Respiratory Care
Most people take breathing for granted. It’s second nature, an involuntary reflex. But for the thousands of Americans who suffer from breathing problems or diseases, each breath is a major accomplishment. Those people include those with chronic lung problems, as well as heart attack and accident victims, premature infants, and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer or AIDS. Respiratory therapists help these individuals breathe more easily by providing specialized lung care.
Occupations
Thanks to residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population, demand is high for respiratory therapists both within the state and nationwide. NVC graduates are highly likely to pass the licensing examination on their first attempt and be eligible for gainful employment immediately following licensure. Employment options include acute or subacute hospital assignments, sleep clinics, outpatient clinics, home care, and other settings.
- Respiratory therapists
- Pulmonary function technicians
- Pediatric respiratory care specialists
- Registered sleep center technologists
Contact Information
Division
Health Occupations
Building: 800, Rm. 810
Phone: (707) 256-7600
Department Webpage
Division Webpage
Dean
Robert Harris
Dean, Language & Developmental Studies, Arts & Humanities, and Health Occupations
2277 Napa Vallejo Highway, 94558, Napa, CA
Email: RHarris@napavalley.edu
Administrative Assistant
Eva Mijares
Administrative Assistant
2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, 94558, Napa, CA
Email: EMijares@napavalley.edu
Program Coordinator
Ricardo Guzman, MA, RRT, RCP
Department Coordinator, Respiratory Care
2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, Napa, CA 94558
Email: Ricardo.Guzman@napavalley.edu
Clinical Coordinator
Todd McCarl, MBA, RRT, RCP
Professor, Respiratory Care
2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, Napa, CA 94558
Email: Todd.McCarl@napavalley.edu
In order to be accepted into the Respiratory Care Program, there are several steps you must complete before you turn in your application. Make sure you fully understand what is expected to be done and allow adequate time for requirements, such as official transcript requests and foreign transcript evaluations. You should make an appointment with a counselor to review program requirements and create an educational plan.
- Attend a mandatory Respiratory Care Information Meeting.
- The Respiratory Care Information Meeting is designed to provide information you need about the admission process and the program. The meeting lasts approximately 60 minutes with a Q&A period. Individual assistance is provided as needed after the group session. The Respiratory Care application form will be distributed. No registration is required for this meeting. This meeting is for information sharing only; you do not apply for the program at this time. (Application forms are only available to those who have attended a mandatory information meeting.)
- Complete a Napa Valley College Application.
- Meet with a counselor to develop your education plan.
- Complete the following Prerequisite courses with a “C” or better.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Priority is given to students who have completed ENGL-120 or higher and Physics.
- Napa Valley College will accept 4 unit/lab core biology courses for transfer.
- If your College transcripts are from outside the U.S. they must be evaluated by an International Evaluation service prior to submission of your application.
- When you have met all requirements, you may then submit your application to the Admissions & Records (A&R) office (with any official sealed transcripts not already at the school) during the published application period. Deliver in person or mail to Margarita Ceja, A&R Office, 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, Napa, CA 94558.
- All Respiratory Care program applicants and current students must maintain an active email address during their time in the program and check it regularly.