Assess the cardiopulmonary system, assist in the treatment of cardiopulmonary impairment, evaluate treatment effectiveness and actively care for patients of all ages with deficiencies or abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. Opportunities exist for specialization within the profession in the areas of critical care, homecare, neonatal/pediatrics, education, pulmonary function testing and 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. The respiratory care program, associate of applied science degree at the Western campus is accredited by the:

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

264 Precision Blvd
Telford, TN 37690 USA
817- 283-2835
www.coarc.com

Program contact: Learn more

Program Admission Requirements

Application may be submitted to the Health Careers Enrollment Center after meeting the following requirements:

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • GPA required: 3.0 admissions requirements/core courses; 3.0 overall.
  • Observation visit required (see details in application packet).
  • Science classes must have been taken within the past 5 years and have a grade of "B" or higher.
  • RESP-1100 must have a grade of "B" or higher with no more than two attempts to complete the course.
  • Complete the following Program Admission Requirement courses:
    BIO-2331Anatomy and Physiology I (or BIO-2330)4
    MATH-1190Algebraic and Quantitative Reasoning (or higher Approved Ohio Transfer 36 Mathematics course)3
    RESP-1100Introduction to Respiratory Care1
    Select one of the following:3-8
    BIO-1100
    		Introduction to Biological Chemistry
    CHEM-1010
    & CHEM-1020
    		Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
    and Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
    Select one of the following:
    ENG-1010
    		College Composition I
    ENG-101H
    		Honors College Composition I

Other Information

  • 25 students accepted per year.
  • Admissions/core courses: maximum of two (2) attempts to complete Program Admission Course: "Withdrawal (W)" counts as 1 attempt. Students with greater than 2 attempts to complete a prerequisite course may submit 1 appeal request in writing to the Program Manager/Prerequisite Review Committee
  • Accepted applicants must attend a group information session prior to Fall Semester.
  • Criminal background check required prior to admission to the program. Contact the program manager for specific dates.

Program Learning Outcomes

This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
  2. Assess, evaluate, interpret and prioritize clinical, therapeutic and mechanical patient data to ensure appropriate outcomes.
  3. Teach, document and communicate therapy with patients, families and all medical personnel, following medical protocols.
  4. Employ personal safe work methods and practice Universal Precautions in clinical and non-clinical settings.
  5. Perform procedures used to diagnose and treat cardiopulmonary patients for all age groups.

Suggested Semester Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
Program Admissions Requirements SemesterCredit Hours
BIO-1100 Introduction to Biological Chemistry 1 3
BIO-2331 Anatomy and Physiology I 2 4
RESP-1100 Introduction to Respiratory Care 1
MATH-1190 Algebraic and Quantitative Reasoning (or higher Approved Ohio Transfer 36 Mathematics course) 3 3
Select one of the following: 3
ENG-1010
 College Composition I
ENG-101H
 Honors College Composition I
 Credit Hours14
First Semester
RESP-1300 Respiratory Care Equipment 4
RESP-1310 Cardiopulmonary Physiology 3
Select one of the following: 3
ENG-1020
 College Composition II
ENG-102H
 Honors College Composition II
Select one of the following: 3
PSY-1010
 General Psychology
PSY-101H
 Honors General Psychology
 Credit Hours13
Second Semester
BIO-2341 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
RESP-1320 Acid-Base and Hemodynamics 2
RESP-1330 Cardiopulmonary Assessment and Pulmonary Diseases 5
RESP-1340 Pharmacology for Respiratory Care 2
Select one of the following: 3
PHIL-2050
 Bioethics
PHIL-205H
 Honors Bioethics
 Credit Hours16
Summer Session
RESP-2210 Introduction to Mechanical Ventilation 1
RESP-2300 Basic Therapeutic Procedures 3
RESP-2940 Respiratory Care Field Experience I 1
 Credit Hours5
Third Semester
BIO-2500 Microbiology 4
RESP-2310 Mechanical Ventilation 4
RESP-2320 Pediatric/Neonatal Respiratory Care 2
RESP-2950 Respiratory Care Field Experience II 2
 Credit Hours12
Fourth Semester
RESP-2330 Respiratory Home Care/Rehabilitation 1
RESP-2342 Patient Management Problems 2
RESP-2960 Respiratory Care Field Experience III 2
 Credit Hours5
 Total Credit Hours65
1

CHEM-1010 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry and CHEM-1020 Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry will be accepted in place of BIO-1100 Introduction to Biological Chemistry.

2

Requires sufficient score on Biology placement test to take this course in the same semester as BIO-1100 Introduction to Biological Chemistry.

3

MATH-1240 Contemporary Mathematics taken prior to Fall 2024 will be accepted to meet the mathematics requirement for this program.

MATH-1140, MATH-1141, MATH-1200, MATH-1270, and MATH-1280 can no longer count towards fulfilling the college-level mathematics requirement.  These courses were re-classified as developmental mathematics by the state of Ohio in 2016.  Tri-C established a 5-year transitioning window for students who had completed these courses prior to 2016 to apply them towards meeting graduation requirements, which expired in Summer 2021. It is highly recommended to see a counselor to determine the appropriate math required for your current major.