Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 71 credits
Limited transferability
Program contact: Division of Allied Health and Human Services, (815) 921-3200

Program overview

Respiratory therapists provide, under physician orders, all the general, critical care, and diagnostic services important for people with breathing difficulties. Such services include administering oxygen, humidity, and continuous aerosols, as well as aerosolized medications to improve lung function. Therapists also maintain life-support systems for patients who cannot breathe for themselves and may also perform cardiopulmonary procedures. Skills are mastered through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.

Work and employment

Graduates of the program generally work in hospitals, assuming staff respiratory therapist positions or specializing in critical care or diagnostic areas. Other opportunities exist in the home care setting or through advancement into management or educational positions.

Professional credential and program accreditation

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care’s exams leading to the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. This meets or exceeds the requirement for practice in Illinois and any other state. The program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) under the auspices of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).

Admission to the program

Admission is selective and competitive. Prerequisite course work in chemistry, biology, and mathematics is required. For more information, contact the Allied Health and Human Services division office at (815) 921-3200.

Admission policies

Contact the Respiratory Care program chair at (815) 921-3220 or the division secretary at (815) 921-3200 for program application information. To be admitted the applicant must:
1.    Meet all college admission requirements.

2.    Be a high school graduate or have completed the GED. Completion of high school chemistry, algebra, and biology (or college equivalent) with at least a grade of “C” is required. At Rock Valley College, completion of Chemistry 100, Mathematics 095, and Biology 100 or 103 will fulfill this requirement. (Conditional acceptances may be granted to those who are able to complete this requirement during the spring semester before starting program courses.)

Admission procedure

Submit a program application; up-to-date transcripts from high school, GED, and/or college; Respiratory Care Program Application Questionnaire; and Essential Abilities Questionnaire. This must be done by January 20 prior to the fall term the student plans to enter the program.

Selection is based on college and/or high school grade point average, grades in the prerequisite courses, grades in other math and science courses, general education courses within the program, and selected respiratory care courses taken as a part-time student.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Testing

Students will undergo a criminal background check and drug testing during the fall semester they begin the program. It is possible that a student’s criminal background and/or a positive drug test will prevent participation in hospital clinical practice and program completion.

Grade policy to graduate from the Respiratory Care program

At least a minimum grade of “C” is required in BIO 185, Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology before students can take Respiratory Care program courses.

Successful completion of the Respiratory Care program requires students to obtain at least a minimum grade of “C” in all Respiratory Care courses. Failure to do so will prevent a student from taking related later courses in the program or graduating.

Respiratory Care Course Requirements:                (51 credits)
*    RSP    111    Applied Sciences                    (3)
*    RSP    112    Patient Assessment                    (3)
      RSP     113    Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology        (3)
*    RSP    114    Clinical Medicine                    (3)
*    RSP    121    Respiratory Care Practices and Procedures I                        (5)
*    RSP    122    Respiratory Care Practices and Procedures II                        (5)
*    RSP     123    Respiratory Pharmacology                (3)
*    RSP    131    Clinical Practice I                    (2)
*    RSP    132    Clinical Practice II                (3)
*    RSP    221    Respiratory Care Practices and Procedures III                    (3)
*    RSP    222    Cardiopulmonary Testing and Rehabilitation                    (3)
*    RSP    223    Respiratory Care Practices and  Procedures IV                        (4)
*    RSP    224    Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care     (2)
*    RSP    225    Respiratory Care Seminar                (3)
*    RSP    231    Clinical Practice III                (3)
*    RSP    232    Clinical Practice IV                (3)

General Education Course Requirements:                 (20 credits)
      HLT     110    Medical Terminology                    (2)
*    ENG    101    Composition I                        (3)
*    BIO    185    Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology        (5)
*    BIO    274    Microbiology                        (4)

Select one for the speech requirement:
    SPH    201    Interpersonal Communication
            (recommended), or                    (3)
*    SPH    131    Fundamentals of Communication            (3)

Select one for the elective requirement:
    HLT    105    Phlebotomy                        (3)
    FWS    237    Nutrition for Optimum Living            (3)
    PHL    153    Medical Ethics                    (3)
    BIO    171    Biology of Human Disease                (3)
*   MGT    270     Principles of Management                (3)
    PSY     170     General Psychology                    (3)
    PHL    256    Contemporary Moral Issues                (3)

*Course has a prerequisite—refer to course description.

Cooperative community colleges are Blackhawk Technical College, Kishwaukee College, Highland Community College, McHenry County College and Sauk Valley Community College.