The Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy degree is designed to prepare students in the theory, skills, and attitudes required for a career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). In addition to theory and laboratory instruction, students receive instruction in the clinical hospital setting. The Associate of Applied Science degree program combines general education courses with skills courses to prepare graduates to serve in expanded roles required for allied health workers. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford TX 76021-4244, (817) 283-2835, www.coarc.com.
Enrollment in the Respiratory Therapy Program is competitive and limited to 24 students. Students are selected through a formal acceptance process. For consideration of admission into the Respiratory Therapy program, students must meet the following guidelines:
- Students must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- Students must make a minimum score of 22 on the math section of the ACT, or 97 on the Elementary Algebra section of the Accuplacer, or 50 on the Algebra section of the COMPASS, or complete the necessary zero-level coursework.
- Students must complete all 27 prerequisite courses with a “C” or better.
- Students must have and maintain a clear criminal background check and negative drug screen from an approved UA-PTC RT Program approved agency.
- Students must be able to lift or move 70 pounds
- Students must complete a physical examination to include TB skin test and submit proof of 2 MMRs, Hepatitis B vaccination, and a full series of vaccination for COVID-19.
**Students previously accepted and/or enrolled two or more times in a CoARC accredited program are ineligible for admissions.
This program of study includes required summer courses and special program fees beyond current tuition and college fees.
In addition to satisfying the Institutional Learning Outcomes, program graduates are expected to successfully address the following program learning outcomes.
- Students will be able to recommend procedures based on the data collected, reviewed, and evaluated from the patient record.
- Students will be able to perform quality control procedures and ensure infection control, while manipulating equipment per protocol.
- Students will be able to independently initiate, conduct, or modify therapeutic procedures as indicated by the patient’s response to respiratory care in order to achieve adequate respiratory support.
- Students will be able to communicate patient information effectively and assist physicians and the healthcare team during special procedures and in the rehabilitation and homecare setting.
- Accreditation Programmatic Outcomes: Program graduates will be able to effectively accomplish the following learning outcomes specified by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
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 (RRTs). Required accreditation standards for a 3-year average are as follows:
- 60% of graduates will demonstrate proficiency in respiratory therapy skills and competencies on the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) Exam.
- 70% Retention of accepted and enrolled students.
- 70% On-time graduation rate.
- 80% of employers will report satisfaction with graduate’s clinical and academic skills.
- 80% of graduates will report satisfaction with instruction and overall program experiences.
Program and Graduation Requirements:
- Successful completion of classroom and laboratory training with a minimum of a 76%.
- Successful completion of all clinical training with a minimum of a 76%; Students may be required to travel outside of Pulaski County for a clinical rotation.
- Completion of NBRC Self-Assessment Exam; These are specific date and timed exams that do not allow for makeup if missed.
- Successful completion and certification in BLS, ACLS, and PALS; These are specific date and time certifications that do not allow for makeup if missed.
- Successful completion and passing of CAPSTONE Graduation Exams: Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) and Clinical Simulations Exam (CSE); These are specific date and timed exams that do not allow for makeup if missed.
- Current and active member of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Graduation does not guarantee job placement.
Licensure and Certification: Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree program are eligible to apply for the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful candidates earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials. Successful completion of this program does not ensure certification or registration.
Successful completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy and earning the NBRC credential satisfies the requirements to apply for a license in the State of Arkansas, but does not guarantee one being issued. Employment Opportunities-Licensed and credentialed Respiratory Therapists are integral members of the healthcare team, and work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, physician offices, home health, sleep labs, higher education, research, and durable medical equipment companies.
Median annual earnings for entry level ranges from $48,000 - $57,000.
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