Program Details

Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy

Associate of Applied Science

Tidewater Community College

This program is included in: G3

The Respiratory Therapy program prepares students to work under the direction of a physician in assisting in diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, and in helping patients to recover their lung function. Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) deliver medications and oxygen, operate life support machines, and assure that patients have open breathing passages, among other duties. Graduates of the program may seek employment in hospital emergency rooms, intensive care units, outpatient clinics, and home health care.

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Respiratory Therapy program. Entrance requirements for this program include completion of ENG 111, BIO 141 (BIO 142 is recommended), and SDV 101. Additionally, placement into MTH 154 with no co-requisite or completion of an equivalent or higher-level college math class is also required. Both a college and a Health Professions Program application are also required. Qualified candidates will be granted an interview based on the number and quality of applicants. Participation in an open house orientation session is mandatory. Official transcripts from other colleges attended must be submitted to the Office of the College Registrar at Tidewater Community College prior to the application deadline. For further information regarding admission, continuance, and graduation requirements, go to tcc.edu (search keywords "respiratory therapy").

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Respiratory Therapy prepares students to take the examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. The Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC). More information about COARC can be found at www.coarc.com.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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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
Considerations When Selecting Courses	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 Tidewater Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights	TCC had 11 graduates in 2020-21, 14 graduates in 2019-20, 14 graduates in 2018-19, 16 graduates in 2017-18, and 16 graduates in 2016-17 in the AAS program in Respiratory Therapy.

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree. For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-prior-learning
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: Tidewater Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

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Transfer Admission Application

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Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

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Number of Transfer Students

3364

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer. https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs.

Where Can This Degree Transfer

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 College	AAS in Respiratory Therapy Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Mountain Empire Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Respiratory Therapy, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
25-1071.00	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-2099.00	Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other	All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.01	Neurodiagnostic Technologists	Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.05	Ophthalmic Medical Technologists	Assist 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
29-2099.08	Patient Representatives	Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1126.00	Respiratory Therapists	Assess, 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

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 67 credits remaining to be completed

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Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy at Tidewater Community College These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 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	$165	Per Credit	$11,055	$0	$11,055	Tuition is subject to change by action of the State Board for Community Colleges. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Fees
Institutional Fee	$7	Per Credit	$469	0	$469	Used to fund expenses related to campus parking including, but no limited to parking improvements, signage, parking lot repairs, lot security, and overall improvements. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit	$201	0	$201	Used to fund various student activities and programs including, but not limited to honor societies, leadership training, community and cultural events, clubs, athletics, student publications, and learning assistance. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Auxiliary Capital Fee	$20	Per Credit	$1,340	0	$1,340	Used to construct, maintain, and operate facilities for which state General Fund dollars are not permitted. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.

*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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