Respiratory Care

About the Program

Program Goal: Career

GE Pattern(s): Butte Local

Program Code: 01342.00AS

The Butte College Respiratory Care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com).

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care: 264 Precision Blvd. Telford, TN 37690 (631) 912-7920

The Respiratory Care program is designed to prepare students to become licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners in the state of California. In addition, the program prepares the successful graduate to participate in the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Respiratory care practitioners are highly skilled allied health professionals involved in the therapy, management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities that affect the cardiopulmonary system. They are employed in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, physician's offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, diagnostic laboratories, and patients' homes. They may further specialize in such areas as adult critical care, neonatal or pediatric intensive care, pulmonary function testing, transport medicine, hyperbaric medicine, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, home care, management or education.

Graduates practicing in California are required to take and pass the National Board of Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple Choice exam at the high cut score and the Clinical Simulation Exam to achieve licensure. *Note: A person convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation may not qualify to be licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in California. Questions regarding this should be directed to the Respiratory Care Program Director.

Admission to the Program:

• Requirements for Application:

  • Age 17 or older.
  • Prerequisites: BIOL 15, BIOL 20, BIOL 21, CHEM 51, and MATH 26/26s or MATH 28/28s or STAT C1000/C1000E. Must be completed with a C grade or better.

• Requirements for Admission to Program:

  • Students must pass a background check, drug screening, and physical exam, and verify their physical ability to perform the tasks required of a Respiratory Therapist.

• Requirements for Completion of Program (courses may be taken prior to or during the program):

  • CMST 4 or COMM C1000 (select one)
  • ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E (select one)
  • PSYC C1000
  • All prerequisites and program required courses must be completed with a C grade or better.

The Respiratory Care program admits students once a year. The program begins in a Fall semester.

Students are admitted by application only. Contact the Health Occupations office or visit www.butte.edu/healthoccupations for application dates and materials. In the event that there are more qualified applicants than spaces in the program, a computerized lottery will be used to select the individuals to be enrolled.

Estimated expenses average about $6,000-$7,000 for the entire program, including licensure. Financial aid may be available to qualified students.

Program Learning Outcome(s): Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a solid professional and general medical knowledge base.
2. Accurately interpret pertinent clinical information from medical records and physical findings.
3. Recommend appropriate therapeutic interventions based on physiological data and patient assessment data.
4. Demonstrate sound clinical judgment and is proficient in the clinical skills required on the job.
5. Competently perform the therapeutic procedures and modalities, and diagnostic procedures required on the job.
6. Demonstrate efficient performance of an overall patient assessment.
7. Demonstrate effective oral and communication skills.
8. Exhibit ethical and professional manners, including timely and prepared entrance to clinic and contributing to a positive work environment.
9. Function effectively as a member of the health care team, accepts supervision and works effectively with supervisory personnel.
10. Demonstrate self-direction and responsibility for his/her own actions.
11. Display respect for beliefs and values of all persons regardless of cultural background, religion, age, or lifestyle.