Respiratory Care

Overview

Respiratory therapists help patients from their first breath of life as newborns to their last breath as they age. Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, because of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, transport teams, and home health agencies. Job opportunities are expected to be very good for respiratory therapists. International students on an F-1 visa are not eligible to apply to the Respiratory Care program.

Accreditation

The Elgin Community College Respiratory Care Program, CoARC program number 200668, awarding an AAS degree, located at the Elgin Community College Campus, holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).

This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self-Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.

Program Goals

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).
2. Students will be prepared to effectively communicate with the healthcare team and family.
3. Students will demonstrate professional and ethical behavior.
4. Students will demonstrate clinical competence in performing essential respiratory skills.
5. Students will be prepared to pass the NBRC multiple-choice exam.
6. Students will be prepared to pass the NBRC Simulation exam.

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The future job outlook for Respiratory Care is very promising. The demand for respiratory therapists and respiratory care practitioners is expected to increase due to several factors, including an aging population that is more prone to respiratory illnesses. The future job outlook for Respiratory Care is very positive, with strong demand and good salary potential.

In addition, advances in technology have led to new treatments for respiratory conditions, which means that more respiratory therapists will be needed to administer these treatments. As the population continues to age and advances in technology continue to emerge, there will be an increasing need for respiratory therapists and respiratory care practitioners.

Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding similar occupations and compensation.