Overview - Respiratory Care
The Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care combines classroom and clinical
experience to train students in caring for patients who have trouble breathing. As
a registered respiratory therapist, you may perform diagnostic tests, administer a
variety of treatments. and be called into emergency situations. Therapists work in
hospitals and other health care facilities, medical offices, and in home health. Graduates
are well-prepared to take the National Board of Respiratory Care exam to become a
nationally recognized registered respiratory therapist.
View the Respiratory Care A.A.S. admissions and academic details.
Career Information
The career finder can help students decide upon the best career path for their area of study. It can provide valuable insights about occupations, salary, and employment trends related to each program of study offered at Walters State Community College. View the projected job growth and labor statistics for this academic program by entering a location.
*Modern Campus Pathways uses data provided by Lightcast.
The Walters State Experience
Why Should You “Write Your Story” at Walters State?
At Walters State, we focus on your success. Our classes are small and professors care about their students’ academic and career goals. Transfer to four-year colleges and universities is seamless through the Tennessee Transfer Pathway and articulation agreements. Want to start a career right after Walters State? Our technical certificates and associate of applied science degrees will train you for in-demand jobs in exciting fields, such as public safety, healthcare, technology and business.
Highlights
- Walters State has been twice awarded Tennessee Community College of the Year.
- Small classes and outstanding faculty who are focused on student success.
- 98% job placement rate for technical education graduates.
- Seamless transfer of classes to four-year colleges through the Tennessee Transfer Pathway program and articulation agreements.
Cost and Admissions
Apply to WSCC
Students must apply, meet admission requirements, and be accepted by Walters State Community College (WSCC).
Additionally, any student desiring to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care must:
- Apply, meet admission requirements and be accepted by Walters State Community College.
- Indicate AS Health Sciences-Respiratory Care as the desired major on the WSCC application form.
- Follow college policy for advising prior to registration.
- Successfully complete all required Learning Support courses no later than the end of the spring semester the year the student elects to participate in the selection process.
- Successfully complete BIOL 2010/2011, BIOL 2020/2021 no later than the end of the spring semester the year the student elects to participate in the selection process. A grade of "C" or better must be achieved in all science courses. Biological science courses previously taken must have been completed within the last 10 years.
- Complete the computer competency requirement.
- Submit the required pre-admission test scores. See program director or clinical application for specific test information.
- Students cannot audit any respiratory care course without the approval of the dean of Health Programs/program director of Respiratory Care.
Any exceptions to the above policies must be approved by the Respiratory Care Admission Committee.
Funding Your Education
Tuition is set each June by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Tuition and fees for the current academic year may be viewed on the Cashiers Office website.
Four types of financial aid are available; federal, state, institutional and other sources. Students need to send FAFSA information to the college for consideration for state and/or federal money (lottery scholarships, Pell grants, etc.). WSCC is an eligible institution for Hope (lottery) scholarships. For specific information please contact the Financial Aid Office.
Program Outcomes
Accreditation
