Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists are an important part of the health care team. Their crucial role in treating and caring for a variety of illnesses continue to become more specialized and technical, while demand for their services is increasing. Respiratory therapists perform important life support functions, in consultation with physicians.

Washington State's two year Associate of Applied Science respiratory therapy program is accredited by The Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for the "Entry" level exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). After passing the CRT they are eligible for the "Advanced" practitioner exams to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist with no additional training required.

Goals

The program goal is to graduate competent advanced-level Respiratory Therapists as demonstrated by their professional behavior, knowledge and clinical skills. These are demonstrated by their ability to:

• Communicate with patients, physicians, and health care workers.
• Continue as an independent learner.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Respiratory Therapy management.
• Demonstrate an understanding of human behavior, value system and world awareness.
• Demonstrate the knowledge of the fundamentals of cardiopulmonary anatomy physiology and pathology and the use of critical thinking.
• Demonstrate the knowledge of the function and problem solving in Respiratory therapy.
• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the following procedures and demonstrate clinical skills with the ability to assess patients' response to therapy, which includes, but is not limited to the following procedures:

• Medical gas therapy
• Humidification therapy
• Deep breathing and other hyperinflation therapy
• Aerosol therapy
• Medications
• Coughing techniques and other bronchopulmonary hygiene
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and Advance Life Support Therapy
• Airway management
• Heart and lung testing
• Blood gas analysis
• Mechanical ventilation management
• Other vital physiological monitoring

Careers and Opportunities

• Work with all ages, from newborns to geriatric patients
• Routine care, critical care, intensive care, or emergency department settings
• Extended care facilities and home care
• Sub-specialties, including exercise testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, assisting physicians with procedures-such as bronchoscopy & pulmonary function test.
• Some hospitals are paying tuition costs and up to $4,000 hire-on bonuses for respiratory therapists

Clinical sites

• Mid-Ohio Valley Hospitals
• Genesis Health Care Systems
• Rainbow Babies, Cleveland

Program Admission

Admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program is limited and admission is done on a selective basis. Applicants are urged to apply early. The class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis by students who qualify. High school or equivalent introductory courses in algebra, biology, and chemistry with a grade of "C" or higher are required prior to admission into the Respiratory Therapy Program. Admission documents include the following: numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5 below which need to be returned to Rob Kinker in one envelope.

Requirements

• Complete a Washington State Community College Application for Admission
• Complete the Respiratory Therapy Program application (no fee)
• Submit high school or college transcripts showing completion of introductory courses in algebra, biology, and chemistry with a grade of "C" or better in each course
• Submit an official high school transcript or GED certificate
• Submit three (3) non-family references
• Meet with the Respiratory Therapy Director after all forms have been submitted.
• In the event that two or more qualified applicants complete the prerequisites at the same time, the applicant(s) whose required information was submitted first will be accepted.

Upon acceptance, the applicant will be required to complete the following health requirements:

• complete physical; specified laboratory tests; immunizations; criminal background check; and the ability to satisfactorily complete program objectives
• Submit a copy of current CPR certification which includes adult, child, and infant CPR and Heimlich maneuver.

Courses

Course listings with descriptions of each class may be found in the Washington State Community College Catalog. www.wscc.edu (.pdf)

Learn more

Rob Kinker, Ph.D., RRT
Respiratory Therapy Director and
Health, Biological Sciences, & Recreation Department Chair
Ext. 1605
rkinker@wscc.edu

Health Sciences office:
Ext. 1601 or 1602

Admissions
admissions@wscc.edu
740.568.1900