HEALTH PROFESSIONS: Respiratory Therapy

Associate of Applied Science Degree:

• Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapy program prepares students to work under the direction of a physician in assisting in diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, and in helping patients to recover their lung function. Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) deliver medications and oxygen, operate life support machines, and assure that patients have open breathing passages, among other duties. Graduates of the program may seek employment in hospital emergency rooms, intensive care units, outpatient clinics, and home health care.

Entrance requirements for this program include completion of ENG 111, MTH 3, high school chemistry or CHM 1, and BIO 141 (BIO 142 is recommended), along with both a college and a Division of Health Professions application. A personal interview with program faculty is also required.

Applications to the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree program in Respiratory Therapy must be submitted to the Virginia Beach Admissions Office no later than April 15. Transcripts from other colleges attended must be sent to Tidewater Community College, Central Records/Office of the College Registrar, P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA 23509, prior to the application deadline. These transcripts must be evaluated before any transfer credit is granted. For detailed information regarding the program, students may call the Information Center at (757) 822-1122, and request an information packet. This packet may also be accessed at www.tcc.edu (keywords: respiratory therapy program).

Following acceptance into the program, students must provide documentation of a recent medical examination showing they are in general good health and meet the technical standards required to perform the duties of a respiratory therapist.

The Respiratory Therapy program requires six full-time semesters, beginning with a May (summer term) start date. The classes are held primarily during the day. Prospective applicants should be aware that the clinical facilities require both criminal/sex offender background checks, as well as drug screening prior to attending the clinical components of course work. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the student.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy prepares students to take the examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. The Respiratory Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas, 76021-4244, (817) 283-2835, www.coarc.com.

Associate of Applied Science Degree: Respiratory Therapy (181)

1         Eligible courses are listed on page 28 in the 2011-2012 catalog.  See your academic

           advisor or counselor to choose the appropriate course(s).