SCC’s Respiratory Care program prepares students to become practitioners who evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists follow specific, well-defined respiratory care procedures under the direction of physicians.
Location Offered: Lincoln, Online
Overview
The Respiratory Care program is a six-quarter (18-month) program. Students in the program complete a comprehensive curriculum in patient assessment, treatment, management control, diagnostic evaluation, and the care of patients with lung or heart problems. Supervised clinical practice at local hospitals and health centers give students practice in common procedures such as administering medical gases, aerosols and inhaled medications; applying ventilatory support; and testing techniques used in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. Clinical practice for the program is provided in cooperation with a variety of health care facilities throughout the region. The program offers classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction for traditional classes. Respiratory therapists are employed in a variety of settings that include hospitals, home care, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, physician’s offices, diagnostic and research labs, sleep labs and educational institutions. Students accepted into the class will enter during the Summer Quarter. Students seeking an alternative form of education may apply to take online classes. Students accepted into the program will enter during the Summer Quarter. Upon graduation students are eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care exams and apply for a State license. Graduates may continue their education toward a baccalaureate degree by transferring credit to receiving institutions. Students need to check with the four-year school of their choice for information on transfer requirements and courses. The program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244, (817) 283-2835, www.coarc.com.
Mission
The mission of the Respiratory Care program is to prepare is to graduate competent Advanced-Level Respiratory Therapists.
Job Outlook
Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Nationally, job opportunities should be very good. As for the Midwest, the job market is reasonably stable with many graduates getting part-time to full-time employment. New graduates are expected to work eight- to 12-hour shifts to include days, evenings, or night shifts, and some holidays. Recent graduates report an average starting wage of $18.45 per hour, with a high salary of $20 per hour.
Learn more about the Respiratory Care Profession: AARC Breath of Life