Respiratory Care, AAS (RCT3) (510908)  Degree


Campus Locations: Thomasville

The Respiratory Care Associate Degree 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, as members of the team of health care professionals, work in a wide variety of clinical settings to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages who have respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders. As team members, respiratory therapists should exemplify the ethical and professional standards expected of all health care professionals. Respiratory therapists provide a broad range of patient care that includes clinical decision-making and patient education. The respiratory care scope of practice includes, but is not limited to, the following competencies:

  • acquiring and evaluating clinical data;
  • assessing the cardiopulmonary status of patients;
  • performing, or assisting in the performance of, prescribed diagnostic studies such as obtaining blood samples, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and polysomnography;
  • 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 prescribed respiratory care treatments, evaluating and monitoring patient responses to such therapy, and modifying prescribed therapy to achieve the desired therapeutic objectives
  • managing life support activities;
  • 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.

Career Outlook: Respiratory therapists are in high demand nationwide, with growing needs in hospitals, intensive care units, sleep labs, emergency departments, home care, and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow by 13% between 2023 and 2033, adding over 17,000 new jobs. The median annual salary is approximately $80,450, with an hourly wage of $38.68. This is a dynamic and rewarding career for those who want to make a real difference in the lives of patients every day.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook Data

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 required for the practice of respiratory care as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Program Outcome: Graduates of the Respiratory Care Program at Southern Regional Technical College will be able to demonstrate the knowledge required for the professional role of a Respiratory Therapist. They will possess the skills and attitudes necessary to maintain technical and professional competence, along with the ability to think critically, reason logically, and apply effective problem-solving strategies in clinical practice. Students will be prepared to perform cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures, conduct comprehensive patient assessments, and develop individualized respiratory care plans. In addition, they will be equipped to assist physicians with specialized cardiopulmonary procedures, contributing as valuable members of the healthcare team.

Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the NBRC credentialing exams (TMC and CSE) and pursue state licensure. Program outcomes are regularly reviewed to ensure graduates are workforce-ready and meet CoARC standards. View national outcome data at: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/. This data is self-reported by respiratory care programs to CoARC and reflects the aggregate data for the three-year period being reported.

Entrance Date: Applicants to the Respiratory Care Program must complete all prerequisite courses prior to beginning any occupational RESP coursework. Prerequisites include all required courses from Area I (Language Arts/Communication), Area II (Social/Behavioral Sciences), Area III (Natural Sciences/Mathematics), Area IV (Humanities/Fine Arts), and Institutional Credit.

In addition, the following occupational science courses must be successfully completed before entry into the program: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, BIOL 2117, and BIOL 2117L.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for program admission.

Student Advisement Sheet for the Respiratory Care Program

Program Admission: Fall Semester

Age: To qualify for national credentialing (CRT/RRT) and state licensure, 18 years of age or older.

Education: A high school diploma or GED is required for admission. College transcripts will be reviewed and evaluated on an individual basis.

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

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), and American Academy of Pediatrics (PALS) courses, and the policy on RRT credentialing success.

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 Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential is required for employment at all hospitals affiliated with the Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) Respiratory Care Program, as well as the majority of hospitals throughout the state of Georgia and surrounding regions. To earn the RRT credential, graduates must pass both the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

State Licensure Requirements: Licensure is required to practice as a respiratory therapist and is regulated by each state. Requirements vary by location. Graduates are responsible for meeting their chosen state’s criteria. The Program Chair will assist with timely application. Visit www.nbrc.org for a directory of state licensure agencies.

Important Note: Individuals with a felony conviction may be denied licensure. All licensure applications are subject to review by the governing agency in each state, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Professionalism: Students will become student members of the Georgia Society for Respiratory Care (GSRC) and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Throughout the program, students will be encouraged to engage in professional development and uphold the values of the respiratory care profession. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of professional growth, ethical conduct, and service to the community of interest through participation in community service projects and professional activities.

Program Final Exit Point: The Respiratory Care Program at Southern Regional Technical College concludes with the awarding of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Care. Graduates who complete all program requirements are eligible to sit for the NBRC credentialing exams and apply for state licensure as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).

Accreditation for Respiratory Care: The Respiratory Care Program (RCT3) at Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) is 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 Number: 200631).

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care Website: www.coarc.com

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690 (817) 283-2835

“CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes-based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.”

Cost
Admissions Fees: $384.00
Books: $896.56
Tuition: $1,605.00
Total: $2,885.56
Admissions Fees: $379.00
Books: $473.80
Tuition: $1,605.00
Total: $2,457.80
Admissions Fees: $379.00
Books: $556.88
Program Fees: $75.00
Tuition: $1,391.00
Total: $2,401.88
Admissions Fees: $379.00
Books: $258.57
Program Fees: $195.00
Tuition: $1,391.00
Total: $2,223.57
Admissions Fees: $379.00
Book Fees: $285.05
Program Fees: $185.00
Tuition: $1,070.00
Total: $1,919.05
Admissions Fees: $379.00
Graduation Fee: $40.00
Program Fees: $978.34
Tuition: $1,498.00
Total: $2,895.34
Curriculum Outline (81 hours)
1: General Education Courses (16 Hours) 16
Area I: Language Arts/Communication (3 Hours) 3
ENGL 1101

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
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 2170

Pre-requisite(s): RESP 2120, RESP 2130 RESP 2170 provides an Advanced Respiratory Care View Seminar Course. This course is utilized to provide Respiratory Care students with a Self-Assessment Examination (SAE) for the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination. This test will be administered as "tools for identifying areas of weakness and remediation only." While completion of these exams is required as a participation grade, there is no required exit cut score for graduation from the program. Program faculty will review the areas of weakness with the student and develop a remediation plan.

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
School of Health Sciences
Thomasville

15689 U.S. 19, Thomasville, GA 31792
Advisor

Respiratory Care Clinical Coordinator
School of Health Sciences
Thomasville

15689 US Highway 19 N, Thomasville, GA 31792
Up one level
Programs of Study