Respiratory Therapy

Where every breath counts!

The Respiratory Therapy curriculum goal is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRT). Graduates perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with exposure to current and emerging practice settings.

The curriculum prepares graduates to operate within inter-professional teams and effectively communicate with clients/patients of various ages, ethnicities, and cultures. Application of problem solving strategies, applying ethical decision making, and understanding professional responsibilities are emphasized.

Graduates are eligible to complete the credentialing process through the National Board for Respiratory Care, which will qualify them for a license to practice in a variety of healthcare settings with responsibilities for assessment, treatment, management and education of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.

Admissions Requirements (Prerequisites):

  1. Transcripts: Must be a high school graduate or equivalent and provide an official transcript.  Send official transcripts from high school, GED and all colleges attended to the college Registrar. Home-schooled students must submit a copy of the home school’s approved registration from the state in which they are registered.
  1. College Ready: College ready is demonstrated by the following:
    • High School GPA > 2.8, or
    • College coursework in English and math (ENG 111 or ENG 002 with a grade of P1 or equivalent; MAT 143 or MAT 003 grade of P2 or equivalent), or
    • Minimum Placement test scores (RISE test or equivalent)

 English: Test out of TIER 1, and

 Math: Test out of TIER 1 and TIER 2

  1. Algebra I, Biology, Chemistry or Physics:Courses that must be completed or must be in progress:

Algebra I–must complete one of the following or course must be in-progress:

    • High school Math 1 with a grade of “C” or better, (if more than one term is represented, no grade below C will be accepted).
    • MAT-143 or higher with a grade of “C” or better,
    • MAT-003 with a grade of P 2,
    • RISE placement test place out of TIER 1 and TIER 2.

Biology— must complete one of the following or course must be in-progress:

    • One unit of high school general biology with a grade of “C” or better, (if more than one term is represented, no grade below C will be accepted).
    • College-level general biology with a grade of “C” or better (BIO 110 or BIO 111). Anatomy and Physiology may meet this requirement.

Chemistry or Physics— must complete one of the following or course must be in-progress

    • One unit of high school chemistry or physics with a grade of “C” or better, (if more than one term is represented, no grade below C will be accepted).
    • College-level Chemistry and lab (CHM 090 higher), or Physics and lab (PHY 090 or higher) with a grade of “C” or better.
  1. Grade Point Average 2.5 or above:  Taking the general education courses in the respiratory program helps with building points towards respiratory admissions; however, a grade point average of 2.5 or better in those courses must be earned.  Additionally, an earned grade of “C” or better is required.  A student who earns a grade of less than “C” in a general education course must retake the course and earn a minimum grade of “C” prior to or during the semester in which it is included in the program of study.

General Education course work includes:

    • ENG-111: Writing & Inquiry
    • ENG-112: Writing/Research in the Discipline (may substitute ENG-114
    • Professional Research & Reporting)
    • PSY-150: General Psychology
    • BIO-168:  Anatomy and Physiology I
    • BIO-169:  Anatomy and Physiology II
    • HUM 115: Critical Thinking

Need more information about prerequisites? Email a Health Science Admissions Coordinator at [email protected].

Application Deadlines  

Fall cohort | applications accepted October 1 – May 31

Ready to Apply?

Have you met the admission requirements listed above? If so, fill out the Health Sciences Interest Form to begin the application process.

Program Contact

Degrees & Pathways

Learn more about pathway options, completion plans, credit hours, and more!

Program Outcomes

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2023 Licensure Pass Rate

1

2023 Job Placement

1

2023 Retention Rate

Meet Our Students

Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC number 200278, Associate in Applied Science Degree awarded at Carteret Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).

Program Outcomes

P1: The program will prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive learning domain of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). Introduced: RCP 110, RCP 113; Reinforced: RCP 111, RCP 112, RCP 114 RCP 115, RCP 210, RCP 211, RCP 214; Mastered and Assessed: RCP 215

P2: The program will prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the psychomotor learning domain of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). Introduced: RCP 110, RCP 111, RCP 112, RCP 210, RCP 211, RCP 214; Reinforced: RCP 111, RCP 112, RCP 210, RCP 211, RCP 214, RCP 132, RCP 144, RCP 153, RCP 235, RCP 246; Mastered and Assessed: RCP 246

Performance Standards

Technical standards for respiratory care include:

  1. Sufficient eyesight to observe patients, manipulate equipment, and read and record in charts.
  2. Sufficient hearing to assess patient needs and communicate verbally with other healthcare providers.
  3. Sufficient verbal and written skills to communicate needs promptly and effectively in English.
  4. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly, manipulate equipment, lift a minimum of 30 pounds, and ensure patient safety.
  5. Satisfactory intellectual and emotional functions to exercise independent judgment and discretion in the safe technical performance of respiratory care procedures and the ability to respond appropriately in emergency and high stress patient care situations.
  6. Sufficient interpersonal skills to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotion. cultural, and intellectual backgrounds and be able to establish a rapport with patients, families, and other health care providers.
  7. Travel: Requires the ability to travel to and from the College campus

Where Can I Transfer?

Looking to transfer to a university after you complete your Respiratory Therapy degree at Carteret CC? Explore your options.