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 704.330.2722 ext. 3486. 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.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits from one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Select 3 credits from one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select 3 credits from one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Select 3 credits from one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| RCP 110 | Intro to Respiratory Care | 4.0 |
| RCP 111 | Therapeutics/Diagnostics | 5.0 |
| RCP 113 | RCP Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| RCP 114 | C-P Anatomy & Physiology | 3.0 |
| RCP 115 | C-P Pathophysiology | 2.0 |
| RCP 122 | Special Practice Lab | 1.0 |
| RCP 123 | Special Practice Lab | 1.0 |
| RCP 145 | RCP Clinical Practice II | 5.0 |
| RCP 152 | RCP Clinical Practice III | 2.0 |
| RCP 210 | Critical Care Concepts | 4.0 |
| RCP 211 | Adv Monitoring/Procedures | 4.0 |
| RCP 214 | Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care | 2.0 |
| RCP 222 | Special Practice Lab | 1.0 |
| RCP 223 | Special Practice Lab (Special Practice Lab) | 1.0 |
| RCP 235 | RCP Clinical Practice IV | 5.0 |
| RCP 247 | RCP Clinical Practice V | 7.0 |
| Select 5 credits from one one of the following: | 5.0 | |
| Basic Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 163 can be substituted if student has completed BIO 168 and BIO 169) | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Select 2 credits from one of the following: | 2.0 | |
| Survey of Medical Terminology (Student may complete MED 121 as a substitute for MED 120) | ||
or MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | |
| Total Credits | 72 | |
The following is the suggested sequence for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2022-2023 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order if you need to. This sequence 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 an advisor about the sequence and any questions. This program does not offer diplomas or certificates at this time; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
Courses
RCP 110. Intro to Respiratory Care. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the role of the respiratory care practitioner within interprofessional teams and interacting with diverse populations. Topics include medical gas administration, basic patient assessment, infection control, and medical terminology using proper written and oral communication methods to prepare students for clinical practice. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written and laboratory evaluations.
RCP 111. Therapeutics/Diagnostics. 5.0 Credits. Class-4.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides emphasis on therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Topics include applying problem solving strategies in the patient care setting, applying ethical principles in decision making, and practicing professional responsibilities, which will prepare students for clinical practice. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written and laboratory evaluations.
RCP 113. RCP Pharmacology. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the drugs used in the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. Emphasis is placed on the uses, actions, indications, administration, and hazards of pharmacological agents. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence though written evaluations.
Corequisites: Take RCP 110, RCP 114, RCP 122, and RCP 123
RCP 114. C-P Anatomy & Physiology. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides a concentrated study of cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology essential to the practice of respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology, acid/base balance, and blood gas interpretation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in these concepts through written evaluation.
RCP 115. C-P Pathophysiology. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnoses, prognoses, complications, and management of cardiopulmonary diseases. Emphasis is placed on developing, evaluating, and modifying respiratory care plans based on evidence-based medicine protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in cardio-pulmonary disease concepts through written evaluations.
RCP 122. Special Practice Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides additional laboratory learning opportunities in respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic procedures and equipment management. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts and procedures through laboratory evaluations.
Corequisites: Take RCP 113, RCP 114, and RCP 123
RCP 123. Special Practice Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides additional laboratory learning opportunities in respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic procedures and equipment management. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts and procedures through laboratory evaluations.
Corequisites: Take RCP 113, RCP 114, and RCP 122
RCP 145. RCP Clinical Practice II. 5.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-15.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides entry-level clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic and diagnostic patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate clinical competence in required performance evaluations.
RCP 152. RCP Clinical Practice III. 2.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-6.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides entry-level clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic and diagnostic patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate clinical competence in required performance evaluations.
RCP 210. Critical Care Concepts. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides further refinement of acute patient care and underlying pathophysiology. Topics include a continuation in the application and management of mechanical ventilation, assessment underlying pathophysiology, and introduction of critical care monitoring. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written, laboratory and/or clinical simulation evaluations.
Corequisites: Take RCP 222, RCP 235, and RCP 214
RCP 211. Adv Monitoring/Procedures. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course includes advanced information gathering and decision making for the respiratory care professional using evidence-based respiratory care protocols. Topics include advanced cardiac monitoring, special procedures, respiratory care protocols, and disease management. Upon completion, students should be able to assess, recommend, and independently modify respiratory care protocols through written, laboratory and/or clinical simulation evaluations.
Corequisites: Take RCP 247
RCP 214. Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides comprehensive coverage of the concepts of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on pathophysiology, patient assessment and special therapeutic needs of neonates and children based on evidence-based medicine protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in the neonatal and pediatric respiratory care concepts through written, laboratory and/or clinical simulation evaluations.
RCP 222. Special Practice Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides additional laboratory learning opportunities in respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic procedures and equipment management. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts and procedures through laboratory evaluations.
RCP 223. Special Practice Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides additional laboratory learning opportunities in respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic procedures and equipment management. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts and procedures through laboratory evaluations.
RCP 235. RCP Clinical Practice IV. 5.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-15.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides advanced practitioner clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic and diagnostic patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate clinical competence in required performance evaluations.
Corequisites: Take RCP 210
RCP 247. RCP Clinical Practice V. 7.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-21.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides advanced practitioner clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic and diagnostic patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate clinical competence in required performance evaluations.
Corequisites: Take RCP 211