The Respiratory Therapy program leads to an Associate of Science (AS) 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 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).
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
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| AL 185 | Principles of Respiratory Therapy I | 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 |
| 34 |
| AL 101 | Foundations of Healthcare | 3 |
| AL 186 | Cardiopulmonary Assessment | 2 |
| AL 315 | Allied Health Pharmacology | 3 |
| AL 382 | Cardiovascular Monitoring and Scanning | 3 |
| BI 230 | Introduction to Human Physiology | 3 |
| BI 250 | Introduction to Human Anatomy | 3 |
| 17 |
| BI 100 | Introduction to Biology | 3 |
| 3 |
| Total Hours | 54 |
See Table of Contents for University Requirements and General Education Requirements. Some related courses may count here, consult your advisor.
