The Respiratory Therapy Program (RPT) is a balanced curriculum, including both respiratory and general education courses. Course content includes the role of the respiratory therapist, health care concepts, and technical observations and skills. It provides the student with a strong background in the use of respiratory equipment, cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, diagnostic procedures, sleep disorders, and pathophysiology. The student receives direct, hands-on patient care experience in various hospitals and facilities throughout his or her clinical education. The respiratory courses must be taken in sequential order. New classes begin in the fall semester of each year.
The Respiratory Therapy Program at Shelton State Community College holds Continuing accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com). This status signifies that a program has demonstrated sufficient compliance with CoARC standards. It is recognized by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) toward eligibility to the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). CoARC is located at 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690. CoARC can be contacted by phone at 817.283.2835.
Admission Procedure
I. Apply online for admission to Shelton State Community College.
II. Submit copies of official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended to the Office of Enrollment Services. All transcripts must be evaluated by Enrollment Services for determination of course credits and GPA calculations.
III. Submit transcript verification form to the Office of Enrollment Services.
IV. Meet all academic requirements and complete any program admission requirements (listed below).
V. After successful completion of all academic and admission requirements, the student may submit the online application for admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program. Applications are accepted between May 1 and June 1 for fall admission. Selection of students is made in July of each year for admission in the fall semester. Application does not ensure acceptance to RPT.
VI. Complete application checklist provided after submission of the online respiratory application.
Minimum Admission Requirements for the RPT Program
I. June 1 application deadline with selection of students in July each year
II. An official transcript of all college work
III. A copy of current class schedule, if enrolled
IV. An overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all college work completed and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale on all prerequisite courses
V. Completion of all prerequisite courses with a letter grade of “C” (70) or above: ENG 101 , MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201 , BIO 202 , and RPT 256 with a letter grade of “C” (75) or above
NOTE: The BIO 202 must be taken within the last five years.
VI. Submit a hard copy of Next-Generation, ACCUPLACER, or ACT reading scores
NOTE: The Next-Generation Reading score must be 244 or higher and taken within the last three (3) years; the ACCUPLACER reading score must be 70 or higher and taken within the last three (3) years; or the ACT reading score must be 17 or higher and taken within the last three (3) years.
VII. Attendance at a Health Services Program Information Session within the last year prior to applying to the program
Calculation of Points for Students Meeting Minimum Respiratory Therapy Program Admission Standards
After meeting all minimum requirements, applicants are rank-ordered using a point system based on the following:
I. Points from the required academic courses for the Respiratory Therapy Program are as follows: ENG 101 , MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201 , BIO 202 , and RPT 256 .
Points for grades are as follows: A = 3 points, B = 2 points, C = 1 point.
II. An overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required on all college work completed. Points for overall GPA are as follows: 4.000-3.500 = 4 points, 3.499-3.000 = 3 points, 2.999-2.500 = 2 points, and 2.499-2.000 = 1 point.
III. Twelve (12) points may be awarded as follows: successful completion of ORI 101 ;CIS 146 ; PSY 200 ; SPH 106 , SPH 107 , or SPH 116 .
Points for grades are as follows: A = 3 points, B = 2 points, C = 1 point.
IV. An additional four points may be awarded for the following: six months of work experience in a health-related field with direct patient care or the completion of a health-related program.
A total of thirty-five (35) points is possible with these selection criteria.
NOTE: Selection of students is made in July of each year for admission in the fall semester. Application does not ensure acceptance to RPT.
