Program Overview
This program is designed to prepare graduates as competent respiratory therapists. Therapists provide care and treatment to patients suffering from breathing disorders and also may be involved in diagnostic testing, clinical supervision, and decision-making. This two-year program puts equal emphasis on theory, clinical practice, and the professional behavior expected of a respiratory care therapist. This degree typically is not designed for transfer.
Program eligibility standards apply; consult a KCC advisor.
Students in health career programs are advised to consult the Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations, section 11.4. This regulation concerns completion of all courses in health career curricula being completed with a grade of C or better.
Additional Program Information
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com): 1248 Harwood; Bedford, TX 76021-4244; 817-283-2835. The CoARC website has programmatic outcomes data and a list of CoARC accredited programs.
Each student in this program must have a physical exam, criminal background check without any disqualifying convictions, a negative drug screen, and current CPR certification from the American Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer: adult, child & infant or AED).
Upon completion, the graduate is eligible to apply for admission to the National Board for Respiratory Care Exams to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
The curriculum of record for students applying to, but not yet accepted into, competitive entry health careers programs will be the Associate in General Studies.
Program Eligibility
Program eligibility/application process - Consult this information for steps to apply and enroll in a health program, deadlines, eligibility worksheets, and essential physical capabilities and functions.
Program Requirements
Major Courses
| RESP1113 | Respiratory Physiology | 3 Credits |
| RESP1224 | Clinical I | 4 Credits |
| RESP1324 | Respiratory Procedures I | 4 Credits |
| RESP1331 | Respiratory Skills I | 1 Credit |
| RESP1445 | Respiratory Procedures III | 5 Credits |
| RESP1458 | Intro to Respiratory Critical Care | 8 Credits |
| RESP2213 | Clinical Medicine | 3 Credits |
| RESP2225 | Clinical II | 5 Credits |
| RESP2245 | Clinical III | 5 Credits |
| RESP2353 | Cardiopulmonary Procedures | 3 Credits |
| RESP2411 | Professional Skills | 1 Credit |
| RESP2445 | Respiratory Procedures V | 5 Credits |
| RESP2453 | Respiratory Procedures VI | 3 Credits |
| RESP2483 | Respiratory Seminar | 3 Credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 35 |
General education
| ENGL1613 | English I | 3 Credits |
| | |
| COMM1553 | Introductory Speech | 3 Credits |
| or | |
| COMM1563 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 Credits |
| | |
| BIOL1564 | Intro to Anatomy & Physiology | 4 Credits |
| or | |
| BIOL2654 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 Credits |
| | |
| MATH1142 | Intro to Respiratory Calculations | 2 Credits |
| PSYC2553 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 3 Credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
The BIOL course must be taken prior to or concurrently with the first semester of Respiratory Therapist program.
Total Credit Hours: 68
Suggested Course Sequence
Spring semester
| RESP1113 | Respiratory Physiology | 3 Credits |
| RESP1324 | Respiratory Procedures I | 4 Credits |
| RESP1331 | Respiratory Skills I | 1 Credit |
| BIOL1564 | Intro to Anatomy & Physiology | 4 Credits |
| ENGL1613 | English I | 3 Credits |
| MATH1142 | Intro to Respiratory Calculations | 2 Credits |
Summer term
| RESP1445 | Respiratory Procedures III | 5 Credits |
| COMM1553 | Introductory Speech | 3 Credits |
Fall semester
Spring semester
Summer term
| RESP2453 | Respiratory Procedures VI | 3 Credits |
Fall semester
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Call: 815-802-8500
Email: advising@kcc.edu