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Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Associate of Applied Science
Mountain Empire Community College

The mission of the Mountain Empire Community College Respiratory Therapy Program is to provide competent advanced-level respiratory therapists who demonstrate professionalism while providing excellent care. It will provide the graduates with comprehensive skills to meet the employment needs of the health care providers within the MECC service region, the Commonwealth, and the nation.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to gather, comprehend, evaluate, apply, and problem solve using clinical information relevant to his/her role as a registered respiratory therapist.
2. Demonstrate the ability to perform the clinical technical skills relevant to his/her role as a registered respiratory therapist.
3. Exhibit the personal behaviors consistent with professional standards and employer expectations of a registered respiratory therapist.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The mission of the Mountain Empire Community College Respiratory Therapy Program is to provide competent advanced-level respiratory therapists who demonstrate professionalism while providing excellent care. It will provide the graduates with comprehensive skills to meet the employment needs of health care providers within the MECC service region, the commonwealth, and the nation.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. In addition to the general admission requirements of the College, this program requires a high/home school diploma or GED. High/home school courses must include one unit of algebra 1 and one unit of laboratory science with a C or above. If courses were not completed in high/home school with a C or above, they must be completed in college. The student’s high/home school and any college work attempted must reflect a minimum of “C” average.
To apply to the program, please complete the Respiratory Therapy Program Application online. If you are a new student or have not attended classes within the past year, you will also need to complete an Application for Admission to the College. Respiratory Therapy classes begin in the summer semester each year. Applications are accepted from August 16th to May 1st for each class starting in June. A selection process is utilized to choose applicants for each year’s program as each class is limited to a maximum of 20 students.
After the class has been filled, the remaining applicants will be placed on an alternate list. Should an admitted student not accept his/her position, applicants on the alternate list will be admitted into the program through the last day of registration for the summer classes.
Applicants who do not meet all the prerequisites will remain on the pre-respiratory list until all prerequisites are documented. Upon completion of the prerequisites, the applicant will be considered for admission to the program. If all the positions are filled, the applicant will be added to the alternate list.
A new Respiratory Therapy Program Application must be submitted for each year you wish to be considered for admission to the Respiratory Therapy program.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. In addition to the general admission requirements of the College, this program requires a high/home school diploma or GED. High/home school courses must include one unit of algebra 1 and one unit of laboratory science with a C or above. If courses were not completed in high/home school with a C or above, they must be completed in college. The student’s high/home school and any college work attempted must reflect a minimum of “C” average.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses To apply to the program, please complete the Respiratory Therapy Program Application online. If you are a new student or have not attended classes within the past year, you will also need to complete an Application for Admission to the College. Respiratory Therapy classes begin in the summer semester each year. Applications are accepted from August 16th to May 1st for each class starting in June. A selection process is utilized to choose applicants for each year’s program as each class is limited to a maximum of 20 students.
Doing More With Your Degree Respiratory Therapists have job opportunities in hospitals, home care, rehabilitation agencies, nursing homes, emergency transport teams, sleep centers, pulmonary function laboratories, outpatient clinics, and physician offices. Respiratory Therapists sees a diverse group of patients ranging from newborn and pediatric patients to adults and the elderly.
Program Successes & Highlights The MECC Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC program number 200453, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy
72
Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree
72
Course Requirements for 181
72
Core Requirements for 181
72
NAS 171
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 102
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 110
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SDV 101
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 131
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 145
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 151
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Soc Science EEE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
RTH 112
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 121
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 132
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 152
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 135
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 224
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 253
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Humanities Elective/Fine Arts
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ITE 119
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
RTH 226
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 254
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 227
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RTH 267
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
BIO 141 & 142
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
BIO 231 & 232
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Humanities/Social Science
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
RTH 265
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Residency
72
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 54 credits may be applied to this program.
Plan GPA for 181
72
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Central Virginia Community CollegeAAS in Respiratory Therapy TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Respiratory TherapyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeRespiratory Therapy, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Respiratory TherapyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1071.00Health Specialties Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-2099.00Health Technologists and Technicians, All OtherAll health technologists and technicians not listed separately.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.01Neurodiagnostic TechnologistsConduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.05Ophthalmic Medical TechnologistsAssist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.08Patient RepresentativesAssist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1126.00Respiratory TherapistsAssess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 72 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy at Mountain Empire Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 5 semesters or 2.5 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $167 Per Credit $12,024 $0 $12,024
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
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