Respiratory Care

A Career in Respiratory Therapy

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.

Special Application Requirements

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.

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What Will I Do as a Respiratory Therapist?

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:

• Interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders
• Consult with physicians to develop patient treatment plans
• Perform diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity
• Treat patients, using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications
• Monitor and record the progress of treatment
• Supervise respiratory therapy technicians during tests and evaluate the findings of the tests

Career Quick Facts

Career Outlook

• Median Salary Average: $38,174
• Range for Recent Grads: $27,500-$48,000
• 73% placement rate for 2015-2017 graduates

Entry Level Positions

• Respiratory Therapy Technician
• Respiratory Therapist
• Advancement to supervisor and management positions possible

Employers

• Abbeville Area Medical Center
• AnMed Health
• Baptist Health
• Cardiosom Home Health
• Carolina Pulmonary
• Carolina Rehabilitation
• Charleston Memorial Hospital
• Edgefield County Hospital
• Fairfield Memorial Hospital
• Greenwood Home Respiratory Care Inc.
• Greenwood Regional Rehabilitation Hospital
• Greenville Children's Hospital
• Greenville Healthcare System
• Langston Place
• Laurens County Heath Care System
• Lexington Memorial Hospital 
• Lincare Home Health
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Newberry County Memorial Hospital
• Palmetto Health Baptist
• Palmetto Health Richland
• Piedmont Technical College
• Providence Hospital
• Self Regional Healthcare
• Southeast Home & Respiratory
• St. Francis Health System
• Trinity Hospital of Augusta
• Unihealth Post Acute Care
• University Hospital
• Wallace Thompson Hospital
• WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center

Program Information

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 exam.

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.

Respiratory Care Application Process

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:

• Step 1: Apply to the college and complete the enrollment process
• Step 2: Take the necessary courses to become Program-Ready
• Step 3: Apply to the program

Are You Program-Ready?

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.

Respiratory Care Fact Sheet

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.

Review the Fact Sheet

Application Worksheet

The application worksheet is used to calculate points toward merit/competitive program entry.  

Access the Worksheet

Graduation Plan

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. 

Study the Graduation Plan

Health Care FAQ

We strongly recommend that students review the Health Care Division FAQ to be fully aware of our program entry requirements.

Learn More

Apply to the Respiratory Care Program

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

• Application Dates - May 1-16
• Notification Emails Sent - Mid-June*

Applications must be submitted during the scheduled dates for this program to be considered. 

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