Respiratory Care Practitioner
Find Your Wings
The Respiratory Care Practitioner Program is a specialized training program that provides a student with the knowledge and skills to become a competent Respiratory Therapist. Skills application is vital in this comprehensive program. Successful program graduates use critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to apply technology to the work requirement. This field has experienced rapid expansion and the trend is expected to continue.Progression: To meet graduation requirements for this program, students must successfully complete the specified courses listed below with a “C” average (GPA of 2.00) or better. A grade of “C” or higher is required in each RCT course to progress in the program. A passing grade must be earned in all other coursework.
Minimum admission requirements (in addition to general admission requirements) must include one of the following:
- Attain a 17 composite score on the ACT;
- Score a 240 or higher on the ACCUPLACER Reading Section, 231 on the Algebra Section and a 275 or above on the Arithmetic Section;
- Complete at least 15 semester hours of program specific coursework with a “C” average or above at an accredited college or university. Courses must include A&P I w/Lab, A&P II w/Lab (required as prerequisites). Remaining credit hours can be chosen from English Composition I, Public Speaking, Computer Concepts or Applications, Behavioral Science and a Humanities or Fine Arts; and
- Have a cumulative grade point average (cGPA) of 2.00 (“C” average) on all previous college coursework; and
- Earn a “C” or higher in BIO 2513/2511 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO 2523/2521 Anatomy and Physiology II prior to admission; and Attend an RCT Information Session. Students will receive notice from the Registrar’s Office about scheduling their information/interview session.
The Respiratory Care Admissions Committee will select each year’s class from the pool
of applicants who meet minimum admission requirements. Any application with incomplete
records will not be considered for admission.
Priority consideration for admission will be given as follows:
- In-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC;
- Out-of-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC;
- Mississippi residents who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework elsewhere;
- Out-of-state students check with the Health Education Advisor for selection details and deadlines.
After program admission, students must provide proof of immunization for MMR. A Mantoux
Two-Step TB Skin Test. A drug screening test will be scheduled after enrollment.
All students admitted into the program will be required to pay for fingerprinting and background checks, which will be performed after admission and prior to clinical laboratories. These fees will be attached as registration fees. There are certain convictions that will prevent an individual from being eligible to participate in clinical experiences. If a student is unable to participate in clinical experiences, he/she will be dismissed from the program. For additional information, contact the Health Education Advisor.
Students in the Respiratory Care Practitioner Program must attend MCC full-time (15 or more semester credit hours).
Prerequisites | ||
---|---|---|
Course Number | Course Description | Hours |
BIO 2513 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
BIO 2511 | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 1 |
BIO 2523 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
BIO 2521 | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
Semester Hours | 8 |
FIRST YEAR | FIRST SEMESTER |
||
Course Number | Course Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
RCT 1213 | Respiratory Care Science | 3 |
RCT 1313 | Cardiopulmonary Anatomys & Physiology | 3 |
RCT 1223 | Patient Assessment and Planning | 3 |
RCT 1414 | Respiratory Care Technology I | 4 |
RCT 1011 | Seminar I | 1 |
RCT 1613 | Respiratory Pharmacology | 3 |
Semester Hours | 13 |
SECOND SEMESTER |
||
Course Number | Course Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
SPT 1113 | Public Speaking | 3 |
RCT 1516 | Clinical Practice I | 6 |
RCT 1424 | Respiratory Care Technology II | 4 |
RCT 1021 | Seminar II | 1 |
RCT 2333 | Cardiopulmonary Pathology | 3 |
Semester Hours | 17 |
SUMMER SEMESTER | ||
Course Number | Course Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
RCT 1524 | Clinical Practice II | 4 |
RCT 1323 | Pulmonary Function Testing | 3 |
ENG 1113 | English Composition I | 3 |
Semester Hours | 10 |
SECOND YEAR | FIRST SEMESTER |
||
Course Number | Course Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Behavioral/Social Science Elective | 3 | |
Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
RCT 2534 | Clinical Practice III | 4 |
RCT 2434 | Respiratory Care Technology III | 4 |
RCT 2031 | Seminar III | 1 |
CSC 1113 | Computer Concepts | 3 |
Semester Hours | 18 |
SECOND SEMESTER |
||
Course Number | Course Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
RCT 2713 | Respiratory Care Seminar | 3 |
RCT 2546 | Clinical Practice IV | 6 |
RCT 2614 | Neonatal/Ped. Management | 4 |
Semester Hours | 12 | |
Total Semester Hours (including pre-requisites courses) |
71 79 |
The Respiratory Care Practitioner Program, #200478, awarding an Associate of Applied
Science at the campus in Meridian, MS, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
for Respiratory Care ( https://www.coarc.com ).
Successful completion of the program enables the student to become a CRT/RRT after completing the National Board for Respiratory Care exams.Li
- Neonatal/Ped. Management
- Respiratory Care Science
- Respiratory Pharmacology
- Patient Assessment and Planning
- $34,860 (local): Salary Range
- $47,930 (state): Salary Range
- $52,000 (regionally): Salary Range
- $40,089 (local):Salary Range after five years
- $55,195 (state):Salary Range after five years
- $59,800 (regionally):Salary Range after five years
For more information:
Shelly Ishie, coordinator
sishie@meridiancc.edu
601.484.8753
For more information:
Anna Hall, advisor
ahall4@meridiancc.edu
601.484-8629