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Degree Overview
Course Descriptions
Admissions Information
Tuition & Financial Aid
Days until classes:
Next classes start
Mar 12th
Program Length: 20 months
Available at the following locations:
California Locations: San Diego
Degree Overview
Respiratory Therapy Job Outlook
Respiratory Therapists (RT) evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. The demand for skilled and knowledgeable RTs will continue to grow as the middle-aged and elderly population expands and incidences of cardiopulmonary disease increase.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of respiratory therapy is expected to experience much faster than average employment growth, with the number of positions available growing by 21 percent between 2008 and 2018.
(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Respiratory Therapists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos321.htm)
Associate’s in Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory Therapist programs, such as the associate in respiratory therapy program, are designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to open up entry-level opportunities as respiratory therapists in hospitals and care centers. The curriculum focuses on care management and current issues in respiratory therapy, as well as the latest developments in respiratory care. Traditional respiratory care, critical care, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, pediatric care, and more are covered. All credits earned in the associate's degree program are transferable to California College San Diego’s bachelor’s degree program.
Students who wish to enter respiratory therapist programs need to meet certain requirements. Please visit the Admissions section below for more information about admissions requirements for the school and the respiratory therapy program.
Respiratory Therapy Careers
Respiratory therapists are in demand particularly in hospitals, but opportunities are growing in home healthcare services, offices of physicians or other health practitioners, consumer-goods rental firms, and in the employment services industry as a temporary worker in various settings. Graduating from a respiratory therapist school program with a degree in respiratory therapy is your first step toward a new career with a bright future.
Respiratory Therapy Program Accreditation
The associate’s in respiratory therapy program at the San Diego campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Click here for the Outcomes data from the 2011 Annual Report of Current Status.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835
www.coarc.com
| Program Information | Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy |
|---|---|
| Occupations Degree Prepares For (and SOC code of occupation) |
Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary - 25-1071.00 |
| Respiratory Therapists - 29-1126.00 | |
| Respiratory Therapy Technicians - 29-2054.00 | |
| Tuition and Fees | $47,165 |
| Cost of Books | Included |
| Room and Board | N/A |
| Job Placement Rate * | 70% |
| On-Time Completion Rate | 5.88% |
| Median Title IV Debt | $28,389 |
| Median Non-Title IV Debt | $7,771 |
| Median Loan Debt | $39,083 |
Course Descriptions
CourseCourse NameCredits
Course Description
Click a course to the left to see the course description here.
Tip: Reading course descriptions is a great way to help you decide if a degree is right for you.
Cardiopulmonary and Renal Anatomy and Physiology
Detailed study of the structure and function of the human cardiac, pulmonary and renal systems, and associated medical terminology.
Credits: 4.0
Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
Detailed study of the structure and function of the human pulmonary systems and related medical terminology.
Credits: 4.0
Microbiology and Decontamination
Overview of microbial morphology, physiology and identification. Methods of equipment sterilization, isolation methods and universal precautions.
Credits: 3.0
English Composition
This course focuses on the principles of effective English composition with a comprehensive review and reinforcement of language arts skills. Emphasis is placed on the four essentials of writing: unity, support, coherence, and sentence skills. Practice in proofreading, editing, revision, and clear thinking is incorporated throughout the course.
Credits: 4.0
Communication Arts
This course focuses on developing critical thinking and communication skills in both verbal and nonverbal areas. Emphasis is placed on debate, panel discussions, committee work, conflict resolution, interviews, and editorial writing.
Credits: 4.0
Management Principles
An introduction to the basic principles of management as it applies to formal organizations. Students are introduced to the importance of effective management within organizations. The traditional management framework is used to provide essential skills in planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling.
Credits: 4.0
College Algebra
Designed to improve skills in numbers and algebraic expressions, solving equations, graphing, sets, exponents, radicals, inequalities, formulas, and applications.
Credits: 4.0
Medical Terminology, Law, and Ethics
Introduces terminology that is specific to the medical profession. Course enables students to translate prefixes, suffixes, and root words from their Greek and Latin word parts. Elements will be able to be combined into medical terms. Course also covers medical laws, ethics, and bioethics.
Credits: 4.0
Vital Signs and Emergencies
Presents the proper way of taking patients' vital signs (including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, and weight). Growth charting for children is also covered. CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Community First Aid and Safety are taught and certified through the American Heart Association.
Credits: 3.0
Anatomy and Physiology
Covers the anatomy and physiology of the major systems of the body including but not limited to the integumentary system, the muscle and skeletal systems, the nervous system, the reproductive system, the digestive system, and the endocrine system. Course includes basic organization and general plan of the body including cells, membranes, and tissues.
