Respiratory Care

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Allied Health: Respiratory Care

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (BAS)

Seattle Central College's Respiratory Care track is a full-time, face-to-face, rigorous bachelor’s degree program that combines classroom training with practical, hands-on experience. This program will prepare you to become a member of a dedicated healthcare team that treats patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.

How long is the program?
After you have completed the pre-requisites (about two years of work), the Respiratory Care track is 1 part-time quarter plus 7 full-time quarters (two more years) after which you graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science and are ready to apply for a license as a Respiratory Therapist.

This program meets the educational requirements for preparing students to take the national certification exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (nbrc.org). Students who complete the program and achieve the appropriate credentials can apply for licensure anywhere in the United States where a license is required. A list of contacts for license by state is available at https://www.aarc.org/advocacy/state-society-resources/state-licensure-contacts.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (BAS) Full Time: 7
Part Time: Part Time Option Not Available		 180.0

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

Prerequisite credits (60 total) are included in the total credits required for degree

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Basic biological concepts with emphasis on biological molecules, cell structures and processes; diversity, phylogeny and ecology of living organisms; and an exploration of molecular genetics.

 BIOL& 160 5.0

Covers fundamental principles and establishes a basis for advanced study of anatomy and physiology and clinically related subjects in the paramedical fields. Includes lab.

 BIOL& 241 5.0

Fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology presented in lecture and laboratory. Designed to establish a basis for studying clinically related subjects in the paramedical fields. Includes lab.

 BIOL& 242 5.0

Fundamentals of microbiology. Topics include bacterial cell biology, growth and growth control, metabolism, genetics, identification, viruses, human innate and adaptive immune systems, host-bacteria interactions, immunization, infectious disease epidemiology, and antibacterial drugs. Includes lab.

 BIOL& 260 5.0

Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM&121) is intended for non-science and allied health majors. Completion of CHEM&121 along with either CHEM&131 or CHEM&122 fulfills the chemistry requirement for many health science majors (e.g. nursing, dental hygiene, etc). This lab science course covers the fundamentals of chemistry, including the following topics: measurements, atomic structure, types of reactions, thermodynamics, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry.

 CHEM& 121 5.0

Course Substitute : CHEM 131 - Intro to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (5 credits)

Continuation of organic chemistry and intro to biochemistry. Lab included.

 CHEM& 122 5.0

English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.

 ENGL& 101 5.0

Continuation of the composition sequence with further instruction and practice in the writing process, concentrating on critical reading and writing techniques needed for the preparation and completion of documented essays.

 ENGL& 102 5.0

Course Substitute : CMST 205 Multicultural Communication (5 credits)

Examines the skills in communication and empathy required for intercultural communication. Includes an interdisciplinary study of diverse cultures and perspectives in the United States in the context of economic, political, and cultural globalization.

HUM 105 5.0

Course Substitute : MATH 136 - Inferential Statistics (5 credits)

(Formerly MATH 109) Covers descriptive methods, probability and probability distributions, samples, decisions, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.

 MATH& 146 5.0

Course Substitute : PSYC&200 - Lifespan Psychology (5 credits)

Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior including research methods, brain and behavior, learning, cognitive psychology, development, personality, abnormal psychology, and social thinking and behavior. Additional topics may include: emotions, perception, motivation, intelligence, genes and evolution, and health.

PSYC& 100 5.0

See Advising Center for approved courses.

No Description available

 Z999_016 5.0

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss specific career goals and recommended coursework.

Job tests this program will prepare you for:

  • National Board for Respiratory Care Advanced Practitioner Exam

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (206) 934-4068. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.

Hours may vary based on specific program requirements.

Worker Friendly

This program is offered at times and in formats that meet the needs of working adults. This includes:

  • Daytime
  • Courses offered between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM

Coursework

To check the program sequences please view pdf.