Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Locations: Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ontario

Overview

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 51.0908 (Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist)

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1126.00 (Respiratory Therapist), 29-2054.00 (Respiratory Therapy Technicians)

Quarter Credits: 103.0

Clock Hours: 1580

Method of Delivery: Blended

Number of Weeks: 80*

*Weeks May Be Extended Depending On Holiday Schedules

Career Training Objective

The Associate of Occupational Science degree in Respiratory Therapy program is designed to prepare students as entry-level Respiratory Therapists with the competencies and skills needed to assist with patient respiratory care.

Respiratory Care is a health care discipline which specializes in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function and health. Respiratory Therapists apply scientific principles to prevent, identify, and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. Knowledge of the scientific principles underlying cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, as well as biomedical engineering and technology, enable respiratory therapists to effectively offer preventative care to, as well as assess, educate, and treat patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies.

As a health care profession, Respiratory Care is practiced under medical direction across the health care continuum. Critical thinking, patient/ environment assessment skills, and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines enable respiratory therapists to develop and implement effective care plans, patient-driven protocols, disease-based clinical pathways, and disease management programs. A variety of venues serve as the practice site for this health care profession including, but not limited to: acute care hospitals, sleep disorder centers and diagnostic laboratories, rehabilitation, research and skilled nursing facilities, patients’ homes, patient transport systems, physician offices, convalescent and retirement centers, educational institutions, field representatives and wellness centers.

The training program is divided into eight 10-week quarters consisting of general education, anatomy and physiology, core respiratory therapy, and clinical practicum courses. Clinical experience in hospital or clinical settings is required for successful completion of the program. Clinical rotations total 720 hours. Each quarter is comprised of prescribed subjects or studies that build upon each other.

Completion of the program is acknowledged by the awarding of an Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Learn more about ACC's Respiratory Therapy Program

Instructional Equipment List

• Adult Practice Manikins
• Airway Heart and Lung Models
• Crash Cart
• Mechanical Ventilators
• Neonatal Practice Manikins, oxygen, humidity, lung expansion, airway management, pulmonary function, and secretion clearance equipment for skill practice
• Pediatric Practice Manikins
• Piped Air, Oxygen and Suction
• Tracheotomy Trays

Program Outline

Program Locations: Los Angeles, Orange County and Ontario

Total Credit Hours: 103

† Courses offered online.
‡ Courses offered in a blended format, a combination of online and on ground.