Respiratory Care Therapist
The respiratory care industry is in high demand! Start here to earn nationally recognized credentials and a rewarding career!
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Programs and Classes
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Programs
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Respiratory Care Therapist
Respiratory care therapists work in various medical environments, such as hospitals, pediatric/neonatal care units, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation facilities. As a certified respiratory therapist, you will help treat critically ill patients and provide valuable life-changing information to them and their families.
Respiratory therapists are trained to analyze data, evaluate patients, and make critical thinking decisions that directly affect the well-being of patients. They work directly with patients, use valuable information to understand trends, and advise on how chronically ill individuals can improve their breathing.
Respiratory Care Application Packet
Training takes place in state-of-the-art laboratory spaces using the same tools and machines as modern professionals. Our respiratory therapist classes will show you how to:
- Evaluate patients and consult with physicians to recommend a change in therapy
- Perform physical assessments to analyze breathing sounds and measure vital signs
- Draw blood to determine levels of oxygenation and ventilation
- Manage ventilator care, intubation and placement of artificial airways
- Respond to emergency situations and urgent calls for patient care
Accreditation
The Respiratory Care Program, CoARC 200454, located on the Francis Tuttle Technology Center campus grants an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
Programmatic outcomes from the most recent Annual Report of Current Status.
Respiratory Therapy Professional Licensure Disclosure
Program Goals and Standards
To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by respiratory therapists.
Respiratory Care Therapist Majors
About this Occupation
Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP’s) work in an extremely busy environment and deal with critically ill patients and their families. They must be able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and must be able to communicate effectively with team members, patients, and families, even under stressful conditions. Respiratory Therapists must have the ability to analyze data, evaluate patients, and make critical thinking decisions that directly affect their patient’s wellbeing.To perform necessary job functions, Respiratory Care Practitioners must have visual acuity sufficient to read monitors from a distance of 6 to 8 feet and to observe and assess patients. They must also be able to read patient charts and small print on laboratory reports, medication containers, and technical manuals. In addition, they must have auditory acuity sufficient to accurately assess heart and breath sounds, understand instructions in a normal tone of voice without seeing the speaker's face, and hear and respond to audible alarms.When working in this field, steady physical activity is required and may consist of walking, standing, and assisting in moving patients and/or equipment. Daily tasks require occasional lifting up to 30-40 lbs. When dealing with patient care there is occasional to frequent exposure to communicable disease, and direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids requires that personal protective equipment be worn in these circumstances.
Learn from Experienced Instructors
Jennifer Bartlett, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS
Instructor, Respiratory Care Program
Jennifer Bartlett is a dedicated instructor in the Respiratory Care Program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Rockwell Campus. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2011 and an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care from Oklahoma City Community College in partnership with Francis Tuttle in 2013. She achieved her Adult Critical Care Specialist (RRT-ACCS) certification in 2015 and is also a certified instructor in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Jennifer began her career in respiratory care at Integris Baptist Medical Center in 2013, where she gained extensive experience in the fast-paced emergency department, served as a department resource therapist, and played a critical role in the COVID-19 ICU. Her dedication to patient care and professional excellence led her to Francis Tuttle, where she first served as a substitute instructor before becoming a full-time faculty member in 2022.
With her extensive clinical background and passion for education, Jennifer is committed to preparing the next generation of respiratory care professionals for success in this vital healthcare field.
Mike Bonham, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS
Instructor, Respiratory Care Program
Mike Bonham is a seasoned instructor in the Respiratory Care Program at the Health Sciences Center at Rockwell Campus. With a career in respiratory care that began in 1990, Mike brings over three decades of practical experience to the classroom. He completed his Respiratory Care program at Francis Tuttle and has since returned full-circle to teach the next generation of respiratory care professionals.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Service Management (2013) and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (2014), enhancing his clinical expertise with a deep understanding of healthcare systems. He is also a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and holds the Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS) credential. Additionally, Mike is an instructor for Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
Before transitioning into education, Mike held a variety of leadership roles in respiratory care. He served as Department Director for Cardiopulmonary Services at Duncan Regional Hospital in Duncan, Oklahoma, and later became Mercy Hospital’s first day shift supervisor. Mike continued to advance in his career, taking on the role of Department Director of Cardiopulmonary at Grady Memorial Hospital in Chickasha, Oklahoma, before moving on to Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas, where he became the Department Director of Respiratory Care.
