The Associate of Science in Respiratory Care prepares students to work as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) in acute and community-based settings such as hospitals, long term care facilities, home care, and clinics. RRTs help people of all ages with a variety of cardiopulmonary disorders. Responsibilities of a RRT include: Evaluating and interpreting clinical and laboratory data to recommend treatment, consulting with members of the healthcare team, educating patients and families, responding to emergencies, and managing patients on life support.

The four-semester course of study consists of classroom, high-fidelity simulation, skills laboratory, seminar, and clinical experiences. Students must travel to clinical sites throughout the program. Clinical experiences are completed in Monterey, Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties. Upon successful completion of program requirements, graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Registry Examination.

Program Outcomes:

The Respiratory Care Program (RCP) at Hartnell College will provide skilled graduates to the healthcare community who have obtained their professional license (RCP) and credentials (RRT). The goal of the program is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Program Goal:

To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Comprehend, apply, and evaluate information necessary to practice as a respiratory care practitioner (cognitive) as evidenced by their ability to

       - Evaluate data to assess the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care.

       - Participate in the development and modification of respiratory care plans in a variety of settings.

       - Provide patient, family, and community education.

🗸 Perform the skills competently as a respiratory care practitioner (psychomotor) as evidenced by their ability to

       - Apply problem-solving strategies in the patient care setting.

       - Perform respiratory therapeutic and diagnostic procedures interventions in a timely manner consistent with patient safety and infection control standards.

🗸 Practice professional attitudes and behavior (affective) as evidenced by their ability to

       - Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors.

       - Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

       - Interact effectively with other members of the healthcare team.

       - Communicate effectively in diverse groups while respecting beliefs and values of all persons.

Career Opportunities:

🗸 Health Teacher

🗸 Respiratory Care Practitioner/Therapist

🗸 Respiratory Therapy Technician