Program Coordinator
850.872.3837
jbarber@gulfcoast.edu
Academic Program SpecialistCrickett Pimentel
850.913.3311
Health SciencesGCSC@gulfcoast.edu
Pathway NavigatorTerri Thomas
850.769.1551 ext. 5863
tthomas3@gulfcoast.edu
Respiratory Care, AS
You Can Play a Key Role in Sustaining One of Life's Basic Necessities
Gulf Coast State College welcomes you to the Respiratory Care Program! Graduates of our program are eligible to take all national board exams offered in the field of Respiratory Therapy. Successful completion of the Respiratory Therapist exam awards the graduate the credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), or the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The CRT credential is recognized nationally and is required for obtaining a license to practice as a Respiratory Therapist. The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential is awarded for higher achieved scores and the successful completion of the Clinical Simulation Exam. The RRT is the highest level of credentialing in the field of Respiratory Therapy. Through this five-semester program, we will help prepare you to pass your board exams through the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and after state licensing, begin your career. We look forward to working with you!
The field of Respiratory Care is experiencing one of the highest levels of demand for graduates seen in the last decade. Employment opportunities are abundant both locally and nationally. This trend is forecasted to accelerate as the aging population increases. Starting salaries range between $36,000 and $55,000 annually, with sign-on bonuses and moving expenses being offered routinely.
Respiratory Care Program Goals:
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To provide instruction necessary to enable graduates to function as proficient Respiratory Therapist who have competence in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains of Respiratory Therapy that are performed by Registered Respiratory Therapist.
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To help satisfy the need in the local and regional communities for skilled Respiratory Therapist.
Respiratory Therapists:
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specialize in the evaluation, treatment, and care of patients with breathing disorders.
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perform procedures crucial in maintaining the lives of seriously ill patients with breathing problems.
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assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with heart and lung disease.
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are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, sleep disorders clinics, pulmonary function labs, hyperbaric chambers, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC)
Gulf Coast State College Respiratory Care Program (CoARC #200449) is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
We offer an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care. 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. This information can be found on the CoARC outcomes webpage.
Gulf Coast State College Respiratory Care Program CoARC #200449
Respiratory Care Course Requirements
h3
Philosophy/Religion or
Literature
Psychology/Sociology
American National Government, United States History I, or United States History II
and demonstrate Civic Literacy Competency
Medical Terminology
Respiratory Care Courses
Cardiopulmonary Courses
A complete list of courses with descriptions can be found in the Catalog
What can you do with a Respiratory Care Degree?
What jobs will you find with a degree in Respiratory Care?
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Adult Critical Care Specialty
Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist
Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist
Gulf Coast alumni of this program have continued their education at:
Nova Southeastern University
Florida National University
Florida A & M University
"The GCSC Respiratory Care program provided me with supportive teachers and a nationally accredited curriculum that ultimately set me up for success. This program gave me the opportunity to practice respiratory therapist skills at several hospitals, and allowed me to get hands-on-learning with respiratory equipment. Despite the challenges of Hurricane Michael, followed by a world-wide covid-19 pandemic, the staff made sure every student’s needs were met. I am now working as a registered respiratory therapist, and I can say that this program was an excellent foundation for my career, and I highly recommend it! "
Respiratory Care Lab
You'll acquire the skills you need to be successful in Gulf Coast State College's state-of-the-art respiratory care lab where you will get the hand-on experience you need in a safe environment.Are you ready to get Started ?
How to apply to the Respiratory Care Program
First, you must complete the general admission application to Gulf Coast State College. Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process.
In addition to the general application, you will need to complete an application packet for the Respiratory Care (Therapy) program. The packet includes a complete list of admission requirements and prerequisite course requirements.
Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.
The application process is competitive; please contact the program advisor to find out how to increase your chances for admission.
Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.