Respiratory Therapy, AAS
The Respiratory Therapy program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Respiratory Therapy. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national credentialing examination to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The program features general educational and science prerequisites, as well as respiratory therapy courses. Interested students are required to make application for admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program. Eighteen students are accepted for the fall of each year.
Program Mission
The Respiratory Therapy program is focused on development of qualified graduates who are prepared to provide the essentials for the safe and effective delivery of respiratory care and patient education.
Program Goals
The Respiratory Therapy program focuses on developing qualified graduates by preparing them to provide the essentials for the safe and effective delivery of respiratory care and patient education. The goal of the Respiratory Care 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). Professional competence combines cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills essential for the safe and effective delivery of respiratory care. The Respiratory Care Program uses the outcome-based education model to ensure students develop and master the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors expected of the registered respiratory therapist (RRT).
Washburn University Assessment – Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
- PSLO 1: Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate medical information relevant to a registered respiratory therapist.
- PSLO 2: Demonstrate the technical proficiency in all skills necessary to function as a registered respiratory therapist.
- PSLO 3: Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with employer expectations as performed by registered respiratory therapists.
Accreditation
The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
264 Precision Blvd
Telford, TN 37690
Respiratory Therapy Student Organization
The Respiratory Care Student Organization (RCSO) is made up of current Respiratory Therapy majors. The purpose of the RCSO is to promote the purpose and program of respiratory care to the community including but not limited to: asthma education, smoking cessation, ECG screening, and pulmonary function screening; and to compete in the academic contest at the annual Kansas Respiratory Care Society’s conference.
Admission Requirements
This program has special admission requirements due to limited enrollment. Interested students should contact the Allied Health Department for specific requirements or visit https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/applied-studies/departments/allied-health/rt/index.html.
The Respiratory Therapy Program adheres to policies of non-discrimination as defined by various federal and state laws and regulations.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the requirements stated below, students must complete 15 hours of General Education and all requirements for an Associate of Applied Science degree. Some of the courses below may also fulfill general education or other degree requirements. Please see your advisor for more information.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses Inside Department 1 | ||
| AL 101 | Foundations of Healthcare | 3 |
| AL 185 | Principles of Respiratory Therapy I | 2 |
| AL 186 | Cardiopulmonary Assessment | 2 |
| AL 187 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical I | 3 |
| AL 289 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical II | 5 |
| AL 291 | Respiratory Therapy Principles and Procedures I | 3 |
| AL 292 | Respiratory Therapy Principles and Procedures II | 5 |
| AL 293 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical III | 5 |
| AL 294 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical Topics II | 3 |
| AL 295 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical IV | 5 |
| AL 296 | Respiratory Therapy Clinical Topics III | 3 |
| AL 315 | Allied Health Pharmacology | 3 |
| AL 382 | Cardiovascular Monitoring and Scanning | 3 |
| Subtotal | 45 | |
| Required Courses Outside Department 1 | ||
| BI 230 | Introduction to Human Physiology 2 | 3 |
| BI 250 | Introduction to Human Anatomy 2 | 3 |
| WU 101 | The Washburn Experience | 3 |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 54 | |
- 1
Students must receive a C or better in each course.
- 2
BI 100 is a required prerequisite for this course.