Respiratory Care Program

Mission Statement

The Respiratory Care Program exists to prepare students as competent advanced level respiratory therapists within a learning-centered environment so that the development of critical thinking, an appreciation of global diversity and the capacity for life-learning occurs.

Career Opportunities

Skillful providers of respiratory care are in increasing demand.  Respiratory Care Practitioners are prepared to administer pulmonary care under the direction of licensed physicians.  Their tasks involve the administration of medical gases, medications by inhalation, pulmonary drainage and positive pressure breathing treatments.  Knowledge of special life-support equipment and methods of monitoring the critically-ill patients are required of respiratory care practitioners.  Individuals educated as respiratory care therapists must complete a minimum of two years of education.  Upon completion of the Respiratory Care Program at Rhodes State College, graduates are eligible to sit for the national board exams to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). 

Therapists assume primary clinical responsibility for all respiratory care modealities.  Therapists scope of practice includes specific knowledge of cardiopulmonary and renal anatomy, pathology, clinical management, therapeutics and diagnostics.  Excellent communication skills are necessary in orher to consult with physicians and other members of the health care team.  A most important standard in the profession of Respiratory Care is for practitioners to serve as a role model in matters concerning health by abstaining from the use of tobacco products at home, school and work environments.

The percentage rate of graduates who have been employed in the respiratory field has been extremely high.  Many students have been employed part-time in area hospitals while they complete their associate degree.  According to the 2007 Rhodes State College graduate survey, the average starting salary is $35,360.  These salaries do not include shift or weekend differential. 

Job opportunities are expected to be very good, especially for respiratory therapists with critical care skills or experience working with infants. Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012, because of substantial growth in numbers of the middle-aged and elderly population, a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease.

Once you enter the profession, you may want to specialize in an area such as neonatal care, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, helicopter transport, critical care, rehabilitation, education, or management.

For additional career information, go to the American Association for Respiratory Care website.

Qualification Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements have been established for Respiratory Care applicants:

1. American College Test (ACT) composite score of 21 or higher; individual test scores of 20 or higher in mathematics and natural science; 18 or higher in English and social science or other appropriate test scores/developmental coursework.  (See 1a under Acceptance into an Allied Health Major@ on page 47).
2. A minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) for any previous college course work at the time of selection and matriculation.
3. Must have basic computer skills prior to admission to the program.  This can be satisfied through high school experiences, life experiences or completion of CPT-104 or equivalent.

Requirements 4 and 5 must be met by the time of enrollment in the first Respiratory Care course.

4. A 16-hour experience with a respiratory care practitioner in a hospital of the applicant's choice.  Appointments are made by the applicant with the hospital's department.
5. A satisfactory interview with the Respiratory Care program chairman or director of clinical education.

Requirements 6 and 7 must be met by the time of enrollment in the first Respiratory Care Clinical course.

6. Results of a physical examination including laboratory tests and completion of required immunizations before actual clinical course work can be started.  The Respiratory Care program also has technical standards for which all students must be capable.  These standards specify skills necessary to participate in learning activities and professional practice.
7. Successful completion of an American Heart Association, BLS, Health Care Provider, CPR course prior to clinical course work.  Must be maintained through to graduation.

Please Note: Applicants who do not meet academic requirements may plan a program of study under the guidance of the Academic Advisor for Allied Health to prepare for possible admission to the program. Admission to this program is limited; therefore, it is advisable to submit application materials as soon as possible.

Technical Standards

All applicants for the Allied Health programs and certificates must possess the essential skills and abilities necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the curriculum either with or without reasonable accommodations for any disabilities the individual may have.  * Note: The use of an intermediary that in effect requires a student to rely on someone else’s power of selection and observation will not be permitted.  See pages 48-49 of the College Catalog for further details.

Available Seats

Seats for the program will be filled with qualified applicants on a continuous basis.  Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and seek qualified status as soon as possible to secure a seat as only 26 students are accepted each year.
A minimum of two seats in each class will be designated for Tech Prep students.

Notice to Prospective or Current Respiratory Care Students

You are at risk if you have ever been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors.  You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences at some hospitals or other clinical sites; therefore preventing you from completing the program.  A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession.

Accreditation

This program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).  Inquiries regarding accreditation should be directed to:

The program has been accredited since its inception in 1980.

For More Information, Contact:

07/08 Information subject to change without notice.