Respiratory Therapy

Degree Type

Associate Degree

Typical Start Term

Fall

Program code

RETH

Program Number

105151

Credits

63.00

Estimated Cost

$10,573

Location

La Crosse

Illness, injury, premature birth, and chronic respiratory conditions can impact individuals' ability to breathe, making respiratory therapists an invaluable part of the healthcare team. In this critical role, you'll be evaluating, diagnosing, and treating various breathing disorders.

Collaborating closely with physicians, you'll contribute to the development of treatment plans aimed at improving respiratory function, and your responsibilities will extend to monitoring the effectiveness of these treatments. Your treatment strategies may involve administering inhaled medications, utilizing therapeutic or life support equipment, or implementing a combination of therapies to address respiratory issues. Additionally, you'll play a vital role in patient and family education, providing crucial information on managing respiratory conditions.

Western's program offers a variety of instructional formats, including traditional, online, and blended courses, ensuring flexibility in your education. Graduates are required to pass an examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care, leading to the designation of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). With the CRT credential, you become eligible to apply for a license to practice respiratory care throughout the United States. You can also pursue the Clinical Simulation Examination to achieve the designation of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), further enhancing your qualifications and career prospects in the field of respiratory therapy.

The Respiratory Therapy program is currently under review to ensure it continues to meet student and workforce needs. We are not accepting applications at this time. If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, we encourage you to explore our other programs or contact us to discuss your options. Submit an email to EnrollServices@westerntc.edu to receive updates.

View the Respiratory Therapy program’s required disclosure on professional licensure (PDF).

Career Opportunities

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Care Practitioner

Polysomnographic Technician

Program Outcomes

Apply respiratory therapy concepts to patient care situations

Demonstrate technical proficiency required to fulfill the role of a Respiratory Therapist

Practice respiratory therapy according to established professional and ethical standards

Admissions Requirements

Apply at www.westerntc.edu/how-to-apply
Western’s Admission Coaches are available to help you through the application process. Have questions or need advice? Call 608-785-9200 or email AdmissionsCoach@westerntc.edu.
Western must comply with a Waiting List Policy when academic programs meet capacity. This policy adheres to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS10.07.

Additional Requirements

These Academic Preparedness Requirements must be complete to be admitted to the Respiratory Therapy program core courses:
- High School or GED/HSED Transcript
- Respiratory Therapy Technical Standards
- Respiratory Therapy Background Check form (PDF)
- General Anatomy and Physiology (10806177)*
  - *Must be completed with a "C" or better
If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
After admission to the college, you will be considered a Pre-core Respiratory Therapy student. Admission to core classes in the Respiratory program is based on application date and successful completion of the academic preparedness requirements for the program. Students are able to apply for financial aid and take general education courses to meet academic preparedness requirements as a Respiratory student. There is an estimated wait time of approximately three terms after admission to the college before starting core courses.

Accreditation

After graduation, the student is qualified to take the Respiratory Therapist Multiple Choice Examination issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful completion of this exam earns the graduate the entry level designation of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) which is required for licensure in all states except Alaska and Hawaii. After earning the CRT credential students can go on to take the Clinical Simulation Examination which will earn them the title of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

The Western Technical College Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC program number 200365, Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy degree awarded, Western Technical College 400 7th Street N. La Crosse, WI 54601, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).

The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com), 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690, phone 817-283-2835.

Success rates for both exams, as well as data on job placement are reported annually by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Program Number: 200365

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. To compare Western Technical College to other colleges in the country, follow this link to the CoARC website: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/.

Software & Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools.
Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page.
The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9198.

Need Assistance?

Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

Prior Learning

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.

Additional Information

Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the document below:

Program Contact

Franz Schuttenhelm
Program Chair, Respiratory Therapy
608-789-6049
SchuttenhelmF@westerntc.edu

Is financial aid available?

Yes

Learning Format

In-Person

Area of Interest

Health Sciences

Teaser description

Illness, injury, premature birth, and chronic respiratory conditions can impact individuals' ability to breathe, making respiratory therapists an invaluable part of the healthcare team.

Programs In this Area of Interest

Other Programs in This Area of Interest

Western offers a wide range of Health Sciences programs designed to fit your interests and career aspirations and prepare you for a variety of healthcare settings.

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