Respiratory Therapy


Associate of Applied Science

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Degree Overview
Course Descriptions
Admissions Information
Tuition & Financial Aid

Days until classes:

1 4

Next classes start
Jun 4th

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Program Length: 20 months

Available at the following locations:

Idaho Locations: Boise
Utah Locations: Salt Lake City / Murray

Degree Overview

rt programs

Associate's Degree in Respiratory Therapy

You can gain the skills and technical proficiencies required to become a respiratory therapist by earning an associate degree in respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapists are responsible for providing and managing therapeutic and life support services such as ventilatory life services, administration of gasses and aerosols, and cardiopulmonary assessment and monitoring. Successful completion of the associate degree in respiratory therapy program can open up entry-level opportunities in hospitals and care centers.

Students who wish to pursue an associate degree in respiratory therapy need to meet certain requirements to enter this RT program. Please visit the Admissions section below for more information about RT program admissions requirements.

Respiratory Therapy (RT) Program Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy programs at the Salt Lake City/Murray and Boise campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Click here for the Outcomes data from the 2011 Annual Report of Current Status.

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835
www.coarc.com

Have questions or ready to get started? Call us at 1-800-622-2640 or click here to request more information.
Program Information Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy
Occupations Degree Prepares For
(and SOC code of occupation)
Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary - 25-1071.00
Respiratory Therapists - 29-1126.00
Respiratory Therapy Technicians - 29-2054.00
Tuition and Fees $47,165
Cost of Books Included
Room and Board N/A
Job Placement Rate * 71%
On-Time Completion Rate 50.00%
Median Title IV Debt $24,473
Median Non-Title IV Debt $8,176
Median Loan Debt $31,553
* The Job Placement Rate reported for each program is calculated pursuant to the job employment rate calculation methodology of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges ("ACCSC"). The data used for the Job Placement rate calculation is the data reported on the ACCSC 2010-2011 Annual Institutional Report. N/A means Not Applicable.

Course Descriptions

CourseCourse NameCredits

Course Description

Click a course to the left to see the course description here.

Tip: Reading course descriptions is a great way to help you decide if a degree is right for you.

Computer Fundamentals

This course introduces the elements of several popular computer software programs in word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation design, Emphasis will be placed on the basic fundamentals of document creation, saving, and printing along with the more advanced concepts of presentation design.

Credits: 3.5

Cardiopulmonary and Renal Anatomy and Physiology

Detailed study of the structure and function of the human cardiac, pulmonary and renal systems, and associated medical terminology.

Credits: 4.0

Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology

Detailed study of the structure and function of the human pulmonary systems and related medical terminology.

Credits: 4.0

Microbiology and Decontamination

Overview of microbial morphology, physiology and identification. Methods of equipment sterilization, isolation methods and universal precautions.

Credits: 3.0

English Composition

This course focuses on the principles of effective English composition with a comprehensive review and reinforcement of language arts skills. Emphasis is placed on the four essentials of writing: unity, support, coherence, and sentence skills. Practice in proofreading, editing, revision, and clear thinking is incorporated throughout the course.

Credits: 4.0

Management Principles

An introduction to the basic principles of management as it applies to formal organizations. Students are introduced to the importance of effective management within organizations. The traditional management framework is used to provide essential skills in planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling.

Credits: 4.0

Business Law

Deals with the legal problems confronting businesses such as court procedures, contracts, property law, fair credit reporting, the Privacy Act, business relationships, and supervision.

Credits: 4.0

Vital Signs and Emergencies

Presents the proper way of taking patients' vital signs (including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, and weight). Growth charting for children is also covered. CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Community First Aid and Safety are taught and certified through the American Heart Association.

Credits: 3.0

Anatomy and Physiology

Covers the anatomy and physiology of the major systems of the body including but not limited to the integumentary system, the muscle and skeletal systems, the nervous system, the reproductive system, the digestive system, and the endocrine system. Course includes basic organization and general plan of the body including cells, membranes, and tissues.

Credits: 4.0

Psychology of Motivation

Students review skills necessary to be successful in college, including: note-taking, study skills, writing, finding and using information on the Internet, and reading/understanding college-level text. Students are exposed to basic motivation theories, values clarification, and philosophic principles.

Credits: 4.0

Airway Management I

The theory, application, and monitoring of airway management.

Credits: 3.5

Medical Gas Therapy/Humidity and Aerosol Therapy/Bronchial Hygiene Therapy

The therapeutic application and monitoring of oxygen and specialized gas mixtures. Introduction to hyperbaric medical procedures.

