Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy

The Respiratory Therapy program prepares students for employment as respiratory care practitioners . The program is full time and sequential, consisting of seven instructional quarters offered during daytime hours. Students complete classroom and laboratory course work on campus and gain clinical experience in affiliated clinical sites.

Graduates of the Respiratory program are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The TMC exam is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of entry-level respiratory therapists, as well as determine eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination. There are two established cut scores for the TMC exam. 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 to earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Currently, the CRT is the minimum credential required for licensure in 40 of the 49 states (Alaska doesn't require licensure at this time). The remaining 9 states, including Washington, require the RRT credential. Graduates are encouraged to earn their advanced credential (RRT) as more and more states are moving to RRT as the minimum requirement for licensure.

To practice, respiratory therapists must be licensed by the state as respiratory care practitioners. Licensure requirements typically include completing an accredited training program, passing a background check, and obtaining the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and/or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Admission to this program is not guaranteed upon general TCC admission. Students must complete a secondary selective admission process. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor and review the program’s webpage for detailed information on application deadlines, selection criteria, and required documentation. Admission is competitive and 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.