Respiratory Therapy - Associate Degree
As a graduate of the Respiratory Therapy program, you’re prepared to evaluate, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate patients with chronic and acute diseases of the heart and lungs. Typical careers include hospital staff therapist, pulmonary function technologist, sleep disorder center technician, shift supervisor, department manager, home care therapist/manager, nursing home therapist, respiratory care educator, and medical equipment and supplies sales representative. Respiratory Therapy program graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $12,584, Books: $961, Supplies: $2,000
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=105151
Requirements for Program Entry
- For instructions on how to get started, download the application checklist for this program.
Program Outcomes
- Apply respiratory therapy concepts to patient care situations.
- Practice respiratory therapy according to established professional and ethical standards.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency required to fulfill the role of a Respiratory Therapist.
Accreditation
The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) 1248 Harwood Road Bedford, TX 76021-4244 (817) 283-2835
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Respiratory Therapy associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
Summer Before First Semester
Full Semester
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Summer Before Third Semester
Full Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-501-XXX and 10-515-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- Students must earn a "B" or higher in General Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "B" in these courses may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringOverview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: C or better in Lab-based Chemistry OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better; AND Next Gen Rdg score greater/= to 263; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringFocuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringHistory, morphology, physiology, nutritional growth requirements, metabolism, methods of identification. Focus on disease-causing microorganisms, appropriate prevention, treatment, control mechanisms. Specific/non-specific host defense mechanisms, applications of immunology examined. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology OR 10-806-114, General Biology with a "C" or better. Health programs may require a higher grade; refer to your plan for details)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringExamines the role of the Respiratory Therapist within the healthcare community. Reviews the ethical, legal, and regulatory principles that guide practice across diverse populations. Introductory patient assessment and critical thinking processes used in the development of respiratory care plans are explored. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Respiratory Therapy program)
Course Typically Offered: FallThe nature and variety of groups; inequality, race and ethnicity; family, population, social integration, and change; collective behavior; politics, economics, religion, education, and the effects of technology. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringProvides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the respiratory and circulatory systems necessary to function as a competent Respiratory Therapist. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringIntroduces the topics of medical gas administration and humidity and aerosol therapy. The learner will apply physics, math and patient assessment concepts to oxygen, aerosol and humidity therapy. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisites: 10-515-111, Respiratory Therapy Survey; 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: SpringExamines basic pharmacology principles, drug dosage, and calculations. Medications for inhalation including mucolytics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatories. Also includes cardiac drugs, anesthetic drugs, neuromuscular blockers, and antimicrobials. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: SpringLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringIntroduces therapeutic procedures including arterial puncture, bronchial hygiene, lung expansion therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisite: 10-515-171, Respiratory Therapeutics 1; 10-806-197, Microbiology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringIntroduces Respiratory Therapy practice in the hospital setting. Includes the development of skills such as basic therapeutics, patient assessment, medical record review, safety practices, patient interaction, and communication. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisites: 10-515-170, Respiratory Therapy Survey; 10-515-171, Respiratory Therapeutics 1; Corequisites: 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-515-172 Respiratory Therapeutics 2)
Course Typically Offered: SummerProvides a comprehensive exploration of airway management concepts and skills. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisites: 10-515-172, Respiratory Therapeutics 2; 10-515-174, Respiratory/Cardiac Physiology; 10-515-175, Respiratory Clinical 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallExploration of signs, symptoms, causes, progression, and treatment of diseases or disorders of the body that affect the cardiopulmonary system. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisites: 10-515-111, Respiratory Therapy Survey; 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: FallContinued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisite: 10-515-175, Respiratory Clinical 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallFocuses on management of adult ventilatory support. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisites: 10-515-172, Respiratory Therapeutics 2; 10-515-174, Respiratory/Cardiac Physiology; 10-515-175, Respiratory Clinical 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallContinued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Corequisite: 10-515-178, Respiratory Clinical 2)
Course Typically Offered: FallAdvanced invasive and noninvasive diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures including pulmonary function, hemodynamics and rescue medicine. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisites: 10-515-173, Respiratory Pharmacology; 10-515-176, Respiratory Disease; 10-515-113, Respiratory Life Support)
Course Typically Offered: SpringContinued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisite: 10-515-179, Respiratory Clinical 3)
Course Typically Offered: SpringProvides a comprehensive orientation to the field of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care to include fetal development, birth, neonatal physiology, pulmonary dynamics, abnormal cardiopulmonary conditions, diseases, noninvasive and invasive therapeutic interventions. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Prerequisite: 10-515-113, Respiratory Life Support )
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDiagnosis, management, and treatment received by cardiopulmonary patients. This course prepares students for the testing processes utilized by the National Board for Respiratory Care; all testing processes will be reviewed utilizing appropriate content. (Prerequisite: 47-531-462 , ACLS Provider; Corequisites: 10-515-182, Respiratory Clinical 4; 10-515-183, Respiratory Clinical 5)
Course Typically Offered: SpringFocuses on the completion of respiratory therapy competencies and transition to employment. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. (Corequisite: 10-515-182, Respiratory Clinical 4)
Course Typically Offered: Spring