Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Healthcare
- Program Code: 10-515-1
- Offering: In-class
- Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
- Start Dates: August
About the Respiratory Therapist Degree
Description
Enhance patient care by evaluating and treating people with lung and heart disease. Respiratory therapists’ duties include administering treatments, recommending therapeutic interventions and operating life support systems. Graduates are qualified to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examinations.
Respiratory therapists work in acute and subacute hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, rehabilitation facilities, clinics and home care.
This program features exploratory courses that count toward a credential. Contact an MATC advisor for information.
Additional program details: Learn to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with lung and heart disease. Clinical experiences are gained in a variety of healthcare settings.
Successful completion of the program and the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist examination provides an opportunity to obtain a license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner granted by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. NBRC examinations leading to qualification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) as well as advanced credentials in pulmonary function (CPFT and RPFT) and perinatal/pediatrics are available.
This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) through 2022.
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Detailed Program Information
2021-22 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOSCI-177 | General Anatomy and Physiology ‡ (or) BIOSCI-201 Anatomy & Physiology 1 ‡ and BIOSCI-202 Anatomy & Physiology 2 ‡ |
4 |
| ELECTIVES | (Two credits needed) | 2 |
| ENG-195 | Written Communication (or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡ |
3 |
| PSYCH-199 | Psychology of Human Relations (or) Any 200-level PSYCH course |
3 |
| RESPC-111 | Respiratory Survey ‡ | 3 |
| RESPC-171 | Respiratory Therapeutics 1 ‡ | 3 |
| BIOSCI-197 | Microbiology ‡ | 4 |
| ENG-196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication (or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course |
3 |
| RESPC-112 | Respiratory Airway Management ‡ | 2 |
| RESPC-172 | Respiratory Therapeutics 2 ‡ | 3 |
| RESPC-173 | Respiratory Pharmacology ‡ | 3 |
| RESPC-174 | Respiratory Cardiac Physiology ‡ | 3 |
| SOCSCI-172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies (or) Any 200-level SOCSCI course |
3 |
| RESPC-175 | Respiratory Clinical 1 ‡ | 2 |
| RESPC-113 | Respiratory Life Support ‡ | 3 |
| RESPC-176 | Respiratory Disease ‡ | 3 |
| RESPC-178 | Respiratory Clinical 2 ‡ | 3 |
| RESPC-179 | Respiratory Clinical 3 ‡ | 3 |
| RESPC-180 | Respiratory Neonatal and Pediatric Care ‡ | 2 |
| RESPC-181 | Respiratory/Cardio Diagnostics ‡ | 3 |
| RESPC-182 | Respiratory Clinical 4 ‡ | 3 |
| RESPC-183 | Respiratory Clinical 5 ‡ | 3 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
64 |
‡ Prerequisite required.
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
This Associate in Applied Science program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.
Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.
Important Dates
Fall Start: Petition for program in February (only one time a year)
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Apply respiratory therapy concepts to patient care situations
- Demonstrate technical proficiency required to fulfill the role of a Respiratory Therapist
- Practice respiratory therapy according to established professional and ethical standards
Career Outlook
Respiratory therapists work in acute and subacute hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, rehabilitation facilities, clinics and home care.
Respiratory therapists administer treatments, recommend therapeutic interventions, operate life support systems, perform CPR and airway management, provide patient education and conduct cardiopulmonary testing. For additional career information, visit www.aarc.org.
Possible Careers
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Admission Requirements
This program admits students through a petition selection process.
Learn more about the petition process
The following are required for admission:
- HP-A2 pre qualifying exam
- B- or higher in the following courses:
- NATSCI-177* or NATSCI-201* and 202*
- Fall Start: Petition for program in February (only one time a year)
Scholarships
Learn about scholarship opportunities here.
Learn about Scholarships available for this program here: https://matc.academicworks.com
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Accreditation
This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 264 Precision Boulevard, Telford, TN 37690; 812-283-2835; www.coarc.com
Accreditation is based on recommendation of the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
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Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
262-238-2281, healthpathway@matc.edu
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Mequon Campus, Room A108
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West Allis Campus, Room 103