Respiratory Therapy

The Respiratory Therapy curriculum prepares individuals to perform as professional respiratory therapists. In these roles, individuals complete diagnostic tests, physical exams, treatments, patient, and family education; assist physicians with procedures; and manage patients with heart and lung diseases.

Students learn to master many skills for treating patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. These skills include assessment, life support, monitoring, and drug administration involving patients of all ages in various settings (emergency room, critical care, or general floor). Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Graduates may be employed in acute and long-term care hospitals, clinics, physician offices, nursing homes, education, industry, and home care.

For specific information about potential positions and wages in respiratory therapy employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.         

Respiratory Therapy (A45720)

Degree Awarded

The Associate in Applied Science degree - Respiratory Therapy is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.

Admissions

• Complete a Central Piedmont admissions application.
• Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program is competitive. Please note that, in addition to the general application to Central Piedmont, students must complete a separate application for the Respiratory Therapy Program when they are ready to apply. 
• See the Respiratory Therapy website for the program application.
• Students must be selected to enter the program. Upon acceptance and enrollment in the program, students must take all courses as scheduled and sequenced.

Program Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program at Central Piedmont is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

CoARC
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX 76021-4244
817.283.2835

Additional Expenses and Requirements

Expenses
In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of this program include the following:

• uniforms, lab coat
• stethoscope, scissors, hemostats, watch with a second hand
• a physical examination, including immunizations such as tetanus toxoid, hepatitis B, TB test, blood test e.g., rubella titer,
• fees for Health Care Provider Cardiac Life Support course
• fees for Self-Assessment Examinations.

Students also are required to submit to a 13-panel drug screen every fall they are in the program at their own expense.

Verifications

• Students must provide a certificate of health or accident insurance.
• To participate in clinical education experiences at healthcare facilities, students may be required to submit results of a N.C. state or national criminal background check at their own expense.
• As a condition of program admission, students may be required to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.

Attendance
Attendance at professional seminars and meetings is required.

Grade Requirement
In order to progress in this program, students must earn a “C” or better in all curriculum courses.

Contact Information

The Respiratory Therapy program is in the Therapy and Acute Care Division. For more information, call the program chair at 704.330.6795. Division offices are located on the 3rd floor of the Health Careers Building in the Belk Wing.

For an admission packet, frequently asked questions and other information, visit the Respiratory Therapy website.

No diplomas are offered in Respiratory Therapy.

No certificates are offered in Respiratory Therapy.

Respiratory Therapy Suggested Course Sequence

The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog.  This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.   Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor:    https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising