 	
02.10	Analyze elements of communication using a sender-receiver model.	
02.11	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information. 	
02.12	Report relevant information in order of occurrence. 	
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities–The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the legal framework of the healthcare occupations including scope of practice legislation.	
03.02	Explain practices that could result in malpractice, liability, negligence, abandonment, false imprisonment and fraud. 	
03.03	Demonstrate procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping. 	
03.04	Interpret healthcare facility policy and procedures. 	
03.05	Explain the “Patient’s Bill of Rights”.	
03.06	Identify standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).	
03.07	Describe advance directives. 	
03.08	Describe informed consent. 	
03.09	Explain the laws governing harassment, labor and employment. 	
03.10	Differentiate between legal and ethical issues in healthcare.	
03.11	Describe a code of ethics consistent with the healthcare occupation. 	
03.12	Identify and compare personal, professional, and organizational ethics. 	
03.13	Recognize the limits of authority and responsibility of health care workers including legislated scope of practice. 	
03.14	Recognize and report illegal and/or unethical practices of healthcare workers. 	
03.15	Recognize and report abuse including domestic violence and neglect. 	
03.16	Distinguish among the five schedules of controlled substances.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts–The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe strategies for prevention of diseases including health screenings and examinations. 	
04.02	Identify personal health practices and environmental factors which affect optimal function of each of the major body systems.	
04.03	Identify psychological reactions to illness including defense mechanisms. 	
04.04	Identify complementary and alternative health practices. 	
04.05	Discuss the adverse effects of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and both legal and illegal drugs on the human body and apply safety practices related to these and other high risk behaviors. 	
04.06	Explain the basic concepts of positive self image, wellness and stress. 	
04.07	Develop a wellness and stress control plan that can be used in personal and professional life. 	
04.08	Explore and utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate food guide (www.choosemyplate.gov).	
04.09	Recognize the steps in the grief process. 	
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures–The student will be able to:	
05.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards. 	
05.02	Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment.	
05.03	Explain and apply the theory of root- cause analysis.  	
05.04	Identify and describe methods in medical error reduction and prevention in the various healthcare settings. 	
05.05	Identify and practice security procedures for medical supplies and equipment. 	
05.06	Demonstrate personal safety procedures based on Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations (including standard precautions). 	
05.07	Recognize Materials Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and comply with safety signs, symbols and labels. 	
05.08	Demonstrate proper body mechanics and ergonomics. 	
05.09	Demonstrate the procedure for properly identifying patients. 	
05.10	Demonstrate procedures for the safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
05.11	Describe fire, safety, disaster and evacuations procedures. 	
05.12	Discuss The Joint Commission patient safety goals (www.jointcommission.org). 	
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations–The student will be able to:	
06.01	Monitor and record vital signs.	
06.02	Describe legal parameters relating to the administration of emergency care. 	
06.03	Obtain and maintain training or certification on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) and first aid. 	
06.04	Recognize adverse drug related emergencies and take appropriate first aid action. 	
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures–The student will be able to:	
07.01	Define principles of infection control including standard and transmission based precautions.	
07.02	Demonstrate knowledge of medical asepsis and practice procedures such as hand-washing and isolation. 	
07.03	Demonstrate knowledge of surgical asepsis. 	
07.04	Describe how to dispose correctly of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines such as OSHA. 	
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare–The student will be able to:	
08.01	Describe technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.02	Define terms and demonstrate basic computer skills. 	
08.03	Recognize technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.04	Interpret information from electronic medical documents. 	
08.05	Identify methods of communication to access and distribute data such as fax, e-mail and internet. 	
