Respiratory Care, AAS (RCT3) (510908)  Degree


Campus Locations: Thomasville

The respiratory care program is a sequence of courses that prepare students for entry into respiratory care professional practice. Learning opportunities encompass general education courses in the arts and sciences in addition to occupation specific courses to facilitate the development of academic knowledge and professional competencies required for job acquisition, retention and advancement in the respiratory care profession. Graduates of the program receive the Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care, and eligibility to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing examinations. Detailed information outlining the NBRC credentialing examination(s) including application procedures, examination fees, the minimum cut-score requirements, and the continuing competency program are available in the NBRC Candidate Handbook at www.nbrc.org.

Length of Program: Two (2) semesters of prerequisite courses and Four (4) semesters of occupational courses

Career Information: Respiratory therapists are members of a team of health care professionals working in a wide variety of clinical settings. Respiratory therapists provide a broad range of patient care which includes clinical decision making and patient education. The respiratory care scope of practice includes, but is not limited to the following basic competencies:

  • acquiring and evaluating clinical data
  • assessing the cardiopulmonary status of patients
  • performing and assisting in the performance of prescribed diagnostic studies
  • evaluating data to assess the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care
  • establishing therapeutic goals for patients with cardiopulmonary disease
  • participating in the development and modification of respiratory care plans
  • case management of patients with cardiopulmonary and related diseases
  • initiating respiratory care protocols and modifying the respiratory care plan
  • initiating and conducting prescribed pulmonary rehabilitation
  • providing patient, family, and community education
  • promoting cardiopulmonary wellness, disease prevention, and disease management
  • promoting evidence-based practice by using established clinical practice guidelines and by evaluating published research for its relevance to patient care.

(Reference: CoARC Standards)

Program Goal: The goal of the respiratory care program at Southern Regional Technical College is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Program Outcome: Graduates of the respiratory care program will obtain the NBRC’s Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. CoARC accredited programs are required to report assessment thresholds on the CoARC Annual Report of Current Status (RCS). Programmatic outcomes data are published by CoARC.

Entrance Date: Prerequisite Courses open; however, all prerequisite/Competitive Admissions courses (BIOL 2113 – Anatomy and Physiology I, BIOL 2113L – Anatomy and Physiology Lab I , BIOL 2114 – Anatomy and Physiology II, BIOL 2114L – Anatomy and Physiology Lab II , CHEM 1151 – Survey of Inorganic Chemistry; CHEM 1151: - Survey of Inorganic Chemistry Lab; and a Degree level MATH course) must be successfully completed prior to competitive program admission deadline.

Program Admission: Fall Semester

Entrance Requirements: Entry into this program is based on competitive admissions criteria. Contact the program advisor or admissions for details. Completion of prerequisite courses does not guarantee admission into the program. For further details, Please see the Competitive Admissions Criteria. Click for Entrance Score Requirements.

Age: Applicant must be 16 years of age or older.

Education: An applicant must be a high school graduate or the equivalent (GED). College transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Advisor: A Program Advisor should be consulted prior to enrolling in any course. An advisor will be assigned by admissions.

Additional Requirements: Pre-screening processes must be completed by all respiratory care students in order to be permitted to attend clinical rotations at the clinical affiliates. Pre-screening requirements and orientation sessions may vary among clinical affiliates and include: A physical examination, verification the student meets the same technical standards required of employees of the affiliates, immunization records, annual influenza vaccination while enrolled in the program, national criminal background check, and drug toxicology. A deadline for submission of all documentation to the director of clinical education will be provided on the first day of the semester of the first RESP course.

Students will be provided a Respiratory Care Program Handbook upon enrollment in the first Respiratory Care occupational course. The handbook provides details regarding all additional program requirements including tools, supplies, uniforms, clinical documentation requirements, completion of certification in the American Heart Association (ACLS, BLS), American Academy of Pediatrics (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) courses, and the policy on RRT credentialing success.

Advanced Placement: Graduates of a former entry-level diploma program in respiratory therapy (prior to the 1997 national requirement for transition of all respiratory therapy programs to Associate degree) who aim to obtain the Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care must meet the following graduation criteria:

  1. Complete all application requirements for acceptance to the College.
  2. Schedule an advisement meeting with the program chair to request assistance with the process for requesting credit for previous training for the RESP occupational courses.
  3. Submit verification of an active RRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (www.nbrc.org).
  4. Complete all courses in Area 1: General Education Core courses with the minimum final course grade of “C” (reference course curriculum on the following pages).
  5. Schedule regular advisement sessions to review progress towards graduation.
  6. Schedule an advisement session for assistance with processing the request for graduation.

Note: Graduates of a former entry-level diploma program in respiratory therapy who do not have the RRT credential must complete all courses (Areas 1, 2, and 3) in the program curriculum.

Credentialing Requirements for Employment: The RRT credential is required for employment by all hospitals listed as clinical affiliates of the program in addition to the majority of hospitals in the region and state of Georgia.

State Licensure Requirements: Licensure requirements and application processes vary for each state. The program chair will assist graduates with accurate and timely completion of state licensure requirements. A national directory of state licensure agencies is provided at www.nbrc.org (reference state licensure).

