Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Care

Students in this major will learn about the theory and practice in preparation for the Respiratory Therapist. Respiratory care procedures and the medications used in the treatment of respiratory and cardiac disorders are presented. They will also learn the anatomy and physiology of healthy and diseased cardiopulmonary systems. In addition, students will learn chemistry, physics, biology and microbiology as it relates to respiratory care additionally; the student is provided the opportunity to use the theory in practical clinical experiences.

This career major is designed to prepare students for employment as a Respiratory Therapist. Respiratory Therapists work in a wide variety of clinical settings to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders.

Upon successful completion of the Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Care degree, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Board of Respiratory Care credentialing exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist and a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

The Respiratory care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. Programmatic outcomes data reported on the CoARC website include:

3-year time period being reported; CRT credentialing success; RRT credentialing success; Attrition; Job placement; Overall Graduate Satisfaction; Overall Employer Satisfaction; On-time Graduation Rate; Total number of program enrollees; Total number of program graduates; Maximum Annual Enrollment.

Learn how to apply to the Respiratory Care program.