Respiratory Therapist (RES) Courses
The Respiratory Therapist Program is a five semester course of study consisting of 76 semester hours of general education and respiratory therapist classes leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and is recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Comparable data related to student/graduate outcomes for this and all programs accredited by CoARC can be found at https://www.coarc.com/Students/Programmatic-Outcome-Data.aspx. Both didactic and clinical training are provided to enable each graduate to function as an assistant to the physician in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective respiratory therapy. Graduates also serve as educational and therapeutic resources for patients who suffer disorders of the cardiopulmonary system. The Program educates individuals to become respiratory therapists capable of administering respiratory care based on the application of principles and concepts involved in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases and related abnormalities, both in traditional and non-traditional settings. Graduates are eligible to attempt the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC), which is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of entry-level respiratory therapists, as well as determine eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). There are two established cut scores for the TMC Examination, the first of which earns one the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, and a higher cut score that qualifies examinees to sit for the CSE. Individuals who attempt and pass the TMC with the higher cut score, and attempt and pass the CSE, will be awarded the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Graduates of this program who complete these national examinations also meet criteria for licensure in states where licensure is required.The Practical Nursing Program is accredited through 2024 by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000. In addition to ACEN accreditation, the Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.