Respiratory Care: AS Degree
The Respiratory Care Program is four semesters and one six week summer session. The program is designed to prepare qualified men and women to practice as respiratory care practitioners (RCPs). Upon completion of the program the student will be eligible to take the state licensing and the national registry examinations. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Respiratory Care is a healthcare specialty which deals with the care and treatment of patients with respiratory and cardiac disorders. RCPs work in a variety of settings, including acute and subacute hospitals, clinics, and home care. To remain in the program, student must maintain a “C” grade or above in Respiratory Care and a satisfactory grade in clinical.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to their roles as advanced-level respiratory therapists (cognitive domain).
- Be technically proficient in all the skills necessary to fulfill their roles as advanced-level respiratory therapists (psychomotor domain).
- Exhibit professional behavior consistent with employer expectations as advanced-level respiratory therapists (affective domain).
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites for Admission | ||
| CHEM-110 | Introduction to Chemistry | 4 |
| MATH-106 | College Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MATH-232 | Statistics | |
| OR Other Transferable MATH Course | ||
| BIOL-218 | Human Anatomy | 5 |
| BIOL-219 | Human Physiology | 5 |
| BIOL-220 | General Microbiology 1 | 5 |
| Total Units | 22-23 | |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| RESP-120 | Respiratory Care Theory I | 6 |
| RESP-130 | Respiratory Care Laboratory I | 4 |
| RESP-140 | Preparation for Clinical | 1.5 |
| RESP-150 | Respiratory Care Theory II | 3 |
| RESP-160 | Respiratory Care Pharmacology | 3 |
| RESP-170 | Respiratory Care Clinical I | 2.5 |
| RESP-175 | Resp Care Laboratory II | 1.5 |
| RESP-185 | Respiratory Care Clinical II | 2.5 |
| RESP-200 | Respiratory Care Theory III | 2 |
| RESP-210 | Principles & Applications of Mechanical Ventilation/Lab | 4 |
| RESP-220 | Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care | 4 |
| RESP-230 | Respiratory Care Topics I | 1 |
| RESP-250 | Respiratory Care Clinical IV (5-unit option) | 5 |
| RESP-260 | Respiratory Care Theory IV | 1.5 |
| RESP-270 | Advanced Respiratory Care Laboratory | 1 |
| RESP-280 | Respiratory Care Topics II | 2 |
| RESP-290 | Respiratory Care Clinical VI (4-unit option) | 4 |
| RESP-290B | Computer Simulations in Respiratory Care | 1 |
| RESP-292 | Respiratory Care Preceptorship | 2.5 |
| PSYC-125 | Human Development | 3 |
| Total Units | 55 | |
To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.