Respiratory Care

Overview

In this academic degree program, students are trained to work as a part of a highly technical life-support team. The program provides clinical experiences to build student competencies in treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of individuals suffering from breathing abnormalities and traumas.

Respiratory Care is a health care specialty relating to the diagnosis, treatment, education, and preventive and rehabilitative care of individuals suffering from deficiencies, diseases, and abnormalities, and trauma affecting the process of breathing. They are trained to be members of the highly technical life support teams, patient educators, diagnostic labs, and rehabilitation specialists.

Students graduating from the Respiratory Care program are eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination given by the NBRC. Upon successful completion of these registry examinations, graduates are designated as Registered Respiratory Therapists. Graduates from the program are eligible to apply to the South Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners for state licensing.

Learning experiences for students in the Respiratory Care program are provided in classrooms and pre-clinical laboratories on the Airport Campus in the Academic Center. Additional pre-clinical learning takes place in a simulation lab in Lexington Hall. Required clinical experiences (externships/internships) are arranged through affiliations with local hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

In addition to the college’s placement test and the admissions requirements of the School of Health Care, there are additional specific eligibility and admissions criteria to the Respiratory Care program.

Accreditation

The Respiratory Care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.

Click on the link for CoARC’s Programatic Outcomes Data to see how MTC’s Respiratory Care program (CoARC # 200091) compares to other accredited programs in the nation.

CoARC awards a program with the President’s Award for Excellence for achieving the following rigorous criteria: (1) have three or more years of outcomes; (2) hold accreditation without a progress report; (3) document RRT credentialing success of 100%, and (4) meet or exceed established CoARC thresholds for TMC high cut score and retention. We are proud to announce that MTC’s Respiratory Care Program was one of the 26 programs out of over 400 accredited programs to receive this award.

Curriculum

The Respiratory Care curriculum has a variety of program options sequenced to offer the student the greatest flexibility in achieving their career goals. While the programs are listed separately, they are actually combined in a unique sequencing format. They can be taken in phases. Students may enter at any time to complete the general education and related courses (English, math, anatomy and physiology, integrated science, etc.) required by the curriculum. The student can take all or part of these courses prior to taking the professional courses. The student determines the length of time they want to spend in this phase before moving into the next phase (Phase II).

Phase II may be started only in the fall semester and completes the technical or professional training. Here, students study respiratory care procedures and concepts in class, laboratory and clinical facilities. The curriculum blends classroom, laboratory, and hospital experience. Much of the time is spent in supervised patient-care learning while working with physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other members of the health care team at clinical sites.​

Pre-Application Considerations
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • High school or college credits in mathematics/science (algebra, chemistry, physics or biology) recommended.​
Requirements and Eligibility

Students may apply to the program after earning a minimum grade of "C" in ENG 101, COL 106 and MAT 102. A minimum grade of “B” on the first attempt in BIO 112 or in an equivalent course is required for program admission.

Students in the program are required to purchase and maintain two monogrammed uniforms, two lab coats, clinic-style shoes, a stethoscope, and a watch at an approximate cost of $225. Students are required to join the professional association (AARC) at the student rate of $25 and attend some workshops and scheduled professional meetings at their own expense (averaging $150/year).

Students must earn at least a “B” in BIO 112 on the first attempt. Students must attain a grade of at least a “C” in all other respiratory care, mathematics, and science courses to successfully complete the program. Students may not repeat mathematics, science, and/or major courses more than once and are permitted to repeat no more than two different curriculum courses.

If time allows, students are strongly encouraged to complete AHS 102 - Medical Terminology, BIO 115 - Basic Microbiology, AHS 145 - Electrocardiography and AHS 156 Electrocardiography Practicum prior to program entry. Please see your academic advisor.

Acceptable Admissions Criteria
  • Respiratory care information session and hospital observation as notified by the Admissions Office.
  • Successful program interview scheduled after the completion of the hospital observation.
  • Health form completed and turned in prior to the start of the first semester of classes.
  • Acceptable criminal background check and drug screening results.
  • First aid and CPR Certificates A Community and Basic Life Support CPR for Adults and Children certificate from the American Red Cross or Heart Association is due before entry into the first respiratory care class and must be current (within 3 months of starting the program).

​Individual evaluations may be given to applicants who do not meet all of the above criteria. Students must have a clinical observation before being interviewed.

Program Type

Associate in Applied Science

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(14 Credit Hours)
COL-106 Skills for College Success

Skills for College Success

ID: COL-106

Credit Hours: 1

This course is designed to enhance the skills of entering freshmen to facilitate their ability to succeed in the college environment. The course topics include student/instructor expectations, time management, library/computer orientation, listening/note-taking, studying for success, learning styles/personality types, and diversity and differences on campus.

1
ENG-101 English Comp I

English Comp I

ID: ENG-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

3
MAT-102 Intermediate Algebra

Intermediate Algebra

ID: MAT-102

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: properties of numbers; fundamental operations with algebraic expressions; polynomials; systems of equations; ratio and proportion; factoring; functions; graphs; solutions of linear inequalities; and linear and quadratic equations.

3
BIO-112 Basic Anatomy and Physiology

Basic Anatomy and Physiology

ID: BIO-112

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a basic integrated study of the structure and function of the human body.

