Respiratory Care Technology
Associate of Applied Science
Contact Information
Rita Waller
706-771-4194
Augusta Campus - Building 900

Admission

Admission to the Respiratory Care Technology program is competitive (refer to page 15 for enrollment date and application, transcript, and course completion deadlines). Prospective students need to have completed all course listed in the Curriculum Outline except those with an RTT prefix by the transcript deadline (page 15) to enter the program. For more information regarding this process, please contact the Admissions office at (706) 771-4028.

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in the Respiratory Care Technology program is a sequence of courses that prepares graduates to assist physicians in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, and renal dysfunction. This program offers students a variety of clinical opportunities to assist in the management of patients across the lifespan. Respiratory Care Technology offers the student clinical accessibility to patients with such conditions as injury due to trauma, infectious diseases, congenital anomalies, acquired lung disease, renal failure, distressed newborns, and many more categories. Learning opportunities develop academic and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Program graduates are to be competent in the general areas of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, computer skills, and written and oral communication. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Entry Level Certification Respiratory Therapist Examination to obtain the credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). After obtaining the CRT credential, graduates are eligible to sit for the Registry Examination for Advanced Respiratory Care Technology Practitioners to obtain the credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The RRT credential must be obtained no later than three years past the graduation date or the CRT credential will be revoked. High school graduation or GED is required for admission to this program.

Employment Opportunities

Respiratory Care Technology graduates find a variety of employment opportunities in hospitals, home health agencies, medical equipment sales, physicians’ offices, polysomnography, and pulmonary function laboratories.

Notes:

• A grade of “C” or higher is required for all courses.
• Respiratory Care Technology students must submit letters of recommendation prior to enrollment in clinical courses. These forms will be distributed by academic advisors.
• A student who does not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any two courses attempted with the RTT prefix will be suspended from the program for one year. Before reentering the program, the student must complete an individualized remedial program assigned by the department head. After the third unsuccessful attempt of a course with the RTT prefix, the student will not be allowed to reenter the Respiratory Care Technology program.
• Prior to participation in campus/clinical labs, students are required to submit completed medical and dental examination forms. All required immunizations, including Hepatitis B, must be accompanied by documentation. Students who decline the Hepatitis B vaccination series must sign a declination form and be aware that clinical practicum sites may refuse them an opportunity to gain clinical experience at the facility.
• Conviction of a felony or gross misdemeanor may prohibit employment in field and may make a student ineligible to take licensing/certification exam(s) required for the profession. A background check may be required by some agencies before a student attends a clinical practicum. For more information, contact the appropriate program advisor.