Respiratory Therapist
Associate in Applied Science Degree — Downtown Milwaukee Campus

Program code: 10-515-1.07

This curriculum goes into effect starting with the summer 2008 semester.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Overview — This associate degree program is designed to prepare you to evaluate, treat and care for patients with lung and heart disease. Clinical experiences are gained in a variety of health care settings. The program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and program graduates are qualified to write the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examinations. Selected first-year courses may be taken on a part-time basis.

Career Outlook — Respiratory therapists work in acute and subacute hospitals. Additional job opportunities include diagnostic laboratories, rehabilitation facilities, clinics and home care. An aging population and a rise in the number of cardiopulmonary disorders being diagnosed ensure ample job opportunities.

Respiratory therapists administer treatments, recommend therapeutic interventions, operate life support systems, perform CPR and airway management, provide patient education and conduct cardiopulmonary testing. For additional career information, visit www.aarc.org

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — Employers will expect you as a graduate to be able to:

• Review patient data, recommend therapeutic interventions, and perform prescribed procedures
• Select appropriate equipment, assemble and check for proper function, and identify malfunctions
• Explain therapy to patients and conduct procedures to improve ventilation and oxygenation

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment
• One year of high school-level or one semester of college-level of the following: algebra, biology, and chemistry or physics
• Completion of courses NATSCI-177 and NATSCI-197 or higher equivalents.
• Good health as evidenced by a medical examination
• Documentation of proper immunizations
• Documentation that the Essential Job Functions have been reviewed. This is in keeping with the requirements of the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Students will be fully informed of the physical abilities (technical standards) expected of a respiratory care practitioner at the time of application.
• Wisconsin’s Caregiver Law documentation of compliance.

Future Opportunities — Successful completion of the program and the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist examination provides an opportunity to obtain a certificate as a Respiratory Care Practitioner granted by the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing. NBRC examinations leading to qualification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) as well as advanced credentials in pulmonary function (CPFT and RPFT) and perinatal/pediatrics are available.

This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

Possible Careers:

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapy Technician

Related Programs:

Radiography
Registered Nursing
Surgical Technology

For more information, call 414-297-MATC

Curriculum effective 2008-2009.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

‡ Prerequisite Required.

NOTE: Students who have not been accepted, or have not decided on a program, may begin with the GENERAL STUDIES courses, if course prerequisites have been met.

For course descriptions, times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline.