The Respiratory Care Practitioner Program is designed to train certified and registered therapists in the care of patients with respiratory problems. Students are instructed in the basic sciences, cardiopulmonary physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, mechanical ventilation and provided clinical experience. The student will be CRT & RRT eligible after completion of both the Community College and Pickens Technical College components. The graduate will be eligible to take the NBRC, Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist Exams (RRT). Applicants must be physically able to exert up to twenty-five pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Program attendance requires the ability to perceive attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by means of receptors in skin, particularly those in the fingertips. Must have the ability to discriminate and perceive differences in breath sounds and heart tones. Also, must be able to differentiate multiple skin and tissue colors.

 ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM:
Applicants are required to have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and to provide an “official transcript” showing that you have taken and successfully passed the required pre-requisites and to fill out a Health Occupations Division Application.

Due to a growing interest in our program, classes fill quickly. 

LENGTH OF PROGRAM:
This is a 21 month program (Not including the Community College component).  Students are admitted to the program in August. 

 PREREQUISITES:
Applicants are required to have BIO 106 Basic Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 201 & 202 can be substituted for BIO 106) and HPR 178 Medical Terminology for entrance into the Respiratory Care Practitioner Program.

All credits must be from a member of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges or any accrediting body approved by the US Dept. of Education.

 Students are required to have a G.P.A. of 2.75 or higher on these classes.

 ACCREDITATION:
The Respiratory Therapy Technology (AAS) Program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), contact number (817) 283-2835.

 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
The principal places of employment are in hospitals, respiratory care departments, home care providers, and extended care facilities.  The average starting salary for Certified Respiratory Therapist is $18.00 per hour with an increase to approximately $23.00 per hour for Registered Respiratory Therapists.

• Courses
• Course Descriptions
• Contact Us

• Instructor: Leigh Otto
• email instructor