Respiratory Therapy
Curriculum Description
The Respiratory Therapy curriculum prepares individuals to function as respiratory therapists through demonstrated competence in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains of respiratory care practice. Graduates perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with exposure to current and emerging practice settings.
The curriculum prepares graduates to operate within inter-professional teams and effectively communicate with clients/patients of various ages, ethnicities, and cultures. Application of problem solving strategies, applying ethical decision making, and understanding professional responsibilities are emphasized.
Graduates are eligible to complete the credentialing process through the National Board for Respiratory Care, which will qualify them for a license to practice in a variety of healthcare settings with responsibilities for assessment, treatment, management and education of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.
The following represents one way in which the program of study can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow the recommended curriculum model below should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.
Associate in Applied Science
A45720
NC CIP: 51.0908
Day
POS Approved: Fall 2022
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| RCP 110 | Intro to Respiratory Care | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| RCP 113 | RCP Pharmacology | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| RCP 132 | RCP Clinical Practice I | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Select one: | |||||
| Basic Anat & Physiology | 4 | 2 | 0 | 5 | |
| OR | |||||
| Anatomy and Physiology I | (3) | (3) | (0) | (4) | |
| AND | |||||
| Anatomy and Physiology II | (3) | (3) | (0) | (4) | |
| Total: | 12 | 5 | 6 | 16 | |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM 131 | Introduction to Chemistry | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| CHM 131A | Introduction to Chemistry Lab | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| RCP 111 | Thrapeutics/Diagnostics | 4 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| RCP 114 | C-P Anatomy & Physiology | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| RCP 115 | C-P Pathophysiology | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| RCP 142 | RCP Clinical Practice II | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Total: | 12 | 6 | 6 | 16 |
Summer Term
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCP 112 | Patient Management | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| RCP 152 | RCP Clinical Practice III | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| RCP 222 | Special Practice Lab | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Total: | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCP 210 | Critical Care Concepts | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| RCP 214 | Neonatal/Peds RC | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| RCP 236 | RCP Clinical Practice IV | 0 | 0 | 18 | 6 |
| Select one: | |||||
| Interpersonal Psychology | (3) | (0) | (0) | (3) | |
| OR | |||||
| General Psychology (Global) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| ___ ___ | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | * | * | * | 3 |
| Total: | 7 | 6 | 18 | 18 | |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCP 211 | Adv Monitoring/Procedures | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| RCP 215 | Career Preparation | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| RCP 247 | RCP Clinical Practice V | 0 | 0 | 21 | 7 |
| Select one: | |||||
| Intro Interpersonal Com (Global) | (3) | (0) | (0) | (3) | |
| OR | |||||
| Public Speaking (Global) | (3) | (0) | (0) | (3) | |
| OR | |||||
| Writing/Research in the Disc (Global) | (3) | (0) | (0) | (3) | |
| OR | |||||
| Oral Communication | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Total: | 6 | 6 | 21 | 15 | |
Total Credit Hours: 72
Additional Information
*Re-enrollment in RCP 113 for first year Spring Semester is at the discretion of the program coordinator.
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective – Select one: ART 111, HUM 110, HUM 115, HUM 160, MUS 110, PHI 215, PHI 240 or REL 110. Consult an academic advisor concerning additional possible electives.
** Hours will vary depending on course selection.
Additional admissions requirements:
1. Completion of high school or college level credits in biology are required. High school chemistry and human anatomy and physiology are recommended.
2. Current documentation of American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification at the healthcare provider level (Professional). This is not required to be in the selective admissions pool, however, if selected into the program this must be completed before the start of clinical rotations.
3. Completion of the online Respiratory Therapy Open House/Orientation (RTOHO) session is required before the March deadline in order to be eligible for the selection pool for the fall entering class of the same year. Attendance at an Allied Health Information session is recommended but NOT REQUIRED.
4. Grade of C or better in all required related and program specific courses is mandatory for admission to and progression in the Respiratory Therapy program.
5. Completion of the Forsyth Tech Student Medical Form. This form will be sent out to those who are approved and selected for program admission. The form must be completed by the start of classes. A current TB test/chest x-ray and hepatitis B vaccination record (or signed waiver form) must be included and kept up-to-date and on file while matriculating in the Respiratory Therapy program.
Program Information
The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com)
All inquiries and questions should be directed to:
John Sherman, BSRT, RRT-ACCS-NPS, RCP
Program Coordinator
Respiratory Therapy Program (Advanced-Level)
Forsyth Technical Community College
2100 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Office: 302A Greene Hall, 336.757.3320
FAX: 336.734.7444
email: jsherman@forsythtech.edu
This program has limited enrollment. Students are chosen by a selective admissions process based on grades earned in required related courses (e.g., biology, English, psychology, etc.) and completion of any training such as certified nurse assistant (CNA I or CNA II), emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic, or any diploma or degree in a health or non-health field. The Admissions Office or college web site can provide additional information on the selection process.
A grade of F or any withdrawal in any required science course, RCP prefix course, or prerequisite course while enrolled in the program will result in dismissal from the program. Readmission may be possible but requires reapplying and approval by the college and may be on a space available basis.
Successful completion of an advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), neonatal resuscitation program (NRP), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) provider course is a requirement for graduation from the program. It will be the student’s responsibility to secure, enroll in and successfully complete these advanced life support provider courses. A copy of the completion cards will be kept on file in the Respiratory Therapy program student files. Students must become student-level members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) by the completion of their second semester in the program.
Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screening
Clinical agencies require criminal background checks and/or drug screening for students assigned to their facility for clinical education. In addition, national and/or state registry and/or licensure boards may prohibit eligibility for registry or licensure based on criminal background records. Please refer to the Health Technologies section on www.forsythtech.edu.
A45720