The Respiratory Therapy curriculum prepares individuals to function as respiratory therapists. Respiratory Therapy involves assessment, diagnosis, treatment, management, preventive care, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary abnormalities including asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, coronary heart disease, and many more.
Respiratory therapists perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients. Procedures include:
| Oxygen administration Ventilator management Emergency respiratory care Breathing treatments Breathing exercises Chest physiotherapy Arterial Blood Gases |
Flight and ground transports Specialized diagnostic tests Sleep apnea studies Rehabilitation activities Smoking cessation programs Department management Patient and staff education |
A person interested in Respiratory Therapy needs the ability to make decisions, an interest in science and math, a desire to work for the good of others, and an ability to work well with other people. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals. However, an increasing number of them have branched out into alternate care settings such as nursing homes, physicians’ offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical transport agencies, medical equipment supply companies, and educational institutions.
At Stanly Community College students are enrolled in an exceptional clinical program to provide the “hands-on” experience that is needed to succeed in this profession. There is an extensive application of respiratory therapy skills in all adult, pediatric, and neonatal areas. Specialty rotations include Pulmonary Function Testing and Diagnostic Labs, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Open Heart Surgery, Cardiac Catheterization Labs, and Home Care. Our primary clinical affiliate is Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Respiratory therapists are required to complete at least a two-year associate degree. Upon completion of all required course work, the student will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy. Graduates of this accredited program are eligible to take the Entry-level and the Advanced Practitioner examinations from the National Board of Respiratory Care that lead to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
The Respiratory Therapy program will notify and recommend a student as a candidate for state licensure in Respiratory Therapy based on satisfactory academic achievement, competencies, and professional accountability upon completion of the program.
Stanly Community College also offers a Respiratory Therapy Advanced Standing program for Certified Respiratory Therapists who have a minimum of five years of experience in the field of Respiratory Care. Upon completion of all required course work, the student will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for admission to the Advanced Practitioner examinations by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
The Respiratory Therapy program of Stanly Community College (SCC) is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care in conjunction with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, a division of the American Medical Association.
Please refer to the Stanly Community College catalog for further details on admission requirements and program of study.
To request more information on the Respiratory Therapy program contact Tammy Crump:
Phone: (704) 991-0267
Email: tcrump5648@stanly.edu