Respiratory Therapy (RT-AAS)

AREA OF CONCENTRATION: The purpose of this program is to prepare students to become advanced level respiratory therapists by obtaining the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Program graduates will be eligible for licensure required for the practice of respiratory therapy in any state nationally. Respiratory therapists are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, sleep disorders clinics, pulmonary function labs, hyperbaric chambers, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.

This program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC).

The Respiratory Therapy program is a selective admission, limited enrollment program. Admission to Gulf Coast Community College does not imply acceptance into the Respiratory Therapy program. Students interested in learning more about the Respiratory Therapy Program should obtain a program application packet from the Division of Health Sciences containing a current listing of admission and course requirements.

PRIMARY ADVISERS: Craig Wise (ext. 3311), Brad Killion (ext. 3837), Katrina Reese (ext. 5835)

ADMISSIONS:

1. Apply for admission to GCSC and request official transcripts from previous high school, GED, colleges, and universities attended.
2. Take the Computerized Placement Test (CPT) for Reading, Arithmetic, Algebra, and English if required (check with adviser). College level placement will give preference for acceptance in to the program, but may not be required in all areas tested.
3. Complete the Health Science Application for the Respiratory Therapy Program.
4. Schedule an interview with a primary adviser or submit a written statement detailing your interest in becoming a Respiratory Therapist.

Requirements after Provisional Acceptance and before Classes Begin:

1. Satisfactory fingerprint / criminal background check.
2. Copy of current certification in CPR for Healthcare Providers.
3. Completions of HIV/AIDS Course.
4. Completion of physical examination (with satisfactory results), including copy of immunization form.

Selection: The program begins once each year. Selection is made within three weeks of completion of respiratory care application. Students are admitted on a space available basis.

Preference: Applicants having completed any of the following courses with a “C” or better will have selection preference: BSC 2085, BSC 2085L, BSC 2086, BSC 2086L, and OST 1257.