Respiratory Care (AAS)

Major code:  3200
Pre-code:  3202
Health and Public Services Division    
Respiratory, Laboratory, and Surgical Technology Dept.

The catalog in force is assigned to students based on the academic year they first applied to the college, and changes only when students change their major or request the change in writing.  Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-28.

2026-27 Catalog
Effective Summer 2026

Some courses listed within the program may require a prerequisite or co-requisite.
Pre/Co-requisites will be listed within each course hyperlink below.
Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-04 and 3357:15-13-05

Pre-respiratory Care Credits - Non-tech
MTH105Math for Allied Health3
BIO123Principles of Human Structure and Function (lab) 15
Technical
RCT121Introduction to Respiratory Care2
RCT121LIntroduction to Respiratory Care Lab1
RCT122Medical Gas Administration2
RCT122LMedical Gas Administration Lab1
RCT124Respiratory Care Pharmacology2
RCT123Airway Management Procedures2
RCT123LAirway Management Procedures Lab1
RCT125CPracticum I Clinical2
RCT125Practicum I Seminar1
RCT126Critical Care2
RCT126LCritical Care Lab1
RCT128CPracticum II Clinical1
RCT128Practicum II Seminar1
RCT224CPracticum III Clinical2
RCT224Practicum III Seminar1
RCT226Advanced Respiratory Care Procedures Lab1
RCT227Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Lab2
RCT227LNeonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Lab1
RCT223Patient Assessment and Monitoring3
RCT225CPracticum IV Clinical3
RCT225Practicum IV Seminar1
RCT225LPracticum IV Laboratory1
Non-technical
SSC101Student Success Seminar1
ENG124College Composition3
BIO125Medical Terminology3
BIO221Principles of Microbiology (lab)4
RCT129Respiratory Diseases 3
RCT220Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology4
Select any Psychology or Sociology elective3
Total Hours63
1

BIO121 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO122 Anatomy and Physiology II can be substituted for BIO123 Principles of Human Structure and Function

Students are required to follow the program curriculum in effect when they begin taking technical courses, not when students are accepted to the College or program.

This program requires an application (separate from the College).
Please see your advisor to discuss the application process.

Full-time Student Advising Notes

Academic Advising

Each student should make an appointment to see their advisor every semester before registering for classes. Please have your registration form completed, including the courses you wish to take, for this meeting.

Course Sequence

The semester-by-semester listing below gives the normal scheduling option for full-time associate degree students who plan to finish in two years. Some courses can be scheduled as beginning courses in other semesters depending upon course availability and advisor's recommendation. Respiratory Care courses must be taken in the order listed below.

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterHours
SSC101 Student Success Seminar 1
RCT121 Introduction to Respiratory Care 2
RCT121L Introduction to Respiratory Care Lab 1
RCT122 Medical Gas Administration 2
RCT122L Medical Gas Administration Lab 1
RCT124 Respiratory Care Pharmacology 2
BIO125 Medical Terminology 3
 Hours12
Second Semester
ENG124 College Composition 3
RCT123 Airway Management Procedures 2
RCT123L Airway Management Procedures Lab 1
RCT125 Practicum I Seminar 1
RCT125C Practicum I Clinical 2
RCT129 Respiratory Diseases 3
 Hours12
Summer Semester
RCT126 Critical Care 2
RCT126L Critical Care Lab 1
RCT128 Practicum II Seminar 1
RCT128C Practicum II Clinical 1
 Hours5
Third Semester
Psychology or Sociology Elective 3
RCT220 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology 4
RCT224 Practicum III Seminar 1
RCT224C Practicum III Clinical 2
RCT226 Advanced Respiratory Care Procedures Lab 1
RCT227 Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Lab 2
RCT227L Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Lab 1
 Hours14
Fourth Semester
BIO221 Principles of Microbiology (lab) 4
RCT223 Patient Assessment and Monitoring 3
RCT225 Practicum IV Seminar 1
RCT225L Practicum IV Laboratory 1
RCT225C Practicum IV Clinical 3
 Hours12
 Total Hours55

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to their role as advanced – level respiratory therapists.

  • Demonstrate technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill their role as advanced-level respiratory therapists.

  • Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with employer expectations as advanced-level respiratory therapists.