Community College of Allegheny County Careers in Allied Health Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science Degree • Allegheny Campus Job Potential Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures. Respiratory therapists consult with physicians and other health care staff to develop and modify patient care plans. They also provide complex therapy requiring considerable independent judgment. Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, physicians’ offices and for home health care agencies. The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the 10-year employment projections for certified respiratory therapists reflect faster-than-average job growth. The increasing demand will come from substantial growth in the middle-aged and elderly population—a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. Growth in demand will also result from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in case management, disease prevention, emergency care and the early detection of pulmonary disorders. The average national yearly salary is approximately $52,200. Affordable Quality Education Students enrolled in the Respiratory Therapy (RES) program at the Community College of Allegheny County receive instruction by highly credentialed faculty in the field. Students benefit from quality classroom interactions and diverse clinical experiences within affiliated centers. For additional information on CCAC’s Respiratory Therapy program, email rlaurent@ccac.edu or call 412.237.2681/2704. Allied Health Department CCAC Allegheny Campus 808 Ridge Road Pittsburgh, PA 15212-6097 412.237.2681 www.ccac.edu This program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Inquiries regarding CoARC can be directed to: CoARC 1248 Harwood Road Bedford, TX 76021-4244 817.283.2835 www.coarc.com We’re More than You Know Respiratory Therapy Admission to the Program: • Apply to the college • Complete a separate application to the Respiratory Therapy program • Admission is limited by the availability of clinical sites and other factors • Students must meet prerequisite requirements Prerequisites • A “C” or better in high school chemistry, algebra and natural sciences (or its equivalent). • BIO115 Human Biology in Health & Disease • CHM109 Introduction to Chemistry OR CHM110 Introductory Chemistry AND CHM111 Introductory Chemistry Laboratory • MAT108 Intermediate Algebra A “C” or better grade is required in all prerequisite classes. ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Program Costs First Semester ENG101 English Composition 1 PHY123 Physics for Health Sciences 1 RES111 Respiratory Care Equipment 1 RES113 Respiratory Therapy 1 Second Semester BIO209 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology ENG102 English Composition 2 RES112 Respiratory Care Equipment 2 RES114 Respiratory Therapy 2 Summer RES115 Fundamentals of Clinical Practice RES116 Pulmonary Diagnostic Procedures RES117 Pulmonary and Related Pathology RES118 Respiratory Pharmacology Third Semester RES202 Medical Aspects of Respiratory Therapy RES211 Respiratory Therapist Clinical 1 PSY101 Introduction to Psychology Fourth Semester RES212 Respiratory Therapist Clinical 2 Humanities Elective Minimum credits required to graduate • Current college tuition and fees • Required books and supplies • Transportation and costs related to clinical sites • Fees associated with required medical evaluation, criminal background check, child abuse clearances, CPR training, lab and clinical clothing and other clinical site screens • Some clinical sites may require drug testing as a condition for acceptance • NBRC practice exams Program Outcomes Students enrolled in the program will: • Demonstrate competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). • Successfully meet the requirements for an Associate of Science degree in respiratory therapy. • Be prepared to pass the national Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification examination sponsored by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). • Be qualified to seek employment in the respiratory therapy field. Credits 3 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 1 2 4 1 3 9 3 12 3 68 For official program description and requirements, see program details at www.ccac.edu. All information is correct as of date of publication. However, some curriculum requirements may have changed since publication. Please consult the CCAC website at www.ccac.edu to view complete program descriptions and the latest curriculum changes, including information on course prerequisites. Respiratory Therapy-FSP2-SD/SK-MAY10 CCAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution committed to compliance with all legislation and regulations governing the provision of equal treatment and opportunity to all persons. To request this brochure in an alternate format, call 412.237.4614.