Respiratory Care

Respiratory Therapists are health care specialists who provide care for patients with breathing disorders. Care includes assessment, evaluation, and treatment of patients ranging in age from premature infants to the elderly. Therapists also work with adults who have chronic lung problems, such as asthma or emphysema. As a respiratory therapist, you must possess good communication skills. You will work side by side with physicians, nurses and other health care providers in caring for patients with lung disorders.

The Respiratory Care program is a limited enrollment program. The Respiratory Care program accepts a limited number of students each year. There is a separate application process after certain requirements are met. Contact your campus of interest below for more details.

Ivy Tech Community College is accredited by:
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
www.coarc.com
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021
817-283-2835

Programmatic Outcomes Data from Annual Report of Current Status

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WHY CHOOSE THE RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM?
The demand for health care professionals has never been higher, so job stability is excellent. Continued growth in biomedical technology ensures the field will never get boring. And the opportunity to really help people and make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others means you'll get much more out of your career than just a paycheck.

But with all the health care professions out there, how can you know which one is right for you? It's not an easy decision, but if you agree with the following statements, you might discover respiratory therapy is exactly what you've been looking for:

1. I really enjoy helping people out in their time of need.
2. I like working with technology and I'm good in math and science.
3. I would rather work in a profession where there's a lot of variety in the job.
4. I want to be able to choose what type of place I work in, and the type of patients I work with.
5. I'm looking for a career with multiple opportunities for advancement - not just one.

If this sounds like you, our profession could be a great fit.  

SAMPLE CAREERS IN THIS FIELD
Respiratory Therapist

DEGREES AVAILABLE
Associate of Science and short- term Certificate. NOTE: The number of credits required for a degree or certification is based on students who are program-ready and does not include non-academic skills courses. Availability of degrees varies by campus. Contact your campus of interest below for more information.

CERTIFICATE: POLYSOMNOGRAPHY
(21 credits)

Short-term certificates are sequences of technical and professional courses that are industry focused and designed for workforce preparation. They provide access to targeted, short-term training in a discipline, and completers may sit for specific certification exams. Courses in certificate programs also apply toward technical certificates and associate degree programs in the subject area. Program and Employment Information

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN RESPIRATORY CARE
(Minimum of 71 credit hours)

The Associate of Science degree prepares you for transfer to a university to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Care transfers to some Indiana public and private colleges and universities.

To find out information about your transfer options to public and private universities, contact your academic advisor or the transfer office of your local Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the institution and consult the current catalog and web page of the institution to which you wish to transfer.