PROGRAM OVERVIEW

THE PROGRAM

Respiratory Care is a two-year (five-semester) program. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a registered Respiratory Therapist (respiratory care practitioner). This program requires prerequisite courses and a minimum ACT score of 18. The prerequisites are located under the Program Admission Information and Procedures document below under the resources tab.

THE PROFESSION

Respiratory Therapists apply scientific principles to prevent, identify and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. Their knowledge of the scientific principles underlying cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, as well as biomedical engineering and technology, enables them to effectively assess, educate and treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning or shock. Respiratory Therapists primarily work in hospitals, critical care units, emergency rooms, pulmonary function labs, rehabilitation centers and home care settings.  

THE PAY

The median annual wage for respiratory therapists is $66,960.  

THE FUTURE

The U.S. Bureau of Labor projects 17,500 openings annually for 2024-2030 with employment projected to grow 13%.

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

Itawamba Community College, CoARC Program #200292, Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care Technology, 2176 South Eason Boulevard, Tupelo, MS 38804, is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com), 264 Precision Blvd., Telford, TN 37690.  817.283.2835. CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an 'outcomes based' process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. CoARC has completed the verification of the Outcomes data from the current Annual Report of Current Status (RCS). This data is self-reported by respiratory care programs to CoARC and reflects the aggregate data for the three-year period being reported. (https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/). Last reaffirmation, 2019.

RESOURCES

Mission/Purpose/Vision Statements (.pdf)

Goals and Objectives (.pdf)

Outcomes and Effectiveness (.pdf)

Licensure and Certification (.pdf)

Program Admission Information and Procedures (.pdf)

Program Curriculum (.pdf)

Respiratory Care Handbook (pdf)

Criminal Background Policy (.pdf)

Health Science Program Admission Application (Online)

Estimated Fees (.pdf)