Credits: 4.0
Psychology of Motivation
Students review skills necessary to be successful in college, including: note-taking, study skills, writing, finding and using information on the Internet, and reading/understanding college-level text. Students are exposed to basic motivation theories, values clarification, and philosophic principles.
Credits: 4.0
Psychology
Explores the aims and methods of psychology. Concepts covered in the course include human behavior, learning theories, memory, and human development.
Credits: 4.0
Airway Management II
The theory, application, and monitoring of airway management.
Credits: 3.0
Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology
The indications, contraindication, effects and common usage of cardiopulmonary and other medications commonly used with pulmonary diseased patients, including those used in advanced cardiac life support.
Credits: 3.0
Medical Gas Therapy/Humidity and Aerosol Therapy/Bronchial Hygiene Therapy
The therapeutic application and monitoring of oxygen and specialized gas mixtures. Introduction to hyperbaric medical procedures.
Credits: 3.0
Arterial Blood Gases/Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology
The theory, application, and interpretation of blood gas analysis and associated clinical cardiopulmonary physiology determinations.
Credits: 3.0
Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology
Study of adult cardiopulmonary disease states and treatment modalities appropriate to each pathophysiological state.
Credits: 3.0
Pulmonary Function Testing
Theory, application, and current American Thoracic Society standards for spirometry, diffusion studies, and other advanced diagnostic studies.
Credits: 3.0
Clinical Experience I
Documented hands-on patient-care experience with the advanced skills required of a respiratory therapist in a variety of settings. Includes documentation of appropriate physician interaction. Successful completion requires submission of all assigned laboratory and clinical competency documentation sheets.
Credits: 11.0
Lung Hyperinflation Therapy/Bronchial Hygiene Therapy
Theory and application of lung hyperinflation along with non-invasive ventilation techniques.
Credits: 3.0
Mechanical Ventilation Theory
Theory of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation devices.
Credits: 4.0
Mechanical Ventilation Management and Advanced Monitoring
Application and monitoring of invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation devices.
Credits: 4.0
Introduction to RT as a Profession/Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Overview of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. Application of respiratory therapy modalities in alternate care settings.
Credits: 2.0
Perinatal and Pediatric Care
Theory and application of the care of pediatric and perinatal patients.
Credits: 4.0
ACLS/Introductory Polysomnography
Theory and application of advanced resuscitation modalities and special procedures. Review of theory and case scenarios in cardiopulmonary patient care.
Credits: 3.0
Clinical Experience II
Documented hands-on patient-care experience with the advanced skills required of a respiratory therapist in a variety of settings. Includes documentation of appropriate physician interaction. Successful completion requires submission of all assigned laboratory and clinical competency documentation sheets.
Credits: 11.0
Clinical Experience III
Documented hands-on patient-care experience with the advanced skills required of a respiratory therapist in a variety of settings. Includes documentation of appropriate physician interaction. Successful completion requires submission of all assigned laboratory and clinical competency documentation sheets.
Credits: 2.0
Math, Chemistry, and Physical Sciences for Respiratory Therapy
An overview of mathematical and algebraic calculations, basic chemistry and physics as they relate to respiratory-care sciences.
Credits: 4.0
Sociology
This course addresses the relationships among different social institutions. It examines the dynamics in social groups. Topics covered include the concepts of control, inequity, and change within social groups.
Credits: 4.0
Total Courses: 29Total Credits: 116
Admissions Information
College Admissions Requirements
Applicants for admission to the College must have graduated from an accredited high school, private secondary school, or have completed the equivalent (GED). All students who graduate after January 2006 must provide a high school transcript to check eligibility for the new Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).
Program Specific Admissions Requirements
Requirements for Admission to respiratory therapy courses:- Negative drug screen (a drug screen may be requested at any point in the student's academic progression by school officials and/or clinical placement sites). The costs of these tests are the responsibility of the student.
- Criminal background check with satisfactory findings.
- An admissions test is required. Check admissions department for details.
Students enrolled in this program must pass all pre-core courses (APP101, PSY101, MED201, BIO130, BIO135, BIO137, BIO143, MED 106, and SCI101) and obtain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) prior to taking any respiratory therapy (RES) courses.
Additional Admissions Information
Getting started is as simple as making a phone call-we're happy to answer any questions you may have and can get you on your way to enrollment as soon as you're ready. Click here for more information about the admissions process.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Some people have the idea that they cannot afford college. You may even be one of them. The truth is, once you know the facts, college may be much more affordable than you think. Financial aid is available if you qualify. In fact, many students are amazed at the financial aid they're eligible to receive. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid section for more information.
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