Respiratory Care practitioners are trained in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic skills that enable them to assist with the treatment of individuals with pulmonary and cardiac disorders. Respiratory therapists perform many types of assessment and therapy, including life support procedures and management of ventilators in the critical care unit. Entry into the Respiratory Care profession requires an associate degree from an accredited program, as well as successful completion of national credentialing examinations.
Students preparing for the program will complete 38 required prerequisite credit hours of general education, science, and mathematics courses at Oklahoma City Community College and then make application to the 12-month RC program at Francis Tuttle. If the applicant has possible transfer credit, they should have their college transcript(s) evaluated at OCCC for approval.
The RC program provides targeted instruction in respiratory care including respiratory theory, laboratory practice, and clinical experience, preparing students to take the national credentialing exams. Upon completion, students will receive the Respiratory Care Therapist Associate of Applied Science degree from OCCC, are are then eligible to take the two national examinations required to earn a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Specifically, graduates are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination, then the Clinical Simulation Examination. Successful completion of both exams earns the credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist and qualifies the graduate to obtain a license to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in Oklahoma and other states.
Students should carefully review the information related to physical job requirements for a respiratory therapist. These requirements include: assisting with moving patients, frequent lifting of up to 30 pounds, continuous walking and use of stairs, wearing personal protective equipment including a lead apron while standing for a prolonged time period, reading digital displays on monitoring devices from a distance of eight feet or greater, hearing and responding to audible instructions. Students unable to perform the physical duties of a Respiratory Care Practitioner would be unable to complete clinical coursework and therefore unable to complete the program.
Licensure / Certifications
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) National Credential - $390* This credential requires successful completion of two national examinations. Francis Tuttle will pay the cost of the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination ($190).
- Oklahoma Respiratory Care Practitioners License - $100
This career major is eligible for financial aid through OCCC.
Note: Tuition cost for this program is based on OCCC credit hours
