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About »Respiratory care is a professionally and personally rewarding career with a balanced blend of technology and patient interaction. Working under the medical direction of doctors to provide treatment to patients with heart and lung disorders, respiratory therapists are important members of the health care team.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Precious Logan always dreamed of a career in health care. She wanted to help people.
After graduating from Greenwood High School, Logan took her first step into the health care field by earning her certified nursing assistant certificate (CNA). She enrolled at a four-year university, but...
Respiratory care is a professionally and personally rewarding career with a balanced blend of technology and patient interaction.
Working under the medical direction of doctors to provide treatment to patients with heart and lung disorders, respiratory therapists are important members of the health care team. As a respiratory therapist, you’ll provide treatment for all age groups—from infants to the elderly.
Employment for respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 23 percent through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to greater demand for respiratory therapy services and
treatments, mostly in hospitals and nursing homes.
The Respiratory Care program has special program admission criteria which must be completed prior to applying for the clinical phase of the program. A student may be admitted to the college at any time in order to complete prerequisite and general education coursework.
Respiratory care is used primarily in the treatment of heart and lung diseases such as cardiac failure, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and shock. The registered respiratory therapist is trained to assist the medical staff with the treatment, management and care of patients with cardiopulmonary abnormalities or deficiencies.
Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Others may work in nursing care facilities or travel to patients’ homes.
Some Job Duties May Include:
Salary and career information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
With instruction in anatomy and physiology, respiratory physics, pharmacology and clinical training, the graduate of this program is prepared to provide care in various medical facilities.
Proficiency in all aspects of respiratory care, including diagnostic, rehabilitative and therapeutic applications, prepares the student to take the entry and advanced level exams.
The Respiratory Care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Proficiency in all aspects of respiratory care, including diagnostic, rehabilitative and therapeutic applications, prepares PTC students to take the entry and advanced level NBRC exams.
State Licensure Eligibility Information
Respiratory Care is a limited enrollment program that has special admissions requirements. These requirements must be completed before you can be accepted.
If you are a new student, there are three key steps to complete before entering the Respiratory Care program:
Before applying for program entry, be sure you meet the requirements for acceptance. Start by connecting with an advisor and review program requirements.
We've also provided the resources below to assist you with the program acceptance process.
Fact Sheets are designed for students and advisors to review program-specific requirements and program application procedures. Please make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your academic goals and progress, and to develop your individualized degree plan.
The application worksheet is used to calculate points toward competitive program entry.
Our semester-by-semester graduation plans will show you when required courses in your major are offered. Following this plan will help you stay on track and graduate on time.
Students in the Health Care Certificate that are focusing on Respiratory Care should consider the following coursework to complete the appropriate program-ready and general education coursework needed for Respiratory Care.
We strongly recommend that students review the Health Care Division FAQ to be fully aware of our program entry requirements.
Guided Pathways are designed to assist students in scheduling the order of courses to become program-ready or to complete the Health Care Certificate for their desired program.
College Prep Pathway
College Ready Pathway
Transitional Pathway
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to become program ready, it’s time to apply to the program.
Applications are accepted for the fall entry into the Respiratory Care program on the following schedule
Program applications must be submitted during the scheduled dates for this program to be considered.
Note: If you haven't already done so, you must apply to the college before completing the Respiratory Care program application.
* Students accepted into any Health Care program will be required to attend a program orientation. Accepted students will NOT be excused from attending this mandatory orientation.