Respiratory Therapy

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.

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

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).

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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.

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:

• Supplemental Information (PDF)
• Academic Handbook (PDF)
• Clinical Handbook (PDF)

Program Contact

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