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.
Admission to the Program:
Requirements for Admission: Age 17 years or older and all prerequisites completed (with a 'C' grade or better).
Prior to being officially admitted to the program students must pass a background check, drug screening, and physical exam, and verify their physical ability to perform the tasks required of a Respiratory Therapist.
Students are admitted by application only. Contact the Health Occupations office or visit www.butte.edu/healthoccupations for application dates and materials. Admission to the program is based on academic and general requirements. In the event that there are more qualified applicants than spaces in the program, a computerized lottery will be used to select the individuals to be enrolled.
Estimated expenses average about $6,000 - $7,000 for the entire program, including licensure. Financial aid may be available to qualified students.
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.
Program Requirements
For current program requirements -> 2023-2024Program 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.
Demonstrate efficient performance of an overall patient assessment.
Competently perform the therapeutic procedures and modalities, and diagnostic procedures required on the job.
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.
Prerequisite(s): Beginning Algebra or equivalent
Unit(s): 5.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 102.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This is a survey course in the principles of inorganic chemistry, including atomic theory and periodic properties, nuclear chemistry, electronic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas behavior, solution chemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and elementary thermodynamics. It is recommended for allied health or applied science majors. Graded only. (C-ID CHEM 101).
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 51 or CHEM 1 and one year high school biology or, BIOL 1 or BIOL 2 or BIOL 20 or BIOL 21
Unit(s): 4.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course includes the study of the structure and function of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protists, with emphasis on the predominant pathogenic members of those groups. Study of basic organic chemistry, genetics, metabolism, microbe-host interactions, the immune response and etiological factors involved in disease are also included. Methods of detection, identification, isolation, culture, enumeration, and control of microbes are provided. Graded only.
Unit(s): 4.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 102.00
Structural organization of the human body: gross and microscopic structure of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems, from cellular to organ system levels of organization. This course is primarily intended for nursing, allied health, kinesiology, and other health related majors. (C-ID BIOL 110B).
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20 and CHEM 1 or CHEM 51
Unit(s): 4.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 102.00
Study of the physiological principles, function, integration and homeostasis of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ, organ system and organism level: integumentary system, bone, skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles, nervous system, sensory organs, cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, endocrine system, and reproductive system. This course is primarily intended for Nursing, Allied Health, Kinesiology, and other health related majors. (C-ID BIOL 120B).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course assists in the development of soft skills in the professional healthcare settings. Soft skills can be defined as a cluster of personality traits and behaviors that enhance the relationship between two individuals or an individual and an organization. Proficiency in the practice of soft skills has been identified as an essential characteristic to attain for any individual involved in the professional healthcare setting. Content will include six competency domains which include: Communication, Workplace Ethics and Professionalism, Team Building and Collaboration, Effective Problem Solving, Embracing Diversity and Demonstrating Compassion. Graded only.
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course provides an introduction to the principles of psychology by surveying the basic theories, concepts and research in the science of human behavior and cognitive processes. Topics include the science of psychology, the biological bases of behavior, ethics, sensation and perception, learning and memory, development, cognition, motivation and emotion, sexuality and gender, stress and health, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapies, and applied psychology. (C-ID PSY 110).
Prerequisite(s): Eligibility to enroll in a transferable English Composition course.
Unit(s): 4.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
68.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 68.00
This is an introductory course that offers instruction in expository and argumentative writing, appropriate and effective use of language, close reading, cogent thinking, research strategies, information literacy, and documentation. Students will critically read expository, argumentative, and fictional texts and develop expository, persuasive, and argumentative academic writing. Essays will demonstrate reading comprehension, analysis, critique, academic research, and synthesis. Graded only. (C-ID ENGL 100).
Unit(s): 4.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course builds on literacy practices by developing expository and argumentative writing, awareness of audience, purpose and appropriate and effective use of language, close reading, cogent thinking, research strategies, information literacy, and documentation. Students will critically read and write primarily expository and argumentative texts that respond to a variety of rhetorical situations and contexts and incorporate college-level research. Graded only. (C-ID ENGL 100)
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is the study of the fundamentals of public speaking with an emphasis on extemporaneous style delivery. Focus is placed on critical thinking including: the organization of ideas, the use of research, the development of critical analysis in the construction and consumption of messages and the practice of ethical and mindful communication. (C-ID COMM 110).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This is an Honors level introductory Public Speaking course. Through a process of thorough analysis, critical thinking, extended discussions, and original oral and written responses, students will study the fundamentals of extemporaneous public speaking. Emphasis is placed on the organization of ideas, the use of research techniques, and the development of critical analysis for problem solving. Graded only. (C-ID COMM 110).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is the study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in small group contexts. It emphasizes group discussion for problem solving, leadership, listening, information gathering, analysis and public speaking. This class is designed to be experiential and exposes students to small group communication theory and public speaking fundamentals within the context of their own small group interactions, activities and presentations in classroom settings and real-world environments. (C-ID COMM 140).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is the study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in interpersonal relationships in personal and professional contexts. It examines effective and appropriate uses of verbal and non-verbal messages in the initiation, development, maintenance, and termination of interpersonal relationships. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect person-to-person communication. (C-ID COMM 130).
