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Respiratory Care

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Respiratory Care is a health specialty involved in the treatment, management, diagnosis and care of patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. The respiratory care practitioner is an expert in the use of therapeutic gases, ventilatory support, bronchopulmonary drainage, breathing exercises, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, aerosol administration, hyperinflation therapy, medications, humidification, and maintenance of natural, artificial, and mechanical airways. Respiratory care practitioners are also involved in diagnostic testing, monitoring, treatment, education, sales, and research. These include the measurement of lung volumes, pressures, flows, blood gas analysis, electrocardiograms, stress testing, sleep studies, smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and asthma management.

Respiratory care offers the chance to work closely with patients and other health care practitioners in a career which is both personally and financially rewarding.

The graduate practitioner will find a health care system that is changing and expanding. In many areas of the health care system, a multi-skilled practitioner will be needed. The graduate respiratory care practitioner will be this person. While the greater number of graduates work in hospitals or hold teaching positions, the future undoubtedly will see openings in industry, rehabilitation centers, home care companies, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, and individual businesses.

This program is sponsored by the College in cooperation with area hospitals, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, long-term care facilities, and home care agencies. The program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC) in conjunction with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

The curriculum includes a summer session. Students are charged for this session at the regular School of Continuing Education rate.

Admission Requirements

1. High school graduate or equivalent.
2. PREREQUISITES: College Algebra 2 (ALGB-099, 3 credits, or its equivalent), biology and chemistry.
3. College placement tests, reading tests (mandatory), and SAT1 (highly recommended).
4. Students must submit a required health form prior to September 1 in the year of their initial enrollment
5. Any disabilities must be within safe limits for both students and patients. It should be noted that the affiliating hospitals require by contract proof of satisfactory health, and reserve the right to refuse affiliation for students. Therefore, health status is subject to contract terms.
6. Students’ physical and mental ability must withstand the vigorous demands of respiratory care (i.e., be able to move patients and work under stress.)

Academic Requirements

No grade lower than a “C” (73%) will be accepted toward graduation in respiratory care. Students not meeting this grade requirement in any course will be withdrawn from the program. Failure in an affiliation course will result in dismissal from the program. Grades of less than “C” will not be accepted in transfer.

The following clinical lab courses may have a 7:00 a.m. starting time, or a 3:00 p.m. starting time that lasts until 11:00 p.m.

• RSPC-216 Respiratory Care Practicum 1
• RSPC-311 Respiratory Care Practicum 2
• RSPC-410 Respiratory Care Practicum 3

All accepted students must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information or other check. Depending on the findings, the student may not be allowed to continue in the program of study. For further information, please contact the Office of the Dean, School of Health.

Respiratory Care Program Goals

1. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be a competent advanced-level Respiratory Care Practitioner.
2. Will demonstrate professional behavior consistent with employer expectations as advanced-level Respiratory Care Practitioners.
3. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to their roles as advanced-level Respiratory Care Practitioners.
4. Master the technical proficiency in the skills necessary to fulfill their roles as advanced-level Respiratory Care Practitioners.
5. Have been taught to be critical thinkers because of their educative experience with Human Patient Simulators.
6. Demonstrate the ability to promote a team approach to patient care and interact with all health-care workers.
7. Will be encouraged to further their professional development by continuing education, conducting research, and being a member of the American Association of Respiratory Care.
8. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Programmatic Technical Standard (PDF)

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Upon successful completion of requirements for this program, the degree of Associate in Science in Respiratory Care will be awarded.

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