Respiratory Therapists (RTs) specialize in assessing and treating patients ranging from infants through senior citizens to manage and control breathing problems that may have resulted from disease, trauma, or developmental issues. RTs are trained in a variety of treatment techniques and sophisticated equipment that allow them to save lives, improve the quality of life for patients, and build healthier communities. Students participating in the Respiratory Care program will learn the use of treatment processes, ventilators, and other equipment that make a Respiratory Therapist a valuable part of a patient’s overall care team. The program includes clinical experiences that build skills and allow the demonstration of proficiency in actual health-care settings.
The Respiratory Care program consists of sequential courses which require five consecutive terms to complete. To extend the respiratory program over more than two years, a person may take one, two or three general studies or science classes per semester prior to applying for admission to the Respiratory Care program. Continuation in and graduation from the respiratory care program is contingent upon the student earning a minimum grade of “C” in the courses indicated in the tables below. Classes are held in classrooms and laboratories, as well as area hospitals. After completing the Respiratory Care program, students will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care and are eligible to take the Respiratory Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam, as well as the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) required for licensure as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Accreditation ►
Edison State Community College is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for a respiratory care program. However, Edison State Community College can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC.
CoARC
264 Precision Blvd
Telford, TN 37690 USA
Telephone: 817-283-2835
Admission ►
To be admitted to the Respiratory Care program at Edison State Community College, a student shall apply to Edison State Community College, meet with a career pathways advisor and RC Program Director, and then register for the course with the program director’s approval. Students must complete Medical Terminology, Introduction to Chemistry, and Quantitative Reasoning or General Statistics. Students must provide their high school transcripts (or GED score) and college transcripts (if applicable). Before attending clinical, students must complete a physical exam, be current on immunizations, and complete a background check. The clinical agency may require a drug screen before attending clinical as well.
Transfer Credit Policy ►
To receive credit in respiratory care, courses from other institutions or other approved respiratory programs may be accepted. The grade received in the transferred course must be a “C” or higher and must be from a Respiratory Care program approved by CoARC. Please refer to the college catalog for complete information pertaining to credits obtained in this manner. The Respiratory Care Program Director and faculty will make the final decision on course equivalency regarding transfer credit.
►Click here for the Respiratory Care Program Application
►Click here for the Respiratory Care Student Handbook
►Click here for the Medical Board Requirements
►Click here for the CoARC Outcomes Thresholds
Program Mission and Outcomes ►
Our mission is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). Your graduation from this program will prepare you to become a valued member of the healthcare profession.
The student will:
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, comprehend and apply clinical information to match patient needs with therapeutic interventions;
- Exhibit technical proficiency in all the skills necessary to fulfill the role as an advance level respiratory therapist; and
- Display professional behavior consistent with employer expectations for a registered respiratory therapist.
Non-Discrimination ►
Edison State’s statement on Non-Discrimination in Admissions and program retention: We shall not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or veteran status, status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, or genetic information in either the selection of Students or any other aspect of actual participation in the Program. However, as it relates to any disability, if the disability in question is of such a nature that it could adversely affect or impede the participant’s ability to provide relevant clinical care; such disability shall preclude the individual’s participation in the Program. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to conflict with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (hereafter “ADA”).
Return to: 
