Respiratory Care

 

Click links below for further information: ~RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM APPLICATION SPRING 2009 ~ RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET ~ MORE INFORMATION AND FORMS

Most people take breathing for granted. But for the thousands of Americans who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. These include patients with chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, but they also include heart attack and accident victims, premature infants, and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, or AIDS.

In each case, the patient will most likely receive treatment from a respiratory care practitioner (RCP) under the direction of a physician. Respiratory care practitioners, also known as respiratory therapists, work to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.

Career Opportunities

There are more than 150,000 respiratory care practitioners in the United States. They are a vital part of a hospital’s lifesaving response team that answers patient emergencies. An increasing number of practitioners have branched out into alternate care settings such as nursing homes, physicians' offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, and patients' homes.

The outlook for respiratory care professionals is expected to grow in the coming years due to the large increase in the elderly population, the impact of environmental problems that have contributed to breathing problems, and technological advances that are prolonging the lives of those suffering from heart attack, cancer and accidents, as well as premature babies.
 

You will find more information on career outlook on the website of the U.S. Department of Labor.

For job openings, contact the ARC Career & Job Opportunity Center, or see listings on the After College website.  [Note: Linkage to the "After College" website does not imply endorsement of any of the listed job postings.]

The ARC Respiratory Care Program

The two-year program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs. Successful completion of the Respiratory Care Program qualifies the graduate for an Associate in Science degree and eligibility to apply for: (1) the examination for the respiratory care practitioner license issued by the California Respiratory Care Board, and (2) the national registry examination for advanced practitioner (registered respiratory therapist) which is administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. 

A grade of "C" or better is required in BIOL 430, BIOL 431, BIOL 440, CISA 305, CISA 315, CISC 300, ENGWR 300 OR ESLW 340, MATH 100, PHYS 310, PSYC 300 and in all respiratory care courses.  Safe, ethical, and professional levels of practice are necessary for retention of students in the respiratory care program. The student is responsible for providing laboratory coats, malpractice insurance, and transportation to off-campus facilities. There may be morning, afternoon or evening clinical experiences in a variety of clinical settings with limited notice. 

NOTE:  In accordance with Article 5 of the Respiratory Care Practice Act, a person convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation may not qualify to be licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Questions regarding this matter must be directed to the Respiratory Care Board, or visit their website at www.rcb.ca.gov.

 
Requirements for Pre-Enrollment to the Program

1.   Graduation from an accredited high school in the United States or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) or California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) as defined by the current requirements of the State of California and the National Board for Respiratory Care:

a)   Students with a high school diploma from a school outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved independent agency.  Such cases will be evaluated on an individual basis.

b)   Students who possess an Associate of Arts/Associate of Science Degree or higher from an accredited college are exempt from the educational requirement stated above.

c)  Students who have attended college outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated by a NACES approved independent agency, demonstrating AA/AS degree or higher. Such cases will be evaluated on an individual basis.

2.   BIOL 430 with a grade of  "C" or better

3.   MATH 100 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better

4.   Cumulative college G.P.A. of 2.0

5.   Curriculum Planning Summary Sheet dated within the semester the pre-enrollment application is submitted.  Call the Counseling department at (916) 484-8572.

Requirements for Degree Major

BIOL 430, BIOL 431, BIOL 440, CISA 305, CISA 315, CISC 300, ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340, MATH 100, PHYS 310, PSYC 300, RC 110, 111, 112, 113, 120, 121, 122, 123, 130, 131, 132, 140, 141, 142

Courses Required for the Associate Degree in Respiratory Care

Pre-Respiratory Care Courses
BIOL 430
MATH 100 or equivalent

Additional Graduation Requirements
Humanities 
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Language and Rationality
Living Skills
Ethnic/Multicultural Studies 
Reading Competency

Course Sequence for Degree Major
BIOL 431
BIOL 440
CISA 305
CISA 315
CISC 300
ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340
PHYS 310
PSYC 300
RC 110, 111, 112, 113 (Semester 1)
RC 120, 121, 122, 123 (Semester 2) 
RC 130, 131, 132 (Semester 3)
RC 140, 141, 142 (Semester 4)

General Education Graduation Requirements: Students must also complete the general education graduation requirements for an A.S. degree.

More Information & Forms    

• Grades In-Progress Verification and Final Grade Verification forms

• See the ARC catalog for general education graduation requirements and a complete list of classes offered

• AfterCollege website

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