Overview

This program prepares graduates to have demonstrated competence in the knowledge, skills, and behavioral domains of respiratory care practice as performed by a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RPT).

PROGRAM CONTACT

Wendy Singleton
Program Director

This program is the only A.A.S. Respiratory Care program in North Central West Virginia, as well as one of only four in the entire state of West Virginia.

After completing this program, you will not only earn a degree, but you will earn eligibility for the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) which can result in the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and/Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapist is expected to increase faster than average over the next decade.

Career Opportunites

As a Credentialed Therapist, graduates may expect to find employment in a variety of fields, including:

  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Certified and Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist
  • Neonatal Pediatric Specialist

$61,830*

Median salary for respiratory therapists

*US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (Probationary Status)
264 Precision Blvd.
Telford, TN 37690
Phone: (817) 283-2835
Fax: (817) 354-8519
Website: coarc.com

The Respiratory Care Program at Pierpont’s Advanced Technology Center offers a two-year Associates Degree in Applied Science, CoARC program number 200632, and holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (coarc.com).

Course Catalog

To see a model schedule for this program, please see our academic catalog.

Admission

This program is a selective program and has additional requirements for admission. Successful candidates must complete the following academic and technical standards:

  1. Apply to Pierpont Community and Technical College for the term you want to begin the program and meet the general admission requirements or be a current student
    1. First-time students should select “Health Sciences: Respiratory Care” as their educational goal on their application.
  2. Complete the Respiratory Care application ($20 fee). Applications and supporting documentation are due to the Admission’s Office by October 15. Applicants who are not admitted must reapply if they wish to be considered for the next academic year.
  3. Submit all required documents (Official ACT or SAT scores; High School Equivalency Exam or high school transcripts; any college transcripts to the Admission’s Office) prior to the Respiratory Care application deadline.
  4. Have a high school and/or college GPA of 2.5 or better or passing score on High School Equivalency Exam. GPA will be evaluated based on high school transcripts or passing score on High School Equivalency Exam for students with less than 10 hours of college credit.
  5. Successfully completed the following courses with a “C” or higher prior to admission to the program: MTH 1207, ENGL 1104, BIOY 1170 and BIOY 1171.

Qualified students are accepted until capacity is met.

*Students can begin the program in the spring semester.

Program Requirements

  • Students must pass a criminal background clearance check, meet health and immunization requirements, and drug testing.
  • Students must be able to meet the essential functions of the program and classes, with or without accommodations.
  • Students will need to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Students must complete each course in the Respiratory Care program model schedule with a grade of “C” or higher and maintain an overall 2.0 GPA to remain in the program. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in dismissal from the program. Students who have been dismissed may reapply to the program and their credentials will be reevaluated.

Upon completion of the required curriculum, graduates are eligible to take the national certifying examinations for Respiratory Therapist. Successful completion of the program does not guarantee job placement or success on the NBRC exams.