Note: Individuals who have been convicted of a felony offense may be denied state licensure. Applications for state licensure are reviewed and approved by the governing agency for each state.

Professionalism: Students will become student members of the Georgia Society for Respiratory Care (www.gsrc.org) and the American Association for Respiratory Care (www.aarc.org). The importance of professional growth and service to the community of interest, through community service projects will be emphasized throughout the program.

Program Final Exit Point: Respiratory Care, Associate of Applied Science Degree with eligibility to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) TMC examination.

Credits Required for Graduation: 81 minimum semester hour credits required for graduation.

Accreditation Information: The Respiratory Care Program is provisionally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The program is classified by CoARC as an Entry into Professional Practice Program (CoARC program reference number: 200631). Graduates of the program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
Phone: 817-283-2835

Website: www.coarc.com

Program outcomes are available at: https://www.coarc.com/getattachment/Students/Programmatic-Outcome-Data/2017-RCS-Program-Outcomes.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US

Cost
Books: $896.56
Fees: $326.00
Tuition: $1,500.00
Total: $2,722.56
Books: $473.80
Fees: $301.00
Tuition: $1,500.00
Total: $2,274.80
Books: $713.10
Fees: $916.00
Tuition: $1,300.00
Total: $2,929.10
Books: $170.00
Fees: $301.00
Tuition: $1,300.00
Total: $1,771.00
Fees: $351.00
Tuition: $1,000.00
Total: $1,351.00
Fees: $1,273.00
Tuition: $1,400.00
Total: $2,673.00
Curriculum Outline (81 hours)
1: General Education Courses (16 Hours) 16
Area I: Language Arts/Communication (3 Hours) 3
ENGL 1101

Co-requisite(s): ENGL 0090 and/or Entrance exam reading and writing scores in accordance with approved TCSG admission score levels. Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 Hours) 3
Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics (7 Hours)** 7
CHEM 1151

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Degree Level Mathematics Course, CHEM 1151L Provides an introduction to basic chemical principles and concepts which explain the behavior of matter. Topics include measurements and units, structure of matter, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, gas laws, liquid mixtures, acids and bases, salts and buffers, and nuclear chemistry.

3
CHEM 1151L

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Degree Level Mathematics Course, CHEM 1151 Selected laboratory experiments paralleling the topics in CHEM 1151. The lab exercises for this course include units of measurements, structure of matter, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, gas laws, liquid mixtures, acids and bases, salts and buffers, and nuclear chemistry.

1
Math 0001One Degree Level Mathematics Course 3
Area IV: Humanities/Fine Arts (3 Hours) 3
2: Institutional Credit (3 Hours) 3
COLL 1500

This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/ technical program of study. Topics include: Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communications Skills, Career Exploration, Research Skills, College Campus Knowledge, Memory & Reading Skills, Presentation & Interview Skills, and Group Skills. Effective Fall 2016, students who already have an Associate Degree or higher will be given exemption credit for the COLL 1500 course.

3
3: Occupational Courses (62 Hours) 62
BIOL 2113

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L

Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113: ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L

Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
BIOL 2117

Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L) OR (BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) Co-Requisite(s): BIOL 2117L Provides students with a foundation in basic microbiology with emphasis on infectious disease. Topics include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, and microorganisms and human disease.

3
BIOL 2117L

Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L) OR (BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) Co-Requisite(s): BIOL 2117 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2117. The laboratory exercises for this course include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, and microorganisms and human disease.

1
RESP 1110

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, MATH 1111 Introduces the physiologic and pharmacological basis of pulmonary and cardiac medications. Focuses on the preparation and calculation of dosages and mixtures and general principles of pharmacology as they relate to the body systems. Topics include: drug preparation, dosage calculation, mixture preparation, pharmacology principles, delivery systems, respiratory drugs, and cardiopulmonary system related drugs.

3
RESP 1120

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, MATH 1111 Co-requisite(s): RESP 1130, RESP 1193 Provides students with an introduction and comprehensive survey of the respiratory care profession. Emphasizes the application of physics and chemistry as the foundation for specific modes of respiratory care principles employed in patient care, including indications, hazards, contraindications, evaluation of therapy, and patient assessment. Topics include: respiratory therapy chemistry and physics principles, patient assessment, medical gas therapy, , humidity and aerosol therapy, hyperinflation therapy, bronchopulmonary hygiene, infection control practices, and hospital safety.

3
RESP 1130

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, MATH 1111 Co-requisite(s): RESP 1120, RESP 1193 Provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with basic respiratory therapy equipment and simulated practice of basic respiratory care modalities. Topics include: patient assessment, medical gas therapy, humidity and aerosol therapy, hyperinflation therapy, airway clearance techniques, infection control procedures, and medical ethics.

4
RESP 1193

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, MATH 1111 Provides an in-depth study of cardiac and pulmonary anatomy and physiology, and the diagnostic procedures commonly used in the hospital to evaluate these systems. Emphasizes the heart-lung relationship and clinical applications of these phenomena in the cardiopulmonary system. Topics include: respiratory function; ventilatory mechanisms; gas transport; laboratory analysis; natural and chemical regulation of breathing; circulation, blood flow and pressure, and cardiac function; renal physiology and related topics.