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills–The student will be able to:	
09.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
09.02	Exemplify basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. telephone etiquette, courtesy and self-introductions). 	
09.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
09.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
09.05	Conduct a job search. 	
09.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
09.07	Examine levels of education, credentialing requirements including licensure and certification, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.08	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.09	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
09.10	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
09.11	Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services or biotechnology research and development). 	
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS–The student will be able to:	
10.01	Recognize emerging diseases and disorders.	
10.02	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens including Hepatitis B.	
10.03	Identify community resources and services available to the individuals with diseases caused by blood borne pathogens.	
10.04	Identify "at risk" behaviors which promote the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens and the public education necessary to combat the spread of these diseases.	
10.05	Apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens to the care of all patients following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
10.06	Demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of HIV/AIDS, including testing.	
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills–The student will be able to:	
11.01	Draw, read, and report on graphs, charts and tables.	
11.02	Measure time, temperature, distance, capacity, and mass/weight.	
11.03	Make, use and convert using both traditional and metric units. 	
11.04	Make estimations and approximations and judge the reasonableness of the result.	
11.05	Convert from regular to 24 hour time.	
11.06	Demonstrate ability to evaluate and draw conclusions.	
11.07	Organize and communicate the results obtained by observation and experimentation.	
11.08	Ask appropriate scientific questions and recognize what is involved in experimental approaches to the solution of such questions.	
11.09	Calculate ratios.	
Respiratory Care: (12-21)	
12.0	Select, review, obtain and interpret data–The student will be able to:	
12.01	Review existing data in patient record, and recommend diagnostic procedures based on all available patient information.	
12.01.01	Review existing data in patient record.	
12.01.02	Recommend procedures to obtain additional data.	
12.02	Collect and evaluate additional pertinent clinical information.	
12.02.01	Assess the patients overall cardiopulmonary status by inspection, percussion, palpation and auscultation.	
12.03	Perform procedures and interpret results.	
12.03.01	Perform and/or interpret results of bedside procedures.	
12.04	Determine the appropriateness of the prescribed respiratory care plan, recommend modifications where indicated, and participate in the development of the respiratory care plan.	
12.04.01	Review planned therapy to establish therapeutic goals.	
12.04.02	Determine appropriateness of prescribed therapy and goals for identified pathophysiological state.	
12.04.03	Recommend changes in therapeutic plan (based on data) if indicated.	
12.04.04	Participate in development of respiratory care plan.	
13.0	Select, assemble, and check equipment for proper function, operation and cleanliness–The student will be able to:	
13.01	Select and obtain equipment, and assure cleanliness of equipment appropriate to the respiratory care plan which includes the following:	
13.01.01	Oxygen administration devices.	
13.01.02	Humidifiers.	
13.01.03	Aerosol generators.	
13.01.04	Ventilators.	
13.01.05	Artificial airways.	
13.01.06	Suctioning devices.	
13.01.07	Gas delivery, metering, and clinical analyzing devices.	
13.01.08	Manometers and gauges.	
13.01.09	Resuscitation devices.	
13.01.10	Hyperinflation/lung expansion devices.	
13.01.11	Patient breathing circuits.	
13.01.12	Percussors and vibrators.	
13.01.13	Environmental devices - aerosol (mist) tents.	
13.01.14	Metered dose inhalers (MDI) and spacers.	
13.01.15	Dry powder inhalers (PDI).	
13.01.16	Assure selected equipment cleanliness.	
13.01.17	Airway Clearance devices. 	
13.02	Assemble, check for proper function, identity malfunctions of equipment, and take action to correct malfunctions of equipment which includes the following:	
13.02.01	Oxygen administration devices.	
13.02.02	Humidifiers.	
13.02.03	Aerosol generators.	
13.02.04	Resuscitation devices.	
13.02.05	Ventilators.	
13.02.06	Artificial airways.	
13.02.07	Gas delivery, metering and clinical analyzing devices.	
13.02.08	Suctioning devices.	
13.02.09	Patient breathing circuits.	
13.02.10	Hyperinflation/lung expansion devices.	
13.02.11	Environmental devices - aerosol (mist) tents.	
13.02.12	Percussors and vibrators.	
