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Respiratory Therapy Program
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Respiratory Therapy Department Home
We are in the business of preparing some of the best Respiratory Care Practitioners in the nation. The field needs motivated people who
- want to help others as a health care provider
- are mechanically inclined
- have solid communication skills
- think clearly under stress
To find out more, read on, or give us a call (650) 949-7538.
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Contact Information
If you have questions regarding course requirements, you may call
- Virginia Becchine, Director (650) 949-7466
- Davida Vance Lee, career counselor for the program (650) 949-7423
- BioHealth Division office, (650) 949-7249
- Kerry West, Health Career Coordinator, (650-949-7538)
- Biological & Health Sciences Home Page
- Foothill College Main Campus (650) 949-7777
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About the Respiratory Therapy Program
What is Respiratory Therapy
This two-year therapist program can prepare you for employment in the exciting high-tech health care field of respiratory care. Respiratory therapists manage the ventilation of critically ill patients as well as provide acute and chronic care to patients with pulmonary disease. Most work is performed in the hospital environment. Program graduates are allowed to take all national board exams. The Foothill College Respiratory Therapy Program has an excellent pass record for national board and state licensure examinations.
Foothill College offers the following respiratory therapist training programs
Two Year Therapist Program offers an Associate in Science Degree and starts in the fall each year. View the Program application.
Continuing Education Units.
The Respiratory Therapy program also offers continuing education units for Practicing Therapists.
- CEU's can be obtained by successfully completing specific courses.
- One hour is given for each hour of class attendance.
- Contact the Program Director to find out which courses are available for a specific quarter, (650) 949-7466.
Career Opportunities in Respiratory Therapy
The employment outlook for graduates is excellent. Respiratory Therapists can work full or part-time. The average annual salary for experienced registered therapists is approximately $65,000 to $80,000. Most therapists work in a hospital with eight or twelve hour shifts being the norm. Graduates can specialize in areas such as: adult and neonatal intensive care, pediatric care, pulmonary function testing, or home care. There are opportunities for advancement.
The Primary objectives of the program include:
- Graduate students who demonstrate:
- ability to comprehend, apply and evaluate information necessary to practice as an advanced respiratory care practitioner.
- skills necessary to perform competently as an advanced respiratory care practitioner.
- professional attitudes and behaviors
- Provide graduates to the community who obtain their professional license (RCP) and credentials (CRT and RRT).
- Educate students to obtain gainful employment.
Secondary objectives of the program include:
- Provide continuing education to practicing respiratory care practitioners.
- Provide training for the National Board for Respiratory Care, Neonatal and Pediatric Specialty (NPS) Exam as well as the Certified and Registered Pulmonary Function Exams (CPFT and RPFT).
Program Expectations and Student Evaluation
Prior to graduating from the program, all students must satisfy minimum competencies in didactic, laboratory and clinical education. Students must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist and those expected of a licensed professional.
All RSPT major courses need to be completed in the sequence listed on the Curriculum Sheet. All courses must be completed with a "C" final grade or better.
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