4
PSY-201 General Psychology

General Psychology

ID: PSY-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

3
Semester 2
(14 Credit Hours)
RES-101 Introduction to Respiratory Care

Introduction to Respiratory Care

ID: RES-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes introduction topics pertinent to entering the respiratory care profession, i.e., medical terminology , ethical issues, and legal issues. Patient assessment and pharmacology for respiratory care is discussed.

3
RES-121 Respiratory Skills I

Respiratory Skills I

ID: RES-121

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes a study of basic respiratory therapy procedures and their administration. Administration of medical gases, humidity and aerosol, hyperinflation therapy, chest physical therapy, principles of infection control, and cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology is covered.

4
RES-246 Respiratory Pharmacology

Respiratory Pharmacology

ID: RES-246

Credit Hours: 2

This course includes a study of pharmacologic agents used in cardiopulmonary care. An overview of general pharmacologic agents is covered, with particular emphasis on cardiopulmonary medications.

2
PHS-115 Integrated Science

Integrated Science

ID: PHS-115

Credit Hours: 4

This course contains topics taken from general chemistry and general physics.

4
RES-160 Clinical I

Clinical I

ID: RES-160

Credit Hours: 1

This course provides an introduction to the hospital setting and basic oxygen therapy.

1
Semester 3
(14 Credit Hours)
RES-125 Cardiopulmonary Physiology

Cardiopulmonary Physiology

ID: RES-125

Credit Hours: 2

This course is the study of the physiology of the heart, lungs and related body systems.

2
RES-131 Respiratory Skills II

Respiratory Skills II

ID: RES-131

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of selected respiratory care procedures and applications. Airway care, pulmonary function testing and ECG are covered.

4
RES-244 Advanced Respiratory Skills I

Advanced Respiratory Skills I

ID: RES-244

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes a in-depth study of mechanical ventilation and considerations for management of the critical care patient.

4
RES-150 Clinical Applications I

Clinical Applications I

ID: RES-150

Credit Hours: 4

This course is the study of entry level clinical procedures in the hospital setting.

4
Semester 4
(8 Credit Hours)
RES-110 Cardiopulmonary Science I

Cardiopulmonary Science I

ID: RES-110

Credit Hours: 2

This course focuses on assessment, treatment, and evaluation of patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Also, include pediatrics respiratory care and microbiology.

2
RES-204 Neonatal/Pediatric Care

Neonatal/Pediatric Care

ID: RES-204

Credit Hours: 3

This course focuses on cardiopulmonary physiology, pathology, and management of the newborn and pediatric patient.

3
RES-152 Clinical Applications II

Clinical Applications II

ID: RES-152

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes practice of respiratory care procedures in the hospital setting. Concepts and procedures are incorporated along with physician- led discussion on cardiorespiratory pathology.

3
Semester 5
(12 Credit Hours)
RES-235 Respiratory Diagnostics

Respiratory Diagnostics

ID: RES-235

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

4
RES-241 Respiratory Care Transition

Respiratory Care Transition

ID: RES-241

Credit Hours: 1

This course provides a comprehensive review of respiratory care. A summative exit exam is administered.

1
RES-111 Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology

ID: RES-111

Credit Hours: 2

This course is a study of the general principles and analyses of normal and diseased states.

2
RES-275 Advanced Clinical Practice

Advanced Clinical Practice

ID: RES-275

Credit Hours: 5

This course includes clinical practice in advanced patient care procedures.

5
Semester 6
(11 Credit Hours)
RES-232 Respiratory Therapeutics

Respiratory Therapeutics

ID: RES-232

Credit Hours: 2

This course is a study of specialty areas in respiratory care, including rehabilitation. Students are instructed in patient and family education procedures, pathophysiology of chronic lung disease, patient assessment and psychosocial aspects of dealing with chronic lung disease.

2
RES-242 Advanced Respiratory Care Transition

Advanced Respiratory Care Transition

ID: RES-242

Credit Hours: 1

This course provides a comprehensive review of advanced respiratory care. Individual assignments on varied aspects of respiratory therapy are covered as well as a comprehensive review of theory and procedures. An exit exam is administered.

1
RES-277 Advanced Clinical Practice II

Advanced Clinical Practice II

ID: RES-277

Credit Hours: 5

This course is the study of the clinical practice advanced patient care procedures.

5
PHI-115 Contemporary Moral Issues

Contemporary Moral Issues

ID: PHI-115

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines moral issues in contemporary society, including basic principles and applications of ethics.

3
  Total Credit Hours 73
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$14,600.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Care is a health specialty relating to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitative care of individuals suffering from deficiencies, diseases, and abnormalities affecting the process of breathing. They are trained to be members of the highly technical life support teams, patient educators, diagnostic labs, and rehabilitation specialists.

Average Annual Salary

$59,708
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Hospitals
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Newborn and Pediatric Units
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Patient's Homes
  • Asthma Education Programs

What’s next after I complete this program?

Earn Additional Credentials

Graduates are eligible to take their credentialing exams to become registered respiratory therapists and apply for their licenses. Once credentialed and licensed, they are immediately employable as a respiratory therapist.

Further Your Education

Graduates can transfer to a four-year institution to earn the BSRC both in the classroom and/or online settings.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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