The Respiratory Care program at Rhodes State college is an Associate Degree program that prepares students to become competent Registered Respiratory Therapists. Respiratory Therapists administer pulmonary care under the direction of licensed physicians. Their tasks include administration of oxygen and aerosolized medications, monitoring and adjusting life-support equipment and caring for critically-ill patients. Respiratory Therapists are also trained to perform diagnostic testing through drawing blood and administering specialized breathing tests. Students receive instruction on campus in the classroom and laboratory setting. Clinical experiences are gained through rotations in area health care facilities and is current with national standards. The Respiratory Care faculty is committed to providing students with experiences that enhance critical thinking and life-long learning as dedicated members of the health care team.

Additional Resources

• American Association of Respiratory Care
• Ohio Respiratory Care Board
• Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
• 2011 Annual Report from the Commission on Accreditation for Respritory Care

The Respiratory Care Program exists to prepare students as competent advanced level respiratory therapists within a learning-centered environment so that the development of critical thinking, an appreciation of global diversity and the capacity for life-learning occurs.

The percentage rate of graduates who have been employed in the respiratory field has been extremely high. Many students have been employed part-time in area hospitals while they complete their associate degree. According to the 2007 Rhodes State College graduate survey, the average starting salary is $35,360. These salaries do not include shift or weekend differential.

Job opportunities are expected to be very good, especially for respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with infants. Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012, because of substantial growth in numbers of the middle-aged and elderly populationCa development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. Once you enter the profession, you may want to specialize in an area such as neonatal care, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, helicopter transport, critical care, rehabilitation, education, or management.

The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835

The program has been accredited since its inception in 1980.

To view Programmatic Outcomes Data: http://www.coarc.com/47.html

In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements have been established for Respiratory Care applicants:

1. American College Test (ACT) composite score of 21 or higher; individual test scores of 20 or higher in mathematics and natural science; 18 or higher in English and social science or other appropriate test scores/developmental coursework. (See 1a under “Acceptance into an Allied Health Major” in the catalog).

2. A minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) for any previous college course work at the time of selection and matriculation.

3. Must have basic computer skills prior to admission to the program. This can be satisfied through high school experiences, life experiences or completion of CPT-104 or equivalent.

Requirements 4, and 5 must be met by the time of enrollment in the first Respiratory Care course.

4. A 16-hour experience with a respiratory care practitioner in a hospital of the applicant’s choice. Appointments are made by the applicant with the hospital’s department.

5. A satisfactory interview with the Respiratory Care program chairman or director of clinical education.

Requirements 6, 7, 8 & 9 must be met by the time of enrollment in the first Respiratory Care Clinical course.

6. Results of a physical examination including laboratory tests and completion of required immunizations before actual clinical course work can be started. The Respiratory Care program also has technical standards for which all students must be capable. These standards specify skills necessary to participate in learning activities and professional practice.

7. Successful completion of an American Heart Association, BLS, Health Care Provider, CPR course prior to clinical course work. Must be maintained through to graduation.

8. To meet the expanding requirements of our clinical affiliates, students will be required to submit to drug screening prior to enrollment in the first clinical course (RES-140). Positive drug screens will result in dismissal from all clinical courses and consequently from the program. In addition to screening, all students in clinical courses are subject to random and for cause drug screens for the duration of the Respiratory Care program.

9. A Limited Permit from the Ohio Respiratory Care Board must be obtained. This process includes a criminal background check. The Limited Permit must be maintained throughout to graduation.

Please Note: Applicants who do not meet academic requirements may plan a program of study under the guidance of the Academic Advisor for Allied Health to prepare for possible admission to the program.

Admission to this program is limited; therefore, it is advisable to submit application materials as soon as possible.

NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OR CURRENT RESPIRATORY CARE STUDENTS

You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences at some hospitals or other clinical sites; therefore preventing you from completing the program. A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession.