Respiratory Therapy, AAS

Program Code: AASRP

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED ARTS AND SCIENCE DEGREE

The Respiratory Therapy program is designed to train students for a career as a respiratory therapist. It is a two-year course of study leading to the Associate in Applied Arts and Science (AAS) degree. Graduates are eligible for nationally recognized certification and registration through the National Board for Respiratory Care, and for licensure by the state of Michigan. The program curriculum is a balance of courses in the liberal arts and basic sciences as well as more specialized technical and clinical courses. Clinical, laboratory and classroom training is structured to provide comprehensive understanding of modern respiratory therapy techniques. Graduates are trained in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in all areas of the career field of respiratory therapy, including intensive critical-emergency care, general respiratory care, pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term care facilities, and home care.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES:

When students complete this program, they will be able to:

1. demonstrate competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory therapy as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
2. possess entry-level skills to function as an essential part of the health care team within a variety of health care settings.
3. demonstrate the competencies of Registered Respiratory Therapists, such as patient assessment skills and the use of equipment required to manage cardiopulmonary disorders, including CPR, life-support systems, therapeutic procedures, medication administration, and diagnostic tests.
4. utilize effective verbal and written communication skills in relaying information to patients and other health care providers.