Respiratory Therapy Technology - A.A.S. Download to print

The Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy Technology is offered at the Ashtabula Campus. Respiratory Therapists work as members of a team of healthcare professionals working in a wide range of clinical settings to evaluate, treat and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders. With successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the certification and registry national board examinations to become a Certified and Registered Respiratory Therapist (CRT and RRT). Additionally, students are eligible to sit for the certification and registry national board examinations for pulmonary function testing to become a Certified and Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT and RPFT), and the Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (NPS) examination.  Please refer to the program's website for additional information (www.kent.edu/ashtabula/health-degrees/respiratory-therapy)

Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 19% from 2012 to 2022. About 81 percent of jobs are in hospitals, mainly in departments of respiratory care, anesthesiology, or pulmonary medicine. Most of the remaining jobs are in offices of physicians or other health practitioners, consumer-goods rental firms that supply respiratory equipment for home use, nursing care facilities, employment services, and home healthcare services (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics). Additionally, with continued education Respiratory Therapists can become Physician Assistants, Anesthesia Assistants, or other healthcare practitioners.

All seven of Kent State’s regional campuses are accessible to students who hold a high school diploma or GED. Admission decisions are based on cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Check with the Regional Campus Admissions Offices to determine application requirements, as they may differ among campuses.

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Acceptance to Technical Study:
This is a selective process. Students must have a overall GPA of 2.70; take or test out of MATH 00023 or equivalent; complete the following courses with a minimum C grade: BSCI 11010 or BSCI 21010 or equivalent, and CHEM 10050, CHEM 10055, CHEM 10060 or CHEM 10061; and complete four (4) hours of job shadowing experience for admission to the program. Students interested in the program should apply directly to the Ashtabula Campus and meet with the program director. To schedule an appointment call 440-964-4231.

Minimum 65 credit hours. Minimum 2.000 GPA in major and 2.000 overall GPA. Minimum grade of C (2.000) in all required courses, including RTT and related courses, general studies courses and prescribed developmental courses.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of respiratory care principles, current theories, and practices required of registered respiratory therapists as defined by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).
2. Exhibit, professionally and fluently, technical skills and procedures utilized in current practice by registered respiratory therapists.
3. Express personal professional ethics and behaviors expected of registered respiratory therapists in practice to obtain and maintain a positive impact in patient care and inter-staff relations.

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835.