Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science

Respiratory Care (2244)

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 Florida Community College 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.

An advanced placement option is available in this program for Certified Respiratory Therapists. By taking and successfully completing placement exams, students can earn credit for up to seven RET courses (RET 1024, RET 1276, RET 1485, RET 1824, RET 2484, RET 1008 and RET 2272L). Please contact the program manager to arrange these exams.

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. For additional information on the profession, contact the American Association for Respiratory Care, 11030 Ables Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229.

Expected Job Growth: 30% annually

Average Salary: CRTs average $30-35,000


Certification and Licensing
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination. After successful completion of the CRT exam, they may go on to take the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) advanced level examinations.

Accreditation
This limited access program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Respiratory Care.

Application Procedure

Prerequisites: The following seven course 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
*Social and Behavioral Sciences
*Humanities

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

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. Florida Community College student number and classification as degree-seeking
   2. current Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (HCP-BLS) card
   3. current Health Occupations Test (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.

Curriculum

General Education Courses
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

Professional Courses
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)
RET 2484 Pulmonary Pathology (4)
RET 2272L Clincial II (4)
RET 1008 Pharmacology for the Respiratory Therapist (2)
RET 2264 Ventilatory Techniques (3)
RET 1450 Diagnostic Monitoring (3)
RET 2265 Advanced Monitoring and Therapeutic Techniques (2)
RET 2350 Advanced Pharmacology (2)
RET 2714 Neo Natal/Pediatric Respiratory Care (2)
RET 2832 Clincial III (11)
RET 2520 Community Health (2)
RET 2833 Clinical IV (9)

Credit hours: 60

Total Credit Hours: 76

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

Notes
You have two options in this program: the associate in science (A.S.) degree, which can prepare you for employment or transfer to a state university, and the associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree, which is intended primarily for students who want immediate employment after graduation. If you choose the A.S. degree you must take MAC 1105, MGF 1106 or a higher level mathematics. The A.A.S. degree requires MAT 1033 or higher. Please see an advisor to determine the option that is best for you.

IMMUNIZATIONS: 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.

A physical exam will be required upon acceptance to the program.

Cost
Estimated cost of tuition is $4,600 (tuition rated for Florida residents, as of 7/04). Estimated cost of books, materials and fees is $550.