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Respiratory Care

Program Year (2020-2021)

About the Program

The Butte College Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com).
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
264 Precision Blvd.
Telford, TN 37690
(631) 912-7920
The Respiratory Care program is designed to prepare students to become licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners in the state of California. In addition, the program prepares the successful graduate to participate in the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Respiratory care practitioners are highly skilled allied health professionals involved in the therapy, management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities that affect the cardiopulmonary system. They are employed in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, physician's offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, diagnostic laboratories, and patients' homes. They may further specialize in such areas as adult critical care, neonatal or pediatric intensive care, pulmonary function testing, transport medicine, hyperbaric medicine, home care, management or education.

Graduates practicing in California are required to take a state licensure examination. *Note: A person convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation may not qualify to be licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in California. Questions regarding this should be directed to the Respiratory Care Program Director.


Program Requirements

For current program requirements -> 2023-2024

Program Code: 01342.00AS

Type: Career

General Education: Butte Local

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a solid professional and general medical knowledge base.

  • Accurately interpret pertinent clinical information from medical records and physical findings.

  • Recommend appropriate therapeutic interventions based on physiological data and patient assessment data.

  • Demonstrate sound clinical judgment and is proficient in the clinical skills required on the job.

  • Competently perform the therapeutic procedures and modalities, and diagnostic procedures required on the job.

  • Demonstrate efficient performance of an overall patient assessment.

  • Demonstrate effective oral and communication skills.

  • Exhibit ethical and professional manners, including timely and prepared entrance to clinic and contributing to a positive work environment.

  • Function effectively as a member of the health care team, accepts supervision and works effectively with supervisory personnel.

  • Demonstrate self-direction and responsibility for his/her own actions.

  • Display respect for beliefs and values of all persons regardless of cultural background, religion, age, or lifestyle.

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Required courses:
91 - 92 Units
Important Note: All courses, including major, prerequisites, General Education and Competencies, used to fulfill a requirement for this degree must be completed with a C grade or better.
Prerequisites for admission to the program
(CHEM 110 and CHEM 11 will be accepted by the program until Fall 2022)
MATH Competency
Additional courses required for completion of the program
The following courses may be taken prior to or during the program: however, completing any of these courses prior to admission will significantly reduce the student's workload while in the program.
GE Requirement-Area C: 3 Units
KIN Activity Courses: 2 courses
Program Sequence

Contacts

Donna Davis, Chair
(530) 895-2827

Department Office: AHPS 215
(530) 893-7533

Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378

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