Respiratory Therapy, AAS

Credit Hours Required: 71

Program Notes:

• ITAP 1000 , Foundations of Computer Applications, is recommended for students lacking basic computer skills.
• HHSC 1700 , Medical Terminology, may also be helpful to the respiratory therapy student.

Respiratory Therapy - Additional Program Information

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, (4) liability insurance, and (5) a criminal background check and drug screen.

Students must achieve grade “C” or better, or grade “Pass” (if the course is a Pass/Fail course) for all the Core and the General Education courses which are prerequisites and/or considered a part of this program.  Other General Education courses which are not part of the program, but are required for the degree, require only a passing grade.

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 (https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600_72603_27529_29413—,00.html). 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 1, will be ranked by enrollment in the following way: 1. The GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) of the two prerequisite courses (BIOL-2730 or BIOL-2400 and BIOL-2710) are computed and weighted at 45% each. 2. The composite score of the HESI Admissions Assessment Exam is weighted at 10%. The composite score is the average score of the cumulative results of all five components of the HESI Admission Assessment Exam. 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), 264 Precision Blvd Telford, TN 37690 CoARC’s phone number is 817.283.2835 and fax number is 817.354.8519.

Career Opportunities:

• Respiratory Therapy

Transfer Pathways:

We Work Hard to Make Transferring Easy!

Macomb Community College is a great place to start if your goal is to earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Whether you are already considering a specific transfer destination/program or have not yet decided on a major, Macomb’s Office of Articulation and Transfer provides you with and helps you explore a variety of transfer options.

Transfer Opportunities