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the RT Program
Corequisite(s): ALH 6, RT 118
Unit(s): 7.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
102.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course is designed to introduce the student to basic atmospheric physics, cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, blood gas chemistry, and ventilatory dynamics. The student will be introduced to basic concepts of health and disease with emphasis on cardiopulmonary disorders, fundamentals of problem solving techniques and safe handling of medical gases and equipment. Selected respiratory care and diagnostic equipment, techniques and problems will be introduced in the laboratory. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 110, RT 118, ALH 6, ENGL 2 or ENGL 3, CMST 2 or CMST 2H or CMST 4
Unit(s): 0.50
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 36.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 36.00
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of clinical respiratory care as practiced in the acute care hospital. Students will become conversant with bedside examination, monitoring, and care of medical/surgical and respiratory disease patients.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the RT Program
Corequisite(s): RT 110
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course introduces students to fundamental pharmacological concepts and applied pharmacology. Emphasis will be placed on drug action and interaction as well as the practical aspects of routes of administration. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 115
Corequisite(s): RT 125
Unit(s): 7.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
102.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course is a survey of cardiorespiratory disease with a focus on the role that the respiratory care practitioner plays in professional and culturally appropriate clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Cultural awareness, sensitivity and communication will be emphasized. Selected respiratory care techniques, equipment, and procedures will be introduced in the laboratory. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 115
Corequisite(s): RT 120
Unit(s): 5.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 272.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 272.00
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of clinical respiratory care as practiced in the acute care hospital. Students will become conversant with bedside examination, monitoring, and care of medical/surgical and respiratory disease patients. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 120, RT 125
Unit(s): 3.50
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
30.00 hours Lecture
/ 96.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 126.00
This course is a supervised clinical respiratory therapy experience in the hospital setting, including the application of theories and therapeutic modalities taught in previous RT classes. Mechanical Ventilation concepts will be introduced in the lecture portion. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 135
Corequisite(s): RT 142, RT 145
Unit(s): 6.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
85.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 136.00
This course is a study of the fundamentals of respiratory care in the critical care setting. Emphasis is placed on the critical care environment, advanced patient assessment, monitoring, advanced techniques of airway management and continuous mechanical ventilatory support. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 135
Corequisite(s): RT 140, RT 145
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is an introduction to respiratory care of the neonatal and pediatric patient. Emphasis is placed upon growth and development, pathophysiology, clinical assessment, treatment, resuscitation and mechanical ventilatory support. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 135
Corequisite(s): RT 140, RT 142
Unit(s): 5.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 272.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 272.00
This course is designed to support continued in-hospital development of clinical respiratory care skills with emphasis on the application of scientific principles to the therapeutic environment and life support of the critically ill patient. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 140, RT 142, RT 145
Unit(s): 2.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 118.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 118.00
This course is designed as a clinical experience to allow the respiratory care student to hone skills learned in previous RT courses while developing new skills in the performance of day-to-day tasks of the staff respiratory care practitioner. Emphasis will be placed on both self assessment and critique of clinical performance by hospital personnel. Offered in Winter Session only. Travel to out-of-area clinical facilities will be required. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 155
Corequisite(s): RT 165
Unit(s): 4.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
68.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 68.00
This course is designed to explore the historical, contemporary and technical issues germaine to respiratory care as an allied health profession through lecture/discussion/literary review. Emphasis will be placed on issues relevant to the current practice of respiratory care and credentialing requirements. Preparation for post-graduate credentialing examinations will be included in the course work. Graded only.
Prerequisite(s): RT 155
Corequisite(s): RT 160
Unit(s): 8.00
Transfer Status: NT
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 408.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 408.00
This course supports the continuing practice and evaluation of skills for advanced respiratory care students in the hospital setting. Development of skills pertaining to the organization and completion of patient care assignments in both the medical-surgical and critical care environments are emphasized. American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support certifications are incorporated in the course, as these are required for employment in Respiratory Care.
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Contacts
Donna Davis, Chair
(530) 895-2827
Department Office: AHPS 215
(530) 893-7533
Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378
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