Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory Therapy, Associate of Applied Science
If you’re interested in beginning a career as a Respiratory Therapist (RT), we invite you to develop your skills under the direct mentorship of a practicing physician. As a student of our Associate of Applied Science degree program, you will build the confidence and knowledge you need to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders such as asthma and emphysema. You will gain hands-on experience with real patients of all ages in conducting cardiopulmonary diagnostic testing, evaluating their need for respiratory care, and administering therapeutic treatments. Additionally, Respiratory Therapists care for patients on life support systems, where they initiate and manage mechanical ventilation.
Program Goals
Cognitive: Upon completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate cognitive development consistent with entry level and advanced practitioners as delineated by the NBRC.
Psychomotor: Upon completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate psychomotor skill development necessary to fulfill the role as Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioners.
Affective: Upon completion of the program, all graduates will demonstrate personal/professional behaviors and attitudes consistent with employee expectations for Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioners
Graduate Opportunities
The breadth of training offered in our RT degree program prepares graduates for a career in a variety of settings including:
- Pediatric hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Physician offices
- Pulmonary function laboratories
- Home medical care companies
- Ground and air medical ambulance transport services
- Sleep study centers
- Neonatal intensive care units
NBRC Certification
SLCHC graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the board examination series administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Respiratory Therapists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm
Respiratory Therapy Application
Semester 1
| Course # | Course | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH100 | Professional Development | 45 | 3 |
| BL121 | Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology Theory | 45 | 3 |
| BL121L | Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology Lab | 30 | 1 |
| HB300 | Medical Terminology Basics | 30 | 1 |
| PS101 | Psychology | 45 | 3 |
| MTH202 | Algebra & Mathematical Functions | 45 | 3 |
Semester 2
| Course # | Course | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BL130 | Cardiopulmonary A& | 45 | 3 |
| IHS-101 | Integrated Health Sciences | 45 | 3 |
| ENG101 | English Composition | 45 | 3 |
| HC101 | Ethics | 45 | 3 |
Semester 3
| Course # | Course | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN150 | Communications | 45 | 3 |
| RC104 | Respiratory Care Pharmacology | 45 | 3 |
| RC102 | Respiratory Care Practice and Procedures I | 45 | 3 |
| RCL102 | Respiratory Care Lab I | 60 | 2 |
| RCC102 | Respiratory Care Clinical Practicum I | 90 | 2 |
Semester 4
| Course # | Course | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RC106 | Respiratory Care Pathology | 30 | 2 |
| RC107 | Mechanical Vent (P&P II) | 45 | 3 |
| RC109 | Cardiopulmonary Testing (ABG/PFt) | 45 | 3 |
| RCL107 | Respiratory Care Lab II | 60 | 2 |
| RCC110 | Respiratory Care Clinical Practicum II | 180 | 4 |
Semester 5
| Course # | Course | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS301 | Critical Thinking | 30 | 2 |
| RC216 | Respiratory Care in Alternative Settings | 30 | 2 |
| RC211 | Neonatal/Pediatric RC (P&P III) | 45 | 3 |
| RCL211 | Respiratory Care Lab III | 60 | 2 |
| RCC214 | Respiratory Care Clinical Practicum III | 225 | 5 |
Semester 6
| Course # | Course | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RC215 | Advanced Mech. Ventilation (P&P IV) | 45 | 3 |
| RC219 | Comprehensive Final Review/Exit Exams | 60 | 2 |
| RCL217 | Respiratory Care Lab IV/Skill Review | 90 | 3 |
| RCC218 | Respiratory Care Clinical Practicum IV | 270 | 6 |
Program Accreditations
Full certification for the Respiratory Therapist program has been issued by:
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
264 Precision Blvd.
Telford, TN 37690
(817) 283-2835
Click on CoARC logo to access Programmatic Outcomes Data.
