Program Overview
Respiratory Therapists (RT’s) also known as Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP’s) evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing problems (asthma, emphysema, etc.) or other cardiopulmonary disorders (cardiac or respiratory arrest, trauma from an accident, stroke, or heart attack). Upon completion of the program, you will take the National Board of Respiratory Care exam that will certify you as a respiratory therapist (CRT). You also prepare to take the advanced practice exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Program Structure
The Respiratory Care Program is a blend of classroom, lab, and online classes. Students start as a class during the fall semester and graduate together 20 months later. Upon completion of your associate degree, you are eligible to take board exams and begin work.
Many respiratory therapists go on to higher degrees such as a bachelor's or a master's degree. The program of study includes the areas of human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology and mathematics. Other courses deal with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, CPR; mechanical ventilation; critical care and the application of Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Job Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists respiratory therapy as 3rd in "The Best Jobs with an Associate Degree." The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment growth of about 19 percent by 2022.
Mission
The mission of the National Park College Respiratory Care Program is to offer a high quality respiratory care education in a learning environment that fosters critical thinking, encourages professional leadership, and instills a strong appreciation of ethical values and human diversity. Utilizing the standards established by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), the established curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be outstanding patient care providers
Certificates and Degrees
Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care
The Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care is a 77 credit hour program of study.
View complete catalog listings for the following degree plans:
Accreditation
The Respiratory Care Program at NPC holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Review program success outcomes. You may also view all accredited program outcomes at CoARC's website. This status signifies that a program that has been granted an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance to initiate a program in accordance with the standards through the completion and submission of an acceptable Self Study Report (SSR), and other documentation required by the CoARC Board. The conferral of Provisional Accreditation denotes a new program that has made significant progress towards meeting the Standards of Accreditation. The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until achieving Initial Accreditation. It is recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) toward eligibility to the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). Enrolled students completing the program under Provisional Accreditation are considered graduates of a CoARC accredited program.
Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care for Transfer to UAFS Bachelor of Applied Science - emphasis in Management & Leadership
This bachelor’s degree provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to either assume management and leadership roles in business and industry or to enhance current employment. The BAS degree is not specific to the program area or concentration.
