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Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy

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Respiratory Therapy Professional Technical Associate of Applied Sciences

Full Credential Title

Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy

Catalog Description

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple-Choice examination (TMC) administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The TMC examination is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of entry-level therapists, as well as determine eligibility for the Clinical Simulation examination. There are two established cut scores for the TMC examination. If a candidate achieves the lower cut score, they will earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. If a candidate achieves the higher cut score, they will earn the CRT credential AND become eligible for the Clinical Simulation examination. Candidates who successfully pass the Clinical Simulation exam will earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. The CRT and/or RRT credential are used as the basis for the licensure in all of the 49 states that regulate practice of respiratory care. Respiratory therapists must be licensed by the state as respiratory care practitioners. Requirements include completion of an approved training program, a background investigation, and earning either the CRT and/or RRT credential granted by the National Board for Respiratory Care. The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com). Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program is competitive. There are usually more program applicants than available positions. Students who complete program prerequisite and co-requisite courses and meet the other application requirements are not guaranteed program admission.

Total Number of Credits

109

ctcLink Plan Code

RTTRTAPT

Effective Term

Fall 2022

CIP Code

51.0812 - Respiratory Therapy Technician/Assistant.

Program Updates

CMST&101 was listed as required in Quarter 4. This requirement should have indicated that any Communication Studies course could be taken and CMST&101 was recommended. Corrected 6/23/2025.