Mike’s extensive clinical and leadership experience enables him to provide students with both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills they need to thrive in the ever-evolving field of Respiratory Care. His commitment to education and passion for the profession make him a valuable asset to the program and a trusted mentor for his students.
Crystal Cosper, M.Ed., BA, RRT, RRT-ACCS
Program Director & Instructor, Respiratory Care Program
Crystal Cosper serves as the Respiratory Care Program Director and Instructor at Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Rockwell Campus. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care from Oklahoma City Community College in partnership with Francis Tuttle, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and a Master of Education in Adult Education and Training from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Crystal began her career in 2003 as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at SSM Health St. Anthony, where she provided expert care in the Adult ICU and Emergency Department. She holds the Adult Critical Care Specialist (RRT-ACCS) credential and is certified as a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) instructor.
Her passion for education was evident early in her career as a clinical preceptor and substitute instructor for Francis Tuttle. In 2012, Crystal transitioned into a full-time teaching role, where she has dedicated herself to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and professional mindset required to excel as Respiratory Therapists and valued members of the healthcare team.
Emilee Hedrick, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS
Clinical Director and Instructor, Respiratory Care Program
Emilee Hedrick, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, is a dedicated educator and Clinical Director for the Respiratory Care program in the Health Sciences Center at the Rockwell campus. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy from Oklahoma City Community College, in partnership with Francis Tuttle, completed in 2005, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Lifespan Care and Administration.
Emilee has extensive experience in both academic and clinical settings. She previously served as a substitute instructor at Francis Tuttle, in addition to her role as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Supervisor at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Her clinical expertise includes working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Adult ICU, with a specialized focus on the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) transport team, an experience she found deeply rewarding.
Emilee holds advanced certifications as a Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (RRT-NPS) and an Adult Critical Care Specialist (RRT-ACCS), demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in the field of respiratory therapy.
Jack Turner, BS, RRT-ACCS
Instructor, Respiratory Care Program
Jack Turner is a dedicated educator and experienced respiratory therapist with a passion for advancing the field of respiratory care. He currently serves as an instructor at the Health Sciences Center at the Rockwell campus, where he teaches aspiring respiratory care professionals.
Jack earned his Associate of Science degree from Northern Oklahoma College, an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care from Oklahoma City Community College and Francis Tuttle, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Beginning his career in respiratory therapy in 2013, Jack has accumulated a wealth of clinical experience. He has worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Saint Anthony Hospital and as both a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Supervisor at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. His expertise includes working in cardiac and transplant ICU’s as well as the ECMO transport team, providing critical care in high-pressure environments. Jack also holds the Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) credential, reflecting his specialized knowledge in adult critical care.
Christina Wynn, BS, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS
Instructor, Respiratory Care Program
Christina Wynn brings over two decades of expertise to her role as an instructor in the Respiratory Care Program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Rockwell Campus. She began her career in respiratory therapy in 2001, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree from Oklahoma City Community College in partnership with Francis Tuttle Technology Center. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Christina has achieved advanced certifications in her field, including Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (RRT-NPS) and Adult Critical Care Specialist (RRT-ACCS). Additionally, she is certified as an instructor for the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
Before transitioning to academia, Christina served as a Respiratory Care Practitioner and Supervisor at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. In this role, she was an integral member of both the Neonatal and ECMO transport teams. Her commitment to advancing respiratory care led her to join Francis Tuttle’s Health Sciences Division as a substitute instructor, and in 2018, she became a full-time member of the faculty.
Christina is passionate about mentoring future respiratory care professionals and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this critical healthcare field.
David Massie, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS
Instructor, Respiratory Care Program
David Massie is an accomplished educator in the Respiratory Care Program within the Health Sciences Center at Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Rockwell Campus. He began his journey in respiratory care in 2008, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care from Rose State College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
David holds the Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS) credential and is certified as an instructor in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
Before transitioning to education, David worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Mercy Hospital and later served as a Supervisor at SSM Health St. Anthony in Oklahoma City. His extensive clinical experience, coupled with his dedication to teaching, allows him to provide students with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to succeed in the evolving field of respiratory care.