13.02.13	Metered dose inhalers (MDI) and spacers.	
13.02.14	Dry Powder inhalers (PDI).	
13.02.15	Manometers and gauges.	
13.02.16	Airway clearance devices.	
14.0	Initiate, conduct, and modify prescribed therapeutic procedures–The student will be able to:	
14.01	Explain planned therapy and goals to patients; maintain records and communication; and protect patient from nosocomial infection.	
14.01.01	Explain planned therapy and goals to patient in understandable terms to achieve optimal therapeutic outcome.	
14.01.02	Maintain records and communication.	
14.01.03	Protect patient from nosocomial infection by adherence to infection control policies and procedures (standard precautions, blood and body fluid precautions, etc.).	
14.02	Conduct therapeutic procedures to achieve maintenance of patent airway, including the care of artificial airways; and to achieve removal of bronchopulmonary secretions.	
14.02.01	Achieve maintenance of patient airway.	
14.02.02	Achieve removal of bronchopulmonary secretions.	
14.03	Conduct therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate spontaneous and artificial ventilation.	
14.03.01	Instruct in proper breathing techniques.	
14.03.02	Encourage deep breathing.	
14.03.03	Instruct and monitor techniques of Hyperinflation/lung expansion.	
14.03.04	Instruct and monitor techniques of airway clearance	
14.03.05	Administer prescribed aerosolized medications.	
14.03.06	Select appropriate ventilator.	
14.03.07	Select appropriate initial and subsequent settings for mechanical ventilation; including but not limited, to oxygen concentration, tidal volume, rate and/or minute ventilation.	
14.03.08	Institute and modify discontinuation procedures.	
14.03.09	Initiate and adjust continuous mechanical ventilation when settings are specified.	
14.03.10	Initiate and adjust appropriate ventilator modes based on patient response and data.	
14.04	Conduct therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate arterial and tissue oxygenation.	
14.04.01	Position patient to minimize hypoxia.	
14.04.02	Administer oxygen (on or off ventilator).	
14.04.03	Prevent procedure-associated hypoxia (e.g.  oxygenated before and after suctioning and equipment change, etc.).	
14.04.04	Initiate and adjust CPAP/PEEP therapy.	
14.05	Evaluate and monitor patient's response to respiratory care.	
14.05.01	Measure and record vital signs.	
14.05.02	Monitor cardiac rhythm.	
14.05.03	Monitor pulse oximetry.	
14.05.04	Auscultate chest and record changes.	
14.05.05	Observe changes in sputum production and consistency.	
14.05.06	Note patient's subjective response to therapy.	
14.05.07	Measure FIO2 and or liter flow.	
14.05.08	Perform bedside spirometry.	
14.05.09	Perform arterial puncture.	
14.05.10	Interpret results of arterial blood gas analysis.	
14.05.11	Adjust and check alarm systems.	
14.05.12	Note patient's response to mechanical ventilation.	
14.05.13	Measure appropriate mechanical ventilation parameters.	
14.05.14	Monitor endotracheal or tracheostomy tube cuff pressure.	
14.06	Make necessary modifications in therapeutic procedures and recommend respiratory care plan modifications based on patient response.	
14.06.01	Terminate treatment based on patient's adverse reaction to therapy being administered.	
14.06.02	Modify bronchial hygiene.	
14.06.03	Modify management of artificial airways.	
14.06.04	Modify Hyperinflation/lung expansion devices.	
14.06.05	Modify aerosol therapy.	
14.06.06	Modify oxygen therapy.	
14.06.07	Modify suctioning.	
14.06.08	Modify mechanical ventilation.	
14.06.09	Recommend modifications in the respiratory care plan based on the patient's response.	
14.07	Initiate, conduct, or modify respiratory care techniques in an emergency setting as prescribed by the American Heart Association BLS guidelines (www.heart.org).	
15.0	Maintain records and communications–The student will be able to:	
15.01	Use computer system to access and input patient data, when appropriate.	
15.02	Chart on medical record; record therapy and results using conventional terminology as required by hospital policy and regulatory agencies.	
15.03	Be familiar with and use departmental policy and procedure manual; actively participate in recommending updates.	
15.04	Consistently display a professional and positive attitude in all communications.	
15.05	Display respect for patients regardless of ethnicity, religion, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, or diagnosis.	
15.06	Maintain confidentiality of all patient records and information.	
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of employment requirements as a respiratory care professional–The student will be able to:	
16.01	Identify state licensure and continuing education requirements.	
16.02	Discuss the Respiratory Care Act.	
16.03	List the minimum competency requirements to practice in the state.	
16.04	Implement appropriate The Joint Commission patient safety goals.	
17.0	Adapt appropriate respiratory care procedures to the home care environment–The student will be able to:	
