Associate of Applied Sciences in Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages to evaluate, monitor and treat breathing disorders and cardiovascular problems, such as asthma and emphysema. This may include administering oxygen, measuring lung function, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in emergencies, or managing mechanical ventilators.

The 2-year Respiratory Therapy program leads to an Associate in Applied Sciences degree, Respiratory Therapy. Program graduates are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care to earn certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Students may then become eligible to take the Clinical Simulation to earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

TCC's Respiratory Therapy is 100-109 credits.

Here are recommended schedules:

First Quarter

• RC 175** Respiratory Care Orientation 2
• RC 150 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care I 4
• RC 160 Cardiopulmonary A&P and Pathophysiology 4
• RC 180 Respiratory Therapy Clinical I 3
• RC 193 Respiratory Pharmacology I 1

Total Credits: 14

Second Quarter

• RC 151 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care II 4
• RC 161 Arterial Blood Gases 3
• RC 171 Respiratory Therapy Equipment II 3
• RC 181 Respiratory Therapy Clinical II 3
• RC 194 Respiratory Pharmacology II 1

Total Credits: 14

Third Quarter

• RC 152 Mechanical Ventilation 4
• RC 162 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
• RC 172 Respiratory Therapy Equipment III 4
• RC 182 Respiratory Therapy Clinical III 3
• RC 195 Respiratory Pharmacology III 1

Total Credits: 15

Fourth Quarter

• CMST 101 Introduction to Communication 5
• RC 153 Alternative Procedures in Respiratory Therapy 3
• RC 165 Evolving Roles in Respiratory Therapy 2
• RC 183 Respiratory Therapy Clinical IV 4
• RC 290 Ethics & Professionalism in Respiratory Care 2

Total Credits: 16

Fifth Quarter

• RC 192 Advanced Mechanical Ventilation 4
• RC 240 Advanced Assessment & Diagnosis 3
• RC 263 Pulmonary Functions 3
• RC 280 Specialty Clinical Rotation 4

Total Credits: 14

Sixth Quarter

• Computers Word I, Excel I, and/or PowerPoint 1-5 (variable)
• RC 251 Respiratory Pathophysiology Cases 2
• RC 261 Pediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Care 4
• RC 281 Advance Critical Care Clinical Rotation 4

Total Credits: 11-15

Seventh Quarter

• ENGL 101 English Composition 5
• RC 262 Review of Application of Respiratory Care (hybrid) 4
• RC 272 Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Home Care & Assistance in Specialty Procedures 3
• RC 282 Neonatal Clinical Rotation 2
• RC 283 Specialty Clinical Rotation II 2

Total Credits 16

As a respiratory therapist, you'll work under the direction of a physician in this growing field. You'll find employment in a variety of settings, including:

• Acute/critical care hospitals
• Extended care facilities
• Outpatient clinics
• Private physicians' offices
• Home care companies
• Sleep studies
• Pulmonary function testing
• Equipment sales