Respiratory Care

Area of Study: Respiratory Care 
Degree/Certificate: Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care

If you are not already an active Tri-C student, you must first apply to the college. If you are interested in more than one health careers program, you must submit a separate health careers application for each program.  You may only apply to three programs at one time. 

What is Respiratory Care?
Tri-C's Respiratory Care Program prepares you to assess the cardiopulmonary system, assist in the treatment of cardiopulmonary impairment, and evaluate treatment effectiveness and actively care for patients of all ages with deficiencies or abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system.

The goal of the Respiratory Care program 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).”

Opportunities exist for specialization within the profession in the areas of:

• Critical care
• Homecare
• Neonatal/pediatrics
• Education
• Pulmonary function testing
• Management as a licensed professional in respiratory care  

The individual will, under the supervision of a physician, actively participate in the development of patient care plans, diagnostic testing and in the decision making process regarding the care and treatment of patients. Employment is primarily in hospitals but extends to home care, skilled nursing facilities, education and management.

About Respiratory Care at Tri-C:
There may be a waiting list for this program. If a student is placed on a waiting list, the student is strongly advised to complete all graduation requirements (non-RESP courses). Although not an aspect of the degree requirements, students may wish to take a medical terminology course as well. When acceptance is received, the student’s course load will be much less.

Day in the Life:  Explore the student experience in this program.