Respiratory Therapy (AAS)

Profession

The Respiratory Therapy Program is designed to prepare graduates to participate in patient assessment, perform diagnostic testing, administer therapeutic treatments, maintain patient ventilation through mechanical support, and participate in the rehabilitation of patients with pulmonary disease. Students and graduates will participate in the treatment and care of patients of every age in a variety of locations. This profession requires an ability to interact and communicate effectively with patients and other health professionals. The respiratory therapist must be able to establish and maintain a rapport with patients, demonstrate an ability to work with mechanical systems, and work with others as part of the health care team.

Program

A minimum of sixty-five (65) credits are required to receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy.  The program consists of 22 months of combined academic and clinical education. The curriculum is based on five (5) semesters including one (1) summer session. 

Upon successful completion of the Associates of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy the student is eligible to the national certification exam offered by the National Board for Respiratory care. Certification through the NBRC is required to practice as a Respiratory Therapist.

General Education courses may be taken prior to admittance to the program. Students must be admitted into the respiratory therapy program to take program courses.

Upon completion of the Respiratory Therapy Program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to the role as registered respiratory therapy practitioner.
  2. Demonstrate technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role as a registered respiratory therapy practitioner.
  3. Demonstrate personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations for the registered respiratory therapy practitioner.

Mission, Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes

Mission: To prepare students to function as competent registered respiratory therapists.

Goals: The goal of the Respiratory Therapy program is to provide the student with knowledge and experiences that will prepare the student for future professional employment and will serve as a solid foundation for a life-time of continuing professional learning.  The Faculty of this program are also concerned with providing an educational atmosphere that will assist in the development of caring health professionals who are concerned not only with the physical needs but also with the emotional and psychological needs of the patient.

Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy program at Eastern Gateway Community College is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC).

The maximum accreditation that may be awarded by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care is ten years. 

The Respiratory Therapy Program, Steubenville Campus, at Eastern Gateway Community College received a full 10 year continuing accreditation in March of 2022.  

The next site visit is anticipated to be 3/31/2032. 

CoARC Contact Information

The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care

264 Precision Blvd Telford, TN 37690 USA

Website: https://coarc.com/
E-mail:  webmaster@coarc.com

Clinical Education

Facilities for clinical education include:

  • Trinity Health Systems, Steubenville, OH.
  • Select Specialty Hospital, Weirton, WV
  • East Ohio Hospital LLC., Martins Ferry, OH
  • UPMC Presbyterian
  • UPMC Mercy
  • UPMC Magee Women’s NICU
  • Select Specialty Hospital, Wheeling, WV
  • East Liverpool City Hospital, East Liverpool, OH

Students are assigned day clinical experiences at the beginning of the second semester one day a week. During the next two semesters and one summer session, students will be assigned clinical experiences two days a week.

The PM/Rotations are utilized, and students will be provided advance notice of when their PM/Rotations are scheduled.

Transfer of Credit/Transfer Students

The Respiratory Therapy Program at EGCC Steubenville Campus does not accept transfer credits from another accredited respiratory program. In addition, the program does not accept transfer students from other accredited respiratory programs. 

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