Associate in Science 

MISSION STATEMENT: Creating competent, ethical, confident entry-level healthcare practitioners committed to professional development through life-long learning in a positive, non-discriminatory and supportive learning environment.

THE CAREER: The respiratory care profession is one of the fastest growing allied health specialties. It is involved with the treatment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the heart and lungs. Graduates of the FCCJ respiratory care program are eligible to take the nationally recognized Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination immediately after graduation. After successful completion of the CRT examination, they are eligible to take the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) advanced level examinations. This credential offers the therapist excellent employment opportunities as well as a competitive salary.

For additional information on the profession, contact: 

American Association for Respiratory Care
11030 Ables Lane
Dallas, Texas 75229

THE PROGRAM: This limited access program, fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Respiratory Care, enables graduates to sit for both professional examinations. One class of 25 is admitted each fall term. The professional phase of the education makes employment difficult, due to clinical demands. Students will be expected to lift up to 30 pounds frequently, be mobile and have sufficient motor abilities to provide safe care.

The following seven courses should be completed, or nearing completion, prior to submitting an application to the program:

ENC 1101 English Composition I
MAC 1105 College Algebra
BSC 2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BSC 2086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II
*Sociology
*Humanities
*One year of high school chemistry or any  college CHM course

A brochure outlining costs, requirements, deadlines, and procedures is available from the respiratory care/allied health department on North Campus.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Minimum requirements that must be met for consideration for acceptance to the respiratory care program are:

1. Students must have earned a high school diploma or equivalency degree.
2. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered (contact the RC office for  application deadline).
   
3. Applicants must document all eligibility requirements:
       
   1. FCCJ student number and classification as degree-seeking
   2. current HCP-BLS card
   3. current HOT scores
   4. completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better
      
      
4. Students will be ranked according to the quality points (contact the RC office for  additional information).
5. The top 25 ranked students will be notified by mail of their acceptance into the program. Orientation and registration information will also be provided. Those who fail to contact our office upon notification of acceptance will forfeit their placement in the program. In case of forfeiture, the next highest ranked student  will be notified of acceptance.

NOTE: A physical examination will be required upon acceptance to the program.

This associate in science degree program is intended primarily for students who desire to complete an associate’s degree and become employed. Students who decide to pursue university transfer study must meet certain course and test requirements. For details refer to university transfer requirements.

Requirements and Recommended Course Groupings

The following is a presentation of required courses in recommended course groupings for this program. These groupings are only a suggested guide, and there is no requirement to follow these precisely. The availability of courses, the student’s testing and academic performance and other factors may alter the student’s actual course completion sequence. Students of this program may register for courses in any grouping as long as the student has met any prerequisites for the course

Course Grouping One
(First term load for full-time students; 2-5 terms for part-time students.)
 

Course Number and Title	Credits
ENC 1101 English Composition I	3
BSC 2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
*Social and Behavioral Sciences	3
MAC 1105 College Algebra	3
*Humanities	3
Credit Hours	16

Course Grouping Two
(Second term load for full-time students; 2-5 terms for part-time students.)
 

Course Number and Title	Credits
BSC 2086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
RET 1024 Fundamentals of Respiratory Therapy	4
RET 1824 Clinical I	2
RET 1276 Physical Assessment Skills	2
RET 1485 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology	4
Credit Hours	16

Course Grouping Three
(Third term load for full-time students; 2-5 terms for part-time students.)
 

Course Number and Title	Credits
RET 2484 Pulmonary Pathology	4
RET 2272L Clinical II	4
RET 1008 Pharmacology for the Respiratory Therapist	2
Credit Hours	10

Course Grouping Four
(Fourth term load for full-time students; 2-5 terms for part-time students.)
 

Course Number and Title	Credits
RET 2264 Ventilatory Techniques	3
RET 1450 Diagnostic Monitoring	3
RET 2265 Advanced Monitoring and TherapeuticTechniques	2
RET 2350 Advanced Pharmacology	2
Credit Hours	10

Course Grouping Five
(Fifth term load for full-time students; 2-5 terms for part-time students.)
 

Course Number and Title	Credits
RET 2714 Neo Natal/Pediatric Respiratory Care	2
RET 2832 Clinical III	11
Credit Hours	13

Course Grouping Six
(Sixth term load for full-time students; 2-5 terms for part-time students.)
 

Course Number and Title	Credits
RET 2520 Community Health	2
RET 2833 Clinical IV	9
Credit Hours	11
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS	76

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.

NOTE: Prior to contact with patients or patient specimens, students must furnish proof of childhood immunizations and Hepatitis B immunization. Contact program chairperson for additional information.

 

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