Program

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Printed: 01/17/2021 | Print Program with Curriculum Only | Print Program with Course Descriptions

Academic Year: 2021-2022

Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree

Program Code 105151

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.

Average Starting Salary

$52,457.00FT Median Annual Wage

89%

Graduate Employment

With 78% Employed in Field

Explore Locations

This program is offered at:

Green Bay

This program is fully eligible for financial aid.

Requirements for Program Entry

REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION
Completed application.
High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
Two semesters in high school, or one semester in college of the following: Biology and Chemistry (with a lab component), All required course grades must be completed with a "C" or better.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY
To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444.
Attend mandatory registration session and program orientation.
Complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR course. Students are required to maintain a current CPR card to comply with affiliating agency requirements.
Complete the caregiver background check and required immunizations. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
A four hour job shadow is strongly encouraged.
Complete a Functional Abilities Inventory.

Program Availability

A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more by contacting one of our Admissions Advisors.

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Respiratory Therapy associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

Summer Before First Semester

10-890-101

College 101

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-806-177

Gen Anatomy & Physiology

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-177 GENERAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...overview 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/Spring

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Semester Total

First Semester

10-501-101

Medical Terminology

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-501-101 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ...focuses 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/Spring

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10-515-111

Respiratory Survey

10-515-111 RESPIRATORY SURVEY ...examines 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: Fall

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10-806-197

Microbiology

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-197 MICROBIOLOGY ...history, 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/Spring

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10-515-171

Respiratory Therapeutics 1

10-515-171 RESPIRATORY THERAPEUTICS 1...introduces 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: Spring

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10-515-174

Respiratory/Cardiac Physiology

10-515-174 RESPIRATORY/CARDIAC PHYSIOLOGY...provides 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: Spring

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Semester Total

Second Semester

10-515-173

Respiratory Pharmacology

10-515-173 RESPIRATORY PHARMACOLOGY...examines 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: Spring

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10-515-176

Respiratory Disease

10-515-176 RESPIRATORY DISEASE ...exploration 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: Fall

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners 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/Spring

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10-515-172

Respiratory Therapeutics 2

10-515-172 RESPIRATORY THERAPEUTICS 2...introduces 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

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Semester Total

Summer Before Third Semester

10-515-175

Respiratory Clinical 1

10-515-175 RESPIRATORY CLINICAL 1...introduces 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: Summer

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this 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/J-Session/Spring

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10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (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/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

Third Semester

10-515-112

Respiratory Airway Management

10-515-112 RESPIRATORY AIRWAY MANAGEMENT ...provides 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: Fall

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10-515-178

Respiratory Clinical 2

10-515-178 RESPIRATORY CLINICAL 2...Continued 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: Fall

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10-809-196

Intro to Sociology

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-196 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY ...the 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/Spring

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10-515-113

Respiratory Life Support

10-515-113 RESPIRATORY LIFE SUPPORT ...focuses 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: Fall

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10-515-179

Respiratory Clinical 3

10-515-179 RESPIRATORY CLINICAL 3...continued 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: Fall

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Semester Total

Fourth Semester

10-515-180

Respiratory Neo/Peds Care

10-515-180 RESPIRATORY NEO/PEDS CARE...Provides 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: Spring

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10-515-181

Respiratory/Cardio Diagnostics

10-515-181 RESPIRATORY/CARDIO DIAGNOSTICS ...advanced 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: Spring

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10-515-182

Respiratory Clinical 4

10-515-182 RESPIRATORY CLINICAL 4 ...continued 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: Spring

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10-515-164

Clinical Simulation Review

10-515-164 CLINICAL SIMULATION REVIEW ...diagnosis, 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: Spring

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10-515-183

Respiratory Clinical 5

10-515-183 RESPIRATORY CLINICAL 5 ...Focuses 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

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (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/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

Total Credits

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.