RSPTC - Respiratory Care Program, A.A.S.

Program Title

Respiratory Care Program, A.A.S.

Program Code

RSPTC

Program Description

This program prepares students for entry-level positions in respiratory care. Students work with patients in the treatment, management and control of problems and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. Graduates work closely with patients, doctors, and nurses to provide diagnostic testing, therapeutics, education, rehabilitation, monitoring, life support and other specialized methods of treatment. Clinical learning experiences are required of all students. Upon completion of the program students are eligible to sit for the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Examination. After successful completion of this examination and application to the Respiratory Care Board, the graduate is also eligible for state licensure as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. Once licensed, graduates are eligible to take the Advanced Practitioner Examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com), 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244 (817)283-2835. Specific admission criteria for the program are outlined in the Admission and Registration section of the College Catalog. Separate policies exist for the Respiratory program including grading. These policies can be found in the Respiratory Therapy Student Handbook.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

- Assess, analyze, implement and evaluate respiratory care
- Perform respiratory quality control activities
- Apply basic principles of management in the care of groups of patients
- Exhibit therapeutic communication skills
- Incorporate ethical/legal considerations into the respiratory action plan
- Practice as a member of a diverse interdisciplinary health care team
- Continue personal and professional growth
- Incorporate principles from the social sciences, biologic sciences and humanities into their practice
- Practice within the limits and scope of a licensed respiratory therapist

Requirements

General Education: 24 Credits as Follows:

course - Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4
course - Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4
course - Microbiology Credits: 4
course - English Composition: The Writing Process Credits: 3
course - Introduction to Psychology II: Personality & Social Aspects Credits: 3
Humanities Credits: 3
course - English Composition: Writing and Research or course - Public Speaking Credits: 3

Career Studies: 45 Credits as Follows:

A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all career studies courses in order to complete this program.

course - Medical Terminology Credits: 3
course - Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology Credits: 3
course - Fundamental Skills in Respiratory Care Credits: 7
course - Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology Credits: 4
course - Patient Assessment and Diagnostics Credits: 6
course - Advanced Life Support and Emergency Care Credits: 2
course - Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory Care Credits: 2
course - Adult Critical Care Credits: 7
course - Subacute Respiratory Care Credits: 2
course - Respiratory Care Practice Credits: 7
course - Issues in Respiratory Care Credits: 2

Total Credits Required for Degree: 69

Suggested Sequence

The following sequence is an example of how this degree can be completed in two years. This sequence is based on satisfaction of all Foundational Studies requirements and prerequisites and presumes a Fall Term start date. An individual’s program may vary depending on transfer institution, career objectives, or individual needs. See a counselor for other options and to monitor your progress. Students must satisfy specific requirements in order to be admitted to this program. See Admission to Health Science Programs, Registration and Records section of this catalog.

The following degree requirements must be taken prior to admission to program:

course - Medical Terminology Credits: 3

Semester 1: Fall Term

course - Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology Credits: 3
course - Fundamental Skills in Respiratory Care Credits: 7
course - Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4
course - English Composition: The Writing Process Credits: 3

Total Credits: 17

Semester 2: Spring Term

course - Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology Credits: 4
course - Patient Assessment and Diagnostics Credits: 6
course - Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4
course - Advanced Life Support and Emergency Care Credits: 2

Total Credits: 16

Semester 3: Fall Term

course - Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory Care Credits: 2
course - Adult Critical Care Credits: 7
course - Microbiology Credits: 4
course - Introduction to Psychology II: Personality & Social Aspects Credits: 3

Total Credits: 16

Semester 4: Spring Term

course - Subacute Respiratory Care Credits: 2
course - Respiratory Care Practice Credits: 7
course - Issues in Respiratory Care Credits: 2
course - English Composition: Writing and Research or course - Public Speaking Credits: 3
Humanities Credits: 3 (1)

Total Credits: 17

Sequence Notes:

This degree may take longer than two years to complete. The above sequence is an example of how this degree can be completed in two years. Although not required to be taken prior to beginning the program, general education courses may be taken before starting clinical courses or during the summer terms.

(1) One course is recommended from the Cultural & Global Awareness knowledge area.

Advanced Placement in Respiratory Therapy

Certified Respiratory Therapists and persons with previous experience in Respiratory Therapy may be eligible for Advanced Placement. Applicants for Advanced Placement must have met all criteria for Allied Health admission and have completed all program requirements in order to be eligible for graduation. The process and criteria for Advanced Placement are available by request from the Allied Health Office.