Respiratory Therapy (A45720)

Curriculum Description

The Respiratory Therapy curriculum prepares individuals to function as respiratory therapists. In these roles, individuals perform diagnostic testing, treatments, and management of patients with heart and lung diseases. Students will master skills in patient assessment and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. These skills include life support, monitoring, drug administration, and treatment of patients of all ages in a variety of settings.Graduates of accredited programs may be eligible to take entry-level examinations from the National Board for Respiratory Care. Therapy graduates may also take Advanced Practitioner. Graduates may be employed in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, education, industry, and home care.

Degree Awarded

The Associate in Applied Science Degree - Respiratory Therapy is awarded by the College upon completion of this program.

Note

In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of this program include the following: uniforms, lab coat, stethoscope, scissors, hemostats, watch with a second hand, a physical examination including immunizations such as tetanus toxoid, hepatitis B, TB test, blood test e.g., rubella titer, fees for Health Care Provider Cardiac Life Support course, Advanced Cardiac Life Support course, and fees for Self-Assessment Examinations (4). The student must provide a certificate of health or accident insurance.

In order to progress in this program, students must earn a C or better in all curriculum courses. In order to participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students may be required to submit results of a NC state or national criminal background check at their own expense. As a condition of program admission, students may be required to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.

For More Information

The Respiratory Therapy program is in the Health Sciences Division. For more information, call the program chair at 704.330.6274.

Admissions

• Complete a CPCC application.
• Submit high school transcripts as well as any college transcripts.
• Take required placement tests.
• Attend Health Sciences Counselor orientation.
• Complete any required advancement studies classes with a C or better.
• Complete at least high school level chemistry with a C or better within the last 5 years.
• BIO 163 must have been completed within the last 5 years.
• Applicants must also present evidence of good physical and mental health.
• Many courses have prerequisites or corequisites; check the Course Descriptions section for details.