Respiratory Therapy

Program Description:

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: View Selective Admission for detailed information.

The respiratory care practitioner supports the physician in the care of patients suffering from cardiopulmonary disease. A balanced program in general education and specialized courses enables the student to develop the technical competencies necessary to enter this paramedical specialty.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Interact with patients and other healthcare professionals in a caring fashion.

2. Perform all respiratory care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures required of a respiratory therapist entering the profession.

3. Develop a strategy to continue professional development within the career of respiratory care.

4. Apply ethical decision making and professional responsibility.

5. Function within inter-personal teams and communicate effectively with diverse populations.

6. Apply problem solving strategies in the patient care setting.

Requirements & Specific Information:

The program begins once each year in the fall semester. The first year is spent in the modern lecture and lab facilities at Macomb, where students are exposed to the newest technology and equipment. The second year combines lecture and lab with about 900 hours of clinical training at area hospitals and home health care agencies.

Additional expenses to be met by the student before entering RSPT‑1260 include (1) a health and physical examination including testing for tuberculosis and other communicable diseases, (2) uniforms and supplies, (3) hospitalization insurance as neither the hospital nor the college insures the student against accidents or illnesses, and (4) a criminal background check and drug screen.

Students must achieve a grade “C” or better (or grade Pass if graded Pass/Fail) in each course taken for the Associate of Applied Technology Respiratory Therapy program.

Respiratory Therapists in Michigan are required to pass the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) Examination provided by the National Board for Respiratory Care (www.NBRC.org) and to obtain a license issued by the State of Michigan (www.mi.gov/mdch). Employment opportunities for qualified respiratory therapists are excellent. Administrative, educational, and clinical positions may be available to the registered Respiratory Therapist.

The Respiratory Therapy Program is a Selective Admission Program. Applicants who complete the required steps prior to Feb 15, will be ranked by enrollment in the following way: 1. A cut score of 50 or greater on the elementary algebra portion of the ACCUPLACER examination is required, 2. 50% weight is placed in the GPA from the BIOL 2710 (or BIOL 2310) course, 3. 50% weight is placed on the GPA from the BIOL 2730 or BIOL 2400 course. Students will then be selected based upon attendance at the mandatory orientation session and ranking number.

Macomb Community College, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. The ADA defines a disability as 1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major activities of such individuals; 2) a record of such impairment; or 3) being regarded as having such an impairment. A person qualified for admission to the MCC Respiratory Therapy Program is one who has met academic prerequisites and is able to perform the essential functions of a registered respiratory therapist, referred to as “Essential Functions for the RSPT Student”, with or without reasonable accommodation.

There shall be no discriminatory practices based upon race, creed or religion, color, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, age, marital status, disability, pregnancy, height, weight, or other factors, which cannot be lawfully used as the basis for an employment decision or student status.

Accreditation:

This Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021‑4244. CoARC’s phone number is 817.283.2835 and fax number is 817.354.8519.

Career Opportunities:

Respiratory Therapy-Associate of Applied Science: Job titles such as Respiratory Therapist are attainable upon completion of this course of study and the attainment of the CRT credential. To learn more from a career specialist, visit the Office of Career Services at either campus or explore online at www.onetonline.org.

Transfer Pathways:

Students intending to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree need to make early decisions concerning an academic major and a transfer destination. Statistics show that students who make these decisions early are more likely to persist to graduation than their undecided counterparts. Students planning to transfer credits earned at Macomb are strongly urged to see a counselor or academic advisor as early as possible in their college careers.

• Transfer Resource Guide
• Transfer Plan Database

Programs

• Respiratory Therapy, AAS (full-time)