17.01	Provide for oxygen administration, aerosol and bronchial hygiene therapy and hyperinflation/lung expansion therapy in the home.	
17.02	Arrange for life support and monitoring (i.e. mechanical ventilation, apnea monitoring, nasal CPAP) in the home.	
17.03	Instruct patient, family and other healthcare workers on the appropriate use, operation, cleaning and maintenance of respiratory care equipment.	
17.04	Perform patient monitoring and assessment in the home.	
17.05	Recognize and report symptoms of abuse and neglect.	
18.0	Perform advanced respiratory care procedures–The student will be able to:	
18.01	Assume primary clinical responsibility for all respiratory care modalities.	
18.02	Check physicians orders or consult with physician.	
18.03	Design and implement respiratory care plan as appropriate.	
18.04	Perform pulmonary artery sampling.	
18.05	Perform cardiac output procedures.	
18.06	Perform arterial line set up and monitoring.	
18.07	Perform noninvasive monitoring techniques as appropriate.	
18.08	Perform pulseoximetry monitoring.	
18.09	Perform various advanced procedures, based on local practice.	
18.10	Remove, clean and/or replace inner cannula tube and/or replace tracheostomy tube, as ordered.	
18.11	Perform various mathematical computations dealing with cardiopulmonary assessment.	
18.12	Perform intubation. 	
18.13	Initiate infant mechanical ventilation with appropriate ventilator and parameter including CPAP and PEEP.	
18.14	Monitor return to normal physiology; reestablish ventilation if necessary.	
18.15	Monitor return to normal physiology, reintubate if necessary.	
19.0	Administer cardiopulmonary drugs–The student will be able to:	
19.01	Demonstrate knowledge of drug classifications, actions and uses, route of administration and usual adult doses, mathematics needed to calculate divided or children’s dosage, contraindications, drug interactions, adverse reactions, how supplied, mixing instructions, storage, laboratory test interferences.	
19.02	Recognize the critical importance of this activity and follow directions.	
19.03	Verify physicians orders.	
19.04	Prepare medication for administration.	
19.05	Identify patient, introduce self.	
19.06	Administer drug.	
19.07	Monitor Patient response to drug administration.	
19.08	Document administering of drug in all appropriate records.	
19.09	Recognize the symptoms of drug idiosyncracies.	
19.10	Identify adverse drug reactions and take appropriate action.	
19.11	Recognize anaphylactic shock.	
20.0	Assist the physician with special respiratory therapy procedures–The student will be able to:	
20.01	Assist with insertion and maintenance of an umbilical arterial and/or venous catheter.	
20.02	Assist with bronchoscopy, chest tubes, and cardiac catheterizations.	
20.03	Assist with pulmonary artery catherization and other invasive monitoring.	
20.04	Assist with thoracentesis, chest tube insertion, tracheostomy, intubation and cardioversion.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Special Notes

Graduates of this program are eligible to take the NBRC (National Board of Respiratory Care) examination(s) and become licensed with the State of Florida Department of Health, Division of Quality Assurance.

This program meets the Department of Health HIV/AIDS Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements.  Upon completion of this program, the instructor will provide a certificate to the student verifying that these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635 F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The respiratory therapist may be required to exercise considerable independent, clinical judgment in the respiratory care of patients under the direct or indirect supervision of a physician.  Further, the therapist is capable of serving as a technical resource person to the physician with regard to current practices in respiratory care, and to the hospital staff as to effective and safe methods for administering respiratory therapy.

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program.  The CORE should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the appropriate career and technical student organization for providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills.  Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors.  Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education.  Accommodations change the way the student is instructed.  Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems.  Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Articulation

To be transferable statewide between institutions, this program must have been reviewed, and a “transfer value” assigned the curriculum content by the appropriate Statewide Course Numbering System discipline committee.  This does not preclude institutions from developing specific articulation agreements with each other. 

For details on articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp .

Program Length

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  The standard length of this program is 76 credit hours according to Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.