More than ever, respiratory care providers are in increasing demand. Zane State College is responding to the need by offering a Respiratory Care associate degree through an education consortium with Rhodes State College. This career is ideal for those who have a passion for helping others. Patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. (bls.org)
Respiratory care practitioners are prepared to administer pulmonary care under the direction of licensed physicians. Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of lung and breathing disorders. These tasks include administering medical gases, breathing tests, medications by inhalation and drawing of blood for analysis. Respiratory care practitioners are required to have knowledge of special life-support equipment and methods of monitoring critically-ill patients.
Individuals educated as respiratory therapists must complete a minimum of two years of education. Upon completing the minimum education, graduates are eligible to sit for the national board examinations to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and then a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT, advanced level).
Registered respiratory therapists assume primary clinical responsibility for all respiratory care modalities. Therapists scope of practice includes specific knowledge of cardiopulmonary and renal anatomy, pathology, clinical management, therapeutics and diagnostics. Excellent communication skills are necessary in order to consult with physicians and other members of the health care team. The most important standard in the profession of respiratory care is for practitioners to serve as role models in matters concerning health by abstaining from the use of tobacco products at home, school and work environments.
The Respiratory Care Program is offered in partnership with Rhodes State College. Rhodes State has offered a fully-accredited Respiratory Care Program since 1980. Please click here for the Rhodes State website for full details.
In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements must be completed before being added to the qualified list:
Once a student is admitted into the Rhodes State Respiratory Care program, they must show completion of the following requirements prior to start of first term (summer):
Major: Respiratory Care
Degree: Associate of Applied Science
Location: On Campus/Remote
Duration: 2 Years
Type: Health
Course of Study: DURS_COS_23_24
Zane State College
Julia Griffin, Student Success Coach
jgriffin@zanestate.edu
740.588.4174
Rhodes State
Pamela Halfhill, MS, Chair
halfhill.p@RhodesState.edu
419.995.8366
Rhodes State College Respiratory Care Program number 200324 is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com): Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 264 Precision Blvd., Telford, TN 37690, (817) 283-2835
The Rhodes State program has been accredited since its inception in 1980. In 2018 and 2019 Rhodes State College Respiratory Care Program received The Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award. This award is presented as part of the CoARC’s continued efforts to value the RRT credential as a standard of professional achievement. From a program effectiveness perspective, the CoARC views the RRT credential as a measure of a program’s success in inspiring its graduates to achieve their highest educational and professional aspirations.
Programmatic Outcomes Data
http://www.coarc.com/Students/Programmatic-Outcome-Data.aspx