• What is Respiratory Therapy?
  Respiratory Therapy is one of many allied health professions. The profession developed out of needs of critical and rehabilitative heart and lung patients of the early 1940's. Respiratory care practitioners work as members of the critical care team in treating individuals who are seriously ill. Using sophisticated medical equipment, they help people with such lung disorders as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, and bronchitis. This may include using equipment that will mechanically breathe for the patient. 

• Can I specialize in Respiratory Care?
  Yes, there are specialty positions in pediatric care, newborn care, pulmonary rehabilitation, home care, pulmonary function diagnostics, exercise stress testing, and adult critical care. Respiratory Therapists can also specialize in teaching and management positions.

• What credentials can I receive upon graduation?
   Students completing the AAS program are qualified to take the CRT exam, the Advanced Practitioner Exam and the Clinical Simulation Exam offered by the NBRC. After passing these exams you are a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
  

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• What is required for admission to the program? What can I do if I do not meet the minimum requirements for admission, or I feel it has been too long since completing the required Math and Science courses?
  In order to qualify for admission to the program you must pass
  • BIO 141 Human Anatomy & Physiology I with a grade of "C" or better, take the
  • placement tests and place into MATH 03 and ENG 111.
  • First priority shall be given to all qualified students who are residents of the political subdivisions supporting the College.

TCC offers a wide variety of developmental courses. These courses will provide students with the necessary knowledge to succeed in the program. Developmental Math, English, Biology and Chemistry are offered at various times both day and night. Biology 141 courses are offered each semester.

• When is it necessary to take the Math and English placement tests given by the counseling center?
  All students who have not passed ENG 111 and College Algebra must take the placement tests. It is recommended that these tests be taken as early as possible so that if developmental work is necessary, a student can complete it prior to the start of the program. Please call the Counseling Center at (757) 822-7212 for testing dates.
   
• Are there jobs available?
  Since the program's inception in 1975, all graduates have accepted positions immediately upon graduation. The future continues to be very bright for employment in Respiratory Therapy.

The number and types of employers actively seeking qualified respiratory care practitioners have increased considerably. Today's practitioner may work in large and technologically advanced critical care units, perform in small rural hospitals, work for a private physician or act as independent providers in home care. The projected number of jobs is far in excess of the projected number of graduates expected over the next several years. Entry-level salaries should continue to increase over the next few years at or above those of other allied health occupations.  

• Job outlook is faster than average -U.S. Bureau of Labor

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• Is there a four year degree in RT?
  Yes, many colleges across the country offer B.S. degrees in Respiratory Therapy. Another option is to transfer to a four-year institution upon completion of your TIC Associate Degree. ODU and TCC have a transfer agreement in place where TCC graduates with A.S. degrees can go in as juniors in a four- year degree program. If attending full-time, a student can earn a BS degree from ODU in approximately three semesters. Virginia Tech also offers a similar transfer program.

• What salary can I expect to earn?
  Salaries are quite good for Respiratory Therapy Practitioners. Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Respiratory Therapist can expect to make approximately $35,000 as a new graduate.
  Average salary in 2007 ~ $25/hour -U.S. Bureau of Labor
  
  
• Are all classes offered only during the day?
  Respiratory Therapy classes are only offered at the Virginia Beach campus of TCC during the day (identified by the prefix letters RTH). You may take all non-Respiratory Therapy courses in the curriculum either during the day or evening at another campus such as the Portsmouth campus, Chesapeake campus, or at the Norfolk Center.  
  
  
• Must courses be taken in the order they appear in the curriculum?
  You must take all Respiratory Therapy courses in the order in which they appear in the curriculum. Each course prepares you for the next course, and each is offered only once a year. You may take any non-Respiratory Therapy course during the semester it appears in the curriculum or before that semester. It is recommended that non-Respiratory Therapy courses be taken prior entry into the program to lighten a student load.

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• How many hours a week will I be in class?
  You will attend class an average of 26 hours a week during the program. Of course, if you have already completed any required course work you will attend class fewer hours.

• I do not believe I can handle so many credit hours every semester. What courses can I take before I enter the therapist program?
  Any course that is not a Respiratory Therapy course (RTH prefix) can be taken before you are accepted into the program.   You can complete courses such as BIO 141 and 142, ENG 111, PSY 231, ECO 120, SDV 101 before you enter the program. However, if this is your desired approach it is extremely important to contact the counseling center as soon as possible.

• How long will it take to complete the Respiratory Therapist Program?
  The present program is structured to allow an entering college freshman with only BIO 141 to complete the 72 semester hour curriculum in six semesters after admission. However, many students may choose to complete all non-RTH coursework prior to entry into the Respiratory Therapy program lengthening the time of completion.

• Where are the clinical assignments in the program?
  Clinical assignments are at the following hospitals:

• Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia
• Hampton Veterans Administration Medical Center, Hampton, Virginia
• Chesapeake General Hospital, Chesapeake, Virginia
• Sentara Bayside Hospital, Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia
• Sentara Hampton General Hospital, Hampton, Virginia
• Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia
• Sentara Leigh Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia
• DePaul Medical Center, Norfolk, Virginia

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• Are there any costs involved in the Respiratory Therapy Program?
  When the cost of required software (DataArc CD-Rom), and recommended texts, uniforms, a stethoscope, state and regional educational meeting fees and student membership in the national association for respiratory care is totaled, a student can expect to spend $800.00 in addition to tuition.

• Are there scholarships and loans available to select applicants?
  Yes. To help qualified and selected students defray expenses, several local and regional hospitals have created scholarships and loans. These scholarships and loans are usually available to students already in the program. Traditional College loans and scholarships are available to many students, please contact the financial aid office for more information. 

• If I am transferring from another Respiratory Therapy Program, can I get credit for some of the respiratory therapy courses?
  Yes. Once you have completed the admission into General Studies for Respiratory Therapy and your transcripts are on file in the Office of Admissions and Records, make an appointment with the Program Director for Respiratory Therapy. The Respiratory Therapy faculty will evaluate your Respiratory Therapy course work taken elsewhere. For further details contact the director of the Respiratory Therapy program.

• If I am graduating from high school in June, what are my chances for acceptance into the Respiratory Therapy Program for the summer?
  You will still need at least one semester of coursework (specifically BIO 141) to be eligible for the program. Our advice would be to take 2 semesters and complete ENG 111, Math 03 or higher, SDV 101 (Orientation to health care), BIO 142 and apply to the program in the Fall semester for next summer's class.

• What are the technical standards for the Respiratory Therapy Program? Print Standards Handbook