Program Length: 21 months
Available at the following locations:
Idaho Locations: Boise
Utah Locations: Salt Lake City / Murray
Days until classes:
Next classes start
Jun 17th
Degree Overview
Associate's Degree in Respiratory Therapy
A degree in Respiratory Therapy will help you to launch into a dynamic and exciting medical career. Respiratory therapists play an important role in bettering the health of patients, as well as working with other medical professionals to provide them with the best care possible.
By earning this specialized degree with us at Stevens-Henager, you can gain the technical proficiencies and academic training required to become a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists are tasked with key responsibilities, such as providing and managing therapeutic and life support services such as ventilatory life services, administration of gasses and aerosols, and cardiopulmonary assessment and monitoring.
Completing an associate degree in respiratory therapy program can open up entry-level opportunities in hospitals and care centers. Medical degrees are in demand, and will provide you with a skillset that will benefit you for the rest of your career. It will also serve as a fine base for you if you choose to come back for further schooling in the future.
At Stevens-Henager College, we provide our students with a focused and fast moving curriculum which prepares them for certification and gets them on their ways to successful careers. Through such focus, we are able to reduce classwork down to the essentials for our student base. Our priority is getting experienced and qualified professionals out into their career fields to follow their dreams.
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
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835
www.coarc.com
Student Information
Our Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program prepares graduates for employment in occupations such as Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary (25-1071.00), Respiratory Therapists (29-1126.00), or Respiratory Therapy Technicians (29-2054.00). The total tuition and fees for this program is $ 43,850, including books. Stevens-Henager College does not provide housing, so no room and board fees apply. Graduates of our Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program have an on-time completion rate of 53% and a job placement rate of 74%. The median Title IV debt for this program is $ 13,105, the median non-Title IV debt is $ 7,460, and the median loan debt is $ 21,106. Our Net Price Calculator can help you see how you can afford college.
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.
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.
