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This program has been designed to prepare graduates to be eligible for application to the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) for (TMC & Clinical Sim) examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The graduate is also qualified for employment upon passing their boards with the appropriate state License.
Respiratory Therapy professionals are vital members of the health care team who specialize in the assessment and treatment of patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Using in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and advanced medical equipment. the responsibilities of the respiratory therapist include the administration of medical gases and pulmonary drug aerosols; pre and post-operative prophylactic pulmonary therapy; airway care and maintenance; diagnostic testing; cardiopulmonary rehabilitation; and providing and managing total ventilatory support. The responsibilities of individuals employed in respiratory therapy are extremely varied and may differ from one institution to another within the same city.
Hands on learning is a key part of the program. Students build their skills in our on-campus lab before gaining clinical experience in local clinical affiliates. There, under the guidance of experienced clinical instructors, student work directly with patients in the real world, from the emergency department to the intensive care units.
West Virginia Northern Community College is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for a Respiratory Therapy program. However, WVNCC can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC.
The program course requirements are presented in sequence. Part -time students and others who cannot follow this sequence should check course descriptions in the catalog to determine prerequisites and, in addition, should consult their academic advisor regarding the order in which they take courses.
Respiratory therapists are employed in hospitals, skilled patient-care facilities, physician offices, home health agencies, free standing emergency departments, academic institutions and industry. The US department of Labor Bureau of Statistics indicates that employment for Respiratory therapist is expected to grow 13.2% faster than average through the year 2032 due to the substantial growth in the middle-aged and elderly population, which heightens the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease and the projected number of 90,000 practicing therapist expected to leave /retire from the profession by 2030.
The laboratory portions of the program, which reinforce concepts learned in lecture are held in our on-campus lab. Students have clinical experiences ranging from small community hospitals to large University hospitals, specialty rotations in the operating room, pulmonary function and sleep labs, and pulmonary rehab provide students with the knowledge and technical skills required of the Registered Respiratory therapist.
In addition to the General Education Outcomes, upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
Program Goal 1
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).
Program Goal 2
To prepare graduates to create and administer written care plans.
Program Goal 3
To prepare graduates to apply oral communication skills required by the registered respiratory therapist.
Program Goal 4
To provide graduates to fulfill the employment needs of RC professionals within the local, regional, and national service area.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Additional costs are associated with this program such as physicals, vaccinations, titers, drug screening and background checks. If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for any reason, you may be denied employment, even if you have completed all academic requirements. If you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, please contact the Program Director.
CIP Code: 51.0908
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