Credits: 3.0

Aerosol and Humidity Therapy/Pulmonary Hygiene

The theory, application and monitoring of aerosol/humidity therapy and bronchial hygiene modalities.

Credits: 3.0

Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology

Study of adult cardiopulmonary disease states and treatment modalities appropriate to each pathophysiological state.

Credits: 4.0

Pulmonary Function Testing

Theory, application, and current American Thoracic Society standards for spirometry, diffusion studies, and other advanced diagnostic studies.

Credits: 3.0

Clinical Experience I

Documented hands-on patient-care experience with the advanced skills required of a respiratory therapist in a variety of settings. Includes documentation of appropriate physician interaction. Successful completion requires submission of all assigned laboratory and clinical competency documentation sheets.

Credits: 12.0

Lung Hyperinflation Therapy/Bronchial Hygiene Therapy

Theory and application of lung hyperinflation along with non-invasive ventilation techniques.

Credits: 3.0

Mechanical Ventilation Theory

Theory of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation devices.

Credits: 5.5

Respiratory Care as a Profession/RC Protocols

Introduction to the history and practice of respiratory therapy. Overview of RT and healthcare organization regulatory agencies. Introduction of respiratory therapy protocols.

Credits: 1.0

Mechanical Ventilation Management

Application and monitoring of invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation devices.

Credits: 5.5

Pulmonary Rehabilitation/Alternate Site Care

Overview of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. Application of respiratory therapy modalities in alternate care settings.

Credits: 1.0

Perinatal and Pediatric Care

Theory and application of the care of pediatric and perinatal patients.

Credits: 5.0

Introduction to Polysomnography/Advanced Cardiopulmonary Monitoring

The application of critical thinking to cardiopulmonary monitoring and diagnostic testing.

Credits: 3.0

BLS/ACLS/Multiskilled RT/Respiratory Therapy Seminar

Theory and application of advanced resuscitation modalities and special procedures. Review of theory and case scenarios in cardiopulmonary patient care.

Credits: 4.0

Clinical Experience II

Documented hands-on patient-care experience with the advanced skills required of a respiratory therapist in a variety of settings. Includes documentation of appropriate physician interaction. Successful completion requires submission of all assigned laboratory and clinical competency documentation sheets.

Credits: 12.0

Clinical Experience III

Documented hands-on patient-care experience with the advanced skills required of a respiratory therapist in a variety of settings. Includes documentation of appropriate physician interaction. Successful completion requires submission of all assigned laboratory and clinical competency documentation sheets.

Credits: 2.0

Math, Chemistry, and Physical Sciences for Respiratory Therapy

An overview of mathematical and algebraic calculations, basic chemistry and physics as they relate to respiratory-care sciences.

Credits: 4.0
Total Courses: 27Total Credits: 112

*Idaho students replace APP 101, MAN 103, MAN 224, RES 115, RES 126, RES 135 RES 195, RES 215, RES 225, RES 235, RES 245, RES 255, RES 265, RES 275, RES 295, and RES 395 with ENG 223, MAT 220, MED 100, PSY 220, RES 116, RES 120, RES 128, RES 136, RES 196, RES 216, RES 236, RES 246, RES 256, RES 276, RES 291, RES 296 and SOC 220. See catalog for details.

Admissions Information

College Admissions Requirements

Applicants for admission to the College must have graduated from an accredited high school, private secondary school, or have completed the equivalent (GED). All students who graduate after January 2006 must provide a high school transcript to check eligibility for the new Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).

Program Specific Admissions Requirements

Requirements for Admission to respiratory therapy courses:
  • Negative drug screen (a drug screen may be requested at any point in the student's academic progression by school officials and/or clinical placement sites). The costs of these tests are the responsibility of the student.
  • Criminal background check with satisfactory findings.
  • An admissions test is required. Check admissions department for details.

Students enrolled in this program must pass all pre-core courses (APP101, PSY101, MED201, BIO130, BIO135, BIO137, BIO143, MED 106, and SCI101) and obtain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) prior to taking any respiratory therapy (RES) courses.

Additional Admissions Information

Getting started is as simple as making a phone call-we're happy to answer any questions you may have and can get you on your way to enrollment as soon as you're ready. Click here for more information about the admissions process.

Have questions or ready to get started? Call us at 1-800-622-2640 or click here to request more information.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Some people have the idea that they cannot afford college. You may even be one of them. The truth is, once you know the facts, college may be much more affordable than you think. Financial aid is available if you qualify. In fact, many students are amazed at the financial aid they're eligible to receive. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid section for more information.

Have questions or ready to get started? Call us at 1-800-622-2640 or click here to request more information.

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