Respiratory Care

AAS

Respiratory Care

The Respiratory Care Program is a seven-quarter full-time program offering an associate of applied science degree. The program prepares individuals for entry into respiratory care and for the Advanced Practitioner Exam given by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Under the direction of a physician, the respiratory care practitioner works with other health-care professionals to deliver health care in the treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders including the use of medical gases, medications, aerosols, lung drainage, ventilatory support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management, respiratory disease management and diagnostic testing. Classroom and laboratory instruction is combined with clinical experiences in various local health-care facilities. The program meets respiratory care practitioner licensure requirements of the State of Washington, and is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. The Respiratory Care Program is for; (1) new students with no prior experience entering the field of health care; and (2) students with previous pre-professional science classes or those holding degrees in other areas. Enrollment into the program occurs only in fall quarter. New students can begin taking support courses in preparation for the fall quarter start.

The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.org).


Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

  • 1361 Park Street
  • Clearwater, FL 33756
  • (727)210-2350

Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
  • 1248 Harwood Road
  • Bedford Texas 76021-4244
  • (817)283-2835

Career Opportunities

Job opportunities are available in every area of the country. Employment can be found in acute care hospitals, sub-acute and skilled nursing facilities, medical clinics, research, home care, rehabilitation, sales and education. Practitioners work side-by-side with nurses and doctors as a respected member of the health care team. Hospitals encourage their staff practitioners to continually learn and to improve their skills and often pay for continuing education. Respiratory care is also a career with job mobility and advancement opportunities.

There is an increasing demand for respiratory care practitioners in the King county area due to the expansion of healthcare facilities, increased healthcare consumption and expanding roles of respiratory care practitioners. By 2016, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a 23% increase in employment for respiratory care practitioners and states the job outlook to be very good.

Learning Outcomes (AAS)

The graduate of the SCCC Respiratory Care program is able to:

  1. Implement the respiratory care procedures in a systematic manner to provide a high standard of care to individuals and groups.
  2. Provide a safe environment in all aspects of respiratory care delivery.
  3. Perform quality respiratory care demonstrating affective, psychomotor, cognitive, and communication skills, demonstrating the ability to make sound, accurate decisions based on scientific and cardiopulmonary theories.
  4. Integrate knowledge from the biological, physical and life sciences into respiratory care of individuals and groups.
  5. Incorporate an understanding of health, illness, and cultural diversity into all aspects of respiratory care.
  6. Teach individuals or groups to achieve and maintain an optimum level of wellness.
  7. Communicate effectively with clients, including families and significant others.
  8. Collaborate effectively with clients, including families and significant others.
  9. Identify their own limitations of knowledge, skills and respiratory care functions, and take appropriate actions.
  10. Incorporate knowledge of legal and ethical issues into respiratory care practice.
  11. Participate in activities that support the profession of respiratory care.

Entrance Requirements

  • PREREQUISITES: (Effective Fall 2010)
    • ENGL& 101     English Composition        5 credits
    • MATH& 107     Math for Healthcareers    5 credits
    • CHEM& 121    Intro to Chemistry           5 credits
    • BIOL& 241     Anatomy & Physiology I    5 credits
    Math and science courses must be taken within five years of entry to the program with a 2.0 GPA or better.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent in the U.S.
  • Test requirements: Must be eligible for English 101 and Math 107. The test is waived if transcripts show completion of English 101 (Composition) and Math 107 with at least a 2.0 grade. Entrance into the program is on a first-come, first-served basis after prerequisite testing and all prerequisites have been completed.

Any of the required support courses listed in the curriculum below (i.e. ENGL& 102, etc.) may be taken before entrance into the program to reduce the academic load during the year. (Some science prerequisites may have other requirements not listed.)

How To Get Started

  • Complete the Standard Procedure for Admission to the College
  • After matriculation contact Bill Spence, the Workforce Advisor, for an appointment/interview to evaluate test scores and to determine your eligibility to enter the program. You can make an appointment by calling (206) 587-4188. Bring copies of your high school and college transcripts showing completion of prerequisites, test results, and/or Transfer of Credit Form with you to your interview.
  • After the Advisor approves you for the program, there is a $35 application fee required to have your name placed on the waiting list for the program.
  • In accordance with health facility affiliation agreements, students enrolled in clinical courses are required to complete a Request for Criminal History Form. All information will be kept confidential. Students should be aware that certain convictions may prevent clinical placement and employment and that completion of this program does not guarantee certification, licensing or employment.
  • Satisfactory physical and immunization records must be on file in the division office prior to starting the program.

Applicants having previously earned credits in science/general education courses must apply for Credit by Direct Transfer in the Admissions Office, room BE 1104. This is the responsibility of the applicant.

Estimated Training Costs

For Further Information:

Respiratory Care Program
Health and Human Services
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room BE3210
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 344-4347
TTY: (206) 344-4347
FAX: (206) 587-6337

Program Contact:
Maureen Wood-Mottley mawood@sccd.ctc.edu 206.587.6953