4
RESP 2090

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Introduces students to clinical practice in basic respiratory care procedures. Topics include: introduction to clinical affiliate, medical gas therapy, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, inspiratory and expiratory PIP/PEP devices, patient assessment, and basic life support (BLS).

2
RESP 2100

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 2090 Continues to develop skills used in the clinical practice. Topics include: medical gas therapy, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, and patient assessment.

2
RESP 2110

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, RESP 1120, RESP 1193 Co-requisite(s): RESP 1110 Provides students with information concerning assessment of etiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis of common cardiopulmonary, cardiovascular, and pulmonary diseases and conditions. Topics include: infectious diseases and conditions, respiratory diseases and conditions, neuromuscular diseases and conditions, cardiovascular diseases and conditions, sleep apnea, patient assessment, laboratory tests, chest radiographs, and trauma.

3
RESP 2120

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 1120, RESP 1130 Provides students with knowledge on all phases of adult critical care and continuous mechanical ventilation. Topics include: mechanical ventilation history, principles of mechanical ventilation, continuous mechanical ventilation, ventilator implementation, ventilation monitoring, ventilator weaning, ventilator discontinuance and special techniques.

2
RESP 2130

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 1120, RESP 1130 Pre/Co-requisite(s): RESP 2120 Provides instruction in the theory, set-up, operation, and maintenance of mechanical ventilators and equipment used to establish and maintain both adult and pediatric airways and emergency airway disorders. Topics include: ventilator operation, ventilator maintenance, emergency airway disorders, adult airway establishment and maintenance, pediatric airway establishment and maintenance, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, chest tube maintenance, arterial blood gas sampling, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

4
RESP 2140

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 1120, RESP 1130, RESP 1193 Provides a study of advanced critical care techniques for hemodynamic and non invasive monitoring. Topics include: arterial pressure monitoring, central venous catheters, pulmonary artery catheters, cardiac output measurement, and non invasive monitoring techniques.

1
RESP 2150

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 1193 Provides knowledge regarding normal and abnormal pulmonary functions. Emphasizes performance, interpretation, and evaluation of various pulmonary function studies. Topics include: pulmonary function testing, pulmonary function interpretation, pulmonary function evaluation, blood gas analysis, and polysomnography.

1
RESP 2160

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 1120, RESP 1130 Provides concepts on the processes of growth and development related to respiratory care from the fetus to the adolescent. Relates physiologic function to respiratory care assessment. Topics include: fetal growth and development, neonatal growth and development, fetal assessment, neonatal assessment, neonatal respiratory care, neonatal pathology, pediatric pathology, pediatric respiratory care, adolescent assessment, and adolescent respiratory care.

3
RESP 2170

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 2120, RESP 2130 Review of respiratory therapy as it pertains to the national credential examinations administered by the NBRC. Emphasizes decision making and problem solving as they relate to clinical respiratory care. Topics include: medical ethics, basic computer literacy, CRTT exam preparation, and RRT exam preparation.

3
RESP 2180

Pre/Co-requisite(s): RESP 2100 Continues development of proficiency levels in skills introduced in Clinical Practices I and II. In addition, intermittent positive pressure breathing, chest physiotherapy, and airway care are introduced. Case presentations are required to integrate clinical and classroom theory. Topics include: intermittent positive pressure breathing, chest physiotherapy, airway care, medical gas therapy, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, and patient assessment.

2
RESP 2190

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 2180 Continues development of proficiency levels in skills introduced in Clinical Practices I, II, and III. In addition, the student is introduced to critical respiratory care. Case presentations are required to integrate clinical and medical gas therapy, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, patient assessment, and respiratory care of the critical care patient.

2
RESP 2200

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 2180, RESP 2120 Pre/Co-requisite(s): RESP 2130, RESP 2190 Continues development of skills required in the intensive care of the respiratory patient. Case presentations are required to integrate clinical and classroom theory. Topics include: basic respiratory care of critical care patients, airway management, ventilator monitoring, arterial blood collection, blood gas analysis, and EKG.

3
RESP 2220

Pre/Co-requisite(s): RESP 2190 Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of adult intensive care. In addition, students are provided an opportunity for application and reinforcement of pediatric and neonatal intensive care, advanced diagnostics, and rehabilitation/ home care. Topics include: mechanical ventilation initiation, patient stabilization, critical care monitoring, hemodynamic measurement, hemodynamic evaluation, bronchial hygiene, weaning mechanics, extubation, arterial line sampling, advanced diagnostics, pediatric/ neonatal respiratory care, and rehabilitation/home care.

7
RESP 2270

Pre/Co-requisite(s): RESP 1120 Provides an overview of the concepts, procedures, and equipment used in rehabilitation and in the delivery of long-term care to persons with chronic pulmonary disorders. Topics include: cardiopulmonary rehabilitation/home care concepts, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation/home care procedures, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation/home care equipment.

1
Faculty
Program Chair

Respiratory Care Program Chair
Health Sciences
Thomasville

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