This is an archived copy of the 2023-24 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.jccc.edu/.

The respiratory therapist is involved in a variety of lifesaving and life-supporting situations. Respiratory therapists treat patients ranging in age from newborns to senior citizens in the prevention, treatment, management and rehabilitation of lung problems. Employment is typically in hospitals but is available in several other health delivery venues. The health care needs of an aging population will play a role in the future of respiratory care.

JCCC’s associate of applied science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC www.coarc.com). Graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care examination to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential.

This is a selective admission program with limited enrollment. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the program website or contact JCCC program personnel for additional information and application materials at (913)469-2583.

Students must “pass” all clinical courses and maintain a grade of “C” or higher in all non-clinical courses to remain in the program.

(Major Code 237A; CIP Code 51.0908)

Respiratory Care Program web page

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Prerequisite Semester

BIOL 144Human Anatomy and Physiology*5
Note: BIOL 140 and BIOL 225 will satisfy the BIOL 144 requirement.
CHEM 122Principles of Chemistry*5
Note: CHEM 124 and CHEM 125 will satisfy the CHEM 122 requirement.
ENGL 121Composition I*3
Total Hours13
 

First Semester

MATH 116Intermediate Algebra* (or higher)3
RC 120Respiratory Structure and Function*2
RC 124Fundamentals of Respiratory Care*6
RC 131Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics*3
Total Hours14
 

Second Semester

BIOL 230Microbiology*3
RC 136Cardiopulmonary Diseases*3
RC 140Respiratory Care Pharmacology*2
RC 145Cardiopulmonary Critical Care I*5
RC 146Pediatric/Neonatal Respiratory Care*2
Total Hours15
 

Third Semester

RC 255Cardiopulmonary Critical Care II*5
RC 271Respiratory Care Clinical Experience I*6
Social Science and/or Economics Elective ^3
Total Hours14

Fourth Semester

RC 265Respiratory Care Program Capstone*3
RC 272Respiratory Care Clinical Experience II*6
Humanities Elective ^3
Total Hours12
Total Program Hours: 68 
*

This course has registration requirements.

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See all AAS general education electives.