Program Overview
Respiratory Therapy is a patient care field which deals primarily with patients who have respiratory problems. The goal of the Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program is 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). Professional opportunities are constantly increasing, and many areas of respiratory care are becoming specialized. Specialty areas in Respiratory Therapy are: pulmonary function testing, stress test, arterial blood gases, electrocardiograms (ECG’s), neonatal transport and intensive care, cardiovascular intensive care, respiratory intensive care, medical intensive care, administration, classroom instruction, clinical instruction, medical equipment and homecare, rehabilitation, and polysomnography (sleep studies). The Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
Degree Requirements
-This degree requires successful completion of 64 credit hours, separated into 27 general education credit hours and 37 RES credit hours.
-A minimum 2.00 cumulative grade-point average is required for graduation. In general, you must have a grade of “C” or better to transfer courses to a four-year institution.
-Satisfaction of all financial obligations due to the college is required for graduation.
Please note: additional prerequisite courses may be required if minimum placement test scores are not met.
ACTS Course Numbers
The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements. Go to https://adhe.edu/students-parents/transfer-info-for-students for more information.
NOTE: Some courses have required prerequisites. RES courses are only offered as day classes
Complete an application to the Respiratory Therapy program. The application deadline is March 15th. The program begins in the Summer Extended Term.
Must be 18 years of age by June 1 of the current year.
Submit a high school or GED Transcript (even if you are a college transfer student).
Submit any transferring college transcripts, if applicable
Provide proof of two MMRs as mandated by Arkansas state law and a full series of COVID immunizations. Must have completed all 27 semester hours of the General Education prerequisites courses for entry into the Respiratory Therapy Program.
If accepted, applicant must have a physical examination to include a TB skin test before admission.
Must provide a criminal background check and drug screen from a UA - PTC approved agency with “clear” in all areas evaluated on the criminal background check, and “negative” in all areas evaluated on the drug screen.
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