Respiratory Care, Associate in Applied Science

College(s):

Malcolm X

Program Code: 0234

Program Requirements

General Education Coursework 1
ENGLISH 101Composition 13
MATH 118General Education Math (or higher Mathematics course) 24
PHYSICS 131Mechanics And Power3
Fine Arts & Humanities course3
Social and Behavioral Sciences course3
Required Program Core
RESP TC 114Basic Respiratory Care4
RESP TC 115Cardiopulmonary/Renal Anatomy & Physiology3
RESP TC 116Patient Assessment2
RESP TC 117Respiratory Pharmacology1
RESP TC 118Basic Sciences and Infection Control2
RESP TC 119Respiratory Care Lab I3
RESP TC 127Clinical Practice I3
RESP TC 129Clinical Practice II3
RESP TC 137Advanced Pathology & Clinical Application3
RESP TC 139Respiratory Care Lab II2
RESP TC 141Ventilatory-Mechanics I3
RESP TC 146Ventilatory Mechanics II3
RESP TC 200Advanced Respiratory Topics & Research2
RESP TC 222Clinical Practice III3
RESP TC 224Clinical Practice IV4
RESP TC 225Age Specific Care3
RESP TC 227Critical Care Services4
RESP TC 230Advanced Cardiopulmonary Monitoring3
RESP TC 250Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Home Care1
RESP TC 260Advanced Specialty Topics3
Total Hours71
1

One course must fulfill the Human Diversity (HD) requirement

2

Except MATH 140 College Algebra

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in earning a degree in Respiratory Care. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Respiratory Care.

Prospective students must apply for admission into the Respiratory Care program.

Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
ENGLISH 101 Composition 1 3
MATH 118 General Education Math 1 4
CHEM 121 Basic Chemistry I 2 4
Select one of the following: 4
BIOLOGY 116
 Introduction to Anatomy And Physiology 2  
BIOLOGY 226
& BIOLOGY 227
 Human Structure and Function I
and Human Structure and Function II 2,3		  
 Hours15
Semester 2
PHYSICS 131 Mechanics And Power 1 3
Fine Arts & Humanities course 1 3
Social and Behavioral Sciences course (HD) 1 3
 Hours9
Semester 3
Fall I  
RESP TC 114 Basic Respiratory Care 4
RESP TC 115 Cardiopulmonary/Renal Anatomy & Physiology 3
RESP TC 116 Patient Assessment 2
RESP TC 117 Respiratory Pharmacology 1
RESP TC 118 Basic Sciences and Infection Control 2
RESP TC 119 Respiratory Care Lab I 3
 Hours15
Semester 4
Spring I  
RESP TC 127 Clinical Practice I 3
RESP TC 137 Advanced Pathology & Clinical Application 3
RESP TC 139 Respiratory Care Lab II 2
RESP TC 141 Ventilatory-Mechanics I 3
 Hours11
Semester 5
Summer I  
RESP TC 129 Clinical Practice II 3
RESP TC 146 Ventilatory Mechanics II 3
 Hours6
Semester 6
Fall II  
RESP TC 200 Advanced Respiratory Topics & Research 2
RESP TC 222 Clinical Practice III 3
RESP TC 225 Age Specific Care 3
RESP TC 227 Critical Care Services 4
 Hours12
Semester 7
Spring II  
RESP TC 224 Clinical Practice IV 4
RESP TC 230 Advanced Cardiopulmonary Monitoring 3
RESP TC 250 Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Home Care 1
RESP TC 260 Advanced Specialty Topics 3
 Hours11
 Total Hours79
1

General Education Requirement

2

Program Prerequisite

3

BIOLOGY 227 Human Structure and Function II next semester

Choose your courses with your College Advisor.

Program Admission Requirements

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Complete the application packet
  • Grade of “C” or better in:
    ENGLISH 101Composition3
    MATH 118General Education Math (or higher Mathematics course)4
    CHEM 121Basic Chemistry I4
    BIOLOGY 116Introduction to Anatomy And Physiology4
    or BIOLOGY 226
    & BIOLOGY 227    		 Human Structure and Function I
    and Human Structure and Function II
  • 2.5 College GPA
  • Official college transcripts
  • Submit program application via the student portal (my.ccc.edu). See program website for more details.1
1

Students enrolled in prerequisite courses in current semester are eligible to apply to the Respiratory Care program, provided they can demonstrate a course grade of “C” or better. However, admission cannot be granted until all requirements are complete. Students that meet all of the minimum admission requirements listed above will be scheduled for an interview with the program admission committee. Students that complete this interview will be considered for admission to the program. Please note that admission is highly competitive and that not all students who are interviewed will be admitted. Students are advised to prepare for the interview, to arrive early, and to dress appropriately for a professional interview. Students are also advised to carefully prepare their application, giving special attention to content and format.

Background Check

Students entering most healthcare professions programs will be required to present documentation of health history and vaccination status, to undergo annual tuberculosis screening, to submit to a background check, to submit to initial and random drug screening, and to undergo fingerprinting prior to licensing with the state of Illinois. Students should consult with an advisor if any of these requirements are a concern.

For more information about the admissions requirements and application process, visit the program website.

Careers

This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.

Respiratory Therapists

Job Description

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$65,568
Median 50th Percentile$80,675
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$96,735

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$32
Median 50th Percentile$39
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$47

Annual Job Openings

131 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less0.00%
A certificate5.15%
Some college0.00%
An Associate degree82.75%
A Bachelor's degree12.10%
A Master's or Professional degree0.00%
A Doctoral degree or more0.00%

12.10% continue their education beyond an associate degree