The goal of the respiratory therapy program is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). The Respiratory Therapy program combines classroom and clinical experiences. Faculty works with clinical sites and prospective employers to assure graduates are prepared for the rapidly changing health care environment. Individuals are provided with the knowledge and skills needed to provide care throughout the patient lifespan in various settings.
The coursework includes respiratory care fundamentals, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and critical care. Clinical experience integrates classroom materials into real-world applications. Respiratory Therapy is an exciting and challenging career. Therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing and/or other cardiopulmonary problems.
They also provide education to aid in the prevention of further disease processes. Therapists consult with physicians and other health care providers to establish a comprehensive patient care plan.
Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing exam, which is required to practice as a respiratory therapist. Employment may be found with acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician offices, home care, industry, and community agencies.
The AAS Degree Respiratory Therapy program at Wilkes Community College, located in Wilkesboro, N.C., program number 200544, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
Program Information
- Intro to Respiratory Care
- RCP Pharmacology
- RCP Pathophysiology
- Critical Care Concepts
- Neonatal/Pediatrics
- Advanced Monitoring
- Basic Anatomy & Physiology
- Therapeutics/Diagnostics
- Patient Management
- Utilize critical thinking, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills to accurately assess a patient’s condition, develop a plan of care, and modify the treatment plan as needed so that safe and effective respiratory care is given.
- Document completely and accurately using proper grammar and medical terminology.
- Exhibit ethical, caring, and culturally competent behaviors toward patients and their family members.
- Utilize professional communication and behavior when dealing with patients, their families, and other members of the healthcare team.
Contact Information
Dean-Health Sciences & Director-Respiratory Therapy
Phone: 336-838-6496
wdwoods000@wilkescc.edu
Admission Information
The AAS Degree Respiratory Therapy program at Wilkes Community College located in Wilkesboro, NC, program number 200544, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com)
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
PO Box 54876
Hurst, Texas 76054-4876
(817) 283-2835
Outcomes data for the program can be found at:
https://www.coarc.com/Students/Programmatic-Outcome-Data.aspx
Purpose Statement
All students in the Respiratory Therapy program are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for successful completion of all phases of the program and reflect industry requirements and standards. Students are required to demonstrate the following program technical standards; examples are not all inclusive:
| Standard | Essential Function | Examples |
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| Communication- Oral/Written |
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| Mobility/Motor Skills |
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| Physical Strength and Stamina |
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Sensory
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| Environmental / Occupational Exposure Work Environment |
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| Field or Industry Professional Standards |
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Disability Services Statement
Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet essential eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.
Respiratory Therapy curriculum prepares individuals to function as Respiratory Therapists. In these roles, individuals perform diagnostic testing, treatments, and management of patients with heart and lung diseases. Students will master skills in patient assessment and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. These skills include life support, monitoring, drug administration, and treatment of patients of all ages in a variety of settings. Graduates of accredited programs may be eligible to take entry-level examinations from the National Board of Respiratory Care. Therapy graduates may also take the Advanced Practitioner examination. Graduates may be employed in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, education, industry, and home care.
- Respiratory Therapy Admission Requirements
- Respiratory Therapy Checksheet
- Readmission/Transfer/Advanced Entry Admission Requirements
For questions concerning the admission procedures, please contact Callie McCraw, Health Sciences admissions advisor at 336-838-6459 or Wanda Shore, admissions assistant at 336-838-6135.
For questions concerning the Respiratory Therapy program, please contact Billy Woods, director of Respiratory Therapy at 336-838-6496.