Respiratory Care
Program coordinator: Tina Siddon
Clinical coordinator: Shawn Goshen
Program Description
Respiratory Care is a profession involved in supporting cardiopulmonary health, rehabilitation, therapeutics, and life support. Therapists are also extensively involved in cardiopulmonary diagnostic testing, patient evaluation and care planning. They work with patients of all ages from premature infants to the elderly. Therapists use knowledge of patient physiology and advanced technology in the planning and delivery of respiratory care.
Classroom instruction in theory and basic surgical skills is provided on campus. Under the guidance of program faculty, students can gain valuable experience in the care of clients of all ages in a number of different hospitals.
Available Credentials
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
| Area | Hours to Complete |
Curriculum Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner | 74-78 | Download (RTF) |
Licensure and Accreditation
The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Employment Opportunities
Career and advancement opportunities in respiratory care are excellent, especially for those willing to travel or relocate. Most states require licensure. Most employers require Certification and/or Registry by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Most graduates work in hospitals, but opportunities exist in home health care, nursing homes and physicians offices. The average wage in Kentucky is $28,992. Employment throughout the United States ranges from $28,460 to $41,140 (National Bureau of Labor Static 2002)
Admission Requirements:
The following should be submitted to the Office of Admissions for admission to this program:
- Application for admission
(154 K) - High School transcript or GED
- ACT, COMPASS, or ASSET scores
- Transcripts of all previous college work
- Age verification (must be 18 years of age)
The following must be completed before being accepted into the program:
- Submit a letter to the Program Director by March 1
- Submit official transcripts of previous post secondary education
- Submit documentation that student is eligible to enter BIO 137, MAH 150 or MA 110 and ENG 101
- Attend a pre-admission conference
Projected Program Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books | $550.00 |
| Lab Coats (2) | $70.00 |
| Scrub Suits (2) | $100.00 |
| Shoes | $70.00 |
| ID Badge | $5.00 |
| Stethoscope with Double Bell | $76.00 |
| Liability Insurance ($20.00 per year) | $40.00 |
|
NBRC Application Fee (CRT Exam $190/RRT Exam $390) |
$580.00 |
| Watch with Second Hand | $30.00 |
| Cap, Gown, Diploma Cover for Graduation | $40.00 |
| Hepatitis Vaccine | $200.00 |
| School Pin | $40.80 |
| HOSA Dues | $12.00 |
|
Miscellaneous Items (Pocket mask, etc.) |
$50.00 |
| Calculator | $25.00 |
| Tuition (79 total hours @ $98) | $4,312.00 |
| Mock NBRC CRT | $40.00 |
| Mock NBRC RRT | $100.00 |
| Total | $5,760.80 |
Length of Program
Two full years for a full-time student. Courses are offered during four 16-week semesters (August – December and January – May). Classes are conducted between the hours of 7:30 AM - 5 PM. Evening rotations in clinical practice will be also required.
Students will be accepted into the program in the late Spring, and begin their curriculum in the Fall of each year. Usually the classes for both general education and the Respiratory Care will be at Madisonville Community College. Clinical courses will involve assignments to a variety of clinical affiliates. Travel and evening hours will be required. The primary clinical affiliate is Regional Medical Center.
Classes Needed
General Education Requirements
- ENG 101 Writing I
- ENG 102 Writing II
- SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
or - PY 110 General Psychology
or - PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
- BIO 137 Human Anatomy and Physiology I *
- BIO 139 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIO 208 Principles of Microbiology
- MT 150 College Algebra
- COM 181 Basic Public Speaking
or - COM 252 Interpersonal Communication
- CIS 100 Introduction to Computers
or - CPU 150 Introduction to Computers
- Heritage/Humanities Course
* Pre- or co-requisite to 1st semester of Respiratory Care classes
Program Classes
- RCP 110 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
- RCP 120 Theory and Principles of Respiratory Care
- RCP 125 Cardiopulmonary Evaluation
- RCP 130 Pharmacology
- RCP 150 Clinical Practice I
- RCP 175 Clinical Practice II
- RCP 180 Ventilatory Support
- RCP 190 Advanced Ventilatory Support
- RCP 200 Clinical Practice III
- RCP 204 Emergency and Special Procedures I
- RCP 210 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology
- RCP 212 Neonatal / Pediatric Respiratory Care
- RCP 214 Emergency and Special Procedures II
- RCP 225 Clinical Practice IV
- RCP 228 Preventive and Long-term Respiratory Care
- RCP 250 Clinical Practice V
This curriculum guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. Students should always choose classes in cooperation with the academic advisor to ensure that all degree requirements are being met.