Respiratory Care Technology - A.A.S.

For more information on this program, contact the Health Sciences division at 615-230-3330.

This program prepares students to become Respiratory Therapists at the Advanced Practitioner level. Respiratory Therapists work under the supervision of a physician to assess, treat, and manage all patient populations who have cardiopulmonary-related issues. Therapists are typically employed within the hospital, clinic and home-care setting, and may also be employed within diagnostic labs with further training. 

After fulfilling the college admission requirements, students are required to complete all of the general education courses as outlined, with the exception of Anatomy and Physiology II, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, prior to beginning the program in the spring. Students may complete AHC 115* as a recommended optional course. Students are required to submit an application to the Respiratory Care program by the October 1st deadline.  Formal screening for program admission is conducted in November. Classes begin in the spring and seating is limited. The RESP program consists of a total of four full-time semesters. The last semester meets one day a week in addition to clinical rotations. 

Interested students should contact the Health Sciences Division for an information packet. For more information about the program, refer to the Health Sciences Associate of Applied Science Degrees section for Respiratory Care at https://www.volstate.edu/academics/health-sciences/respiratorycare/courses. 

Licensure requirements for respiratory therapists vary according to state statutes. In Tennessee, practitioners are required to pass the national examinations for certified and/or registered respiratory therapist respectively.

Students must complete the general education courses prior to acceptance into the program.

All students graduating with a degree from VSCC are required to take the Educational Testing Service Proficiency Profile (ETSP) to meet graduation requirements. More information can be found at https://www.volstate.edu/testing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

1. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to their role as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). 

2. Demonstrate the technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). 

3. Demonstrate personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). 

4. Successfully meet employer expectations by competently performing skills required of a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).