Program Code: 181
The Respiratory Therapy program prepares students to work under the direction of a physician in assisting in diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, and in helping patients to recover their lung function. Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) deliver medications and oxygen, operate life support machines, and assure that patients have open breathing passages, among other duties. Graduates of the program may seek employment in hospital emergency rooms, intensive care units, outpatient clinics, and home health care.
Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Respiratory Therapy program. Entrance requirements for this program include completion of ENG 111, BIO 141 (BIO 142 is recommended), and SDV 101. Additionally, placement into MTH 154 with no co-requisite or completion of an equivalent or higher-level college math class is also required. Both a college and a Health Professions Program application are also required. Qualified candidates will be granted an interview based on the number and quality of applicants. Participation in an open house orientation session is mandatory. Official transcripts from other colleges attended must be submitted to the Office of the College Registrar at Tidewater Community College prior to the application deadline. For further information regarding admission, continuance, and graduation requirements, go to tcc.edu (search keywords “respiratory therapy”).
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Respiratory Therapy prepares students to take the examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. The Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC). More information about COARC can be found at www.coarc.com.
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