Associate of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Clarion's University's Associate of Science, Respiratory Care degree program is located at Venango College in Oil City and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC*). The 24-month program has an academic preparation of two semesters of general education course work and continues with a 14-month clinical program in respiratory care.

Suggested Respiratory Care Prerequisites:
*Math 050 if necessary, as determined by Clarion's math placement exam
*BIOL 111 (Basic Biology) if students have not had one year of high school or college biology with a minimum grade of "C" or better.

Admission to Clarion is available to individuals who meet the university's standard admission criteria.  Admission to the respiratory care program is contingent upon vacancy.  Students are admitted via rolling admission until the program reaches full capacity.

It is highly recommended that students complete four documented hours of respiratory care career shadowing with a respiratory therapist prior to starting the program.  This is coordinated through the Department of Allied Health by calling 814-676-6591, ext. 1250 or email dweaver@clarion.edu. 

For information on how to apply to Clarion University, please contact the Venango College Admissions Office at 877-VENANGO, extension 1211.  To complete Clarion's on-line application, please click here.

*Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX  76021-4244
817-283-2835

PROGRAM PURPOSE

Clarion University's Respiratory Care program prepares graduates to function as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT). The program affords students the opportunity to attain a clinical knowledge base in respiratory care as well as a liberal arts education that will aid in their role and function as health care professionals. Graduates of the respiratory program will be eligible to take the Written Registry Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

CAREERS IN RESPIRATORY CARE

*Respiratory Therapist Named a “Best Job” by U.S. News - December 21, 2012

Respiratory care practitioners, also known as respiratory therapists, evaluate and care for individuals of all ages who have breathing and other cardiopulmonary ailments ranging from moderate to life-threatening. Respiratory care practitioners work closely with physicians and other health care professionals to provide a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to patients.

The field of respiratory care affords exciting opportunities for career diversity. After attaining status as an advanced-level respiratory care practitioner, individuals may specialize in areas such as intensive care, neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, polysomnography (the diagnosis of sleep disorders), education, administration, and others.Qualified respiratory care practitioners are currently in high demand. Because of the aging population and the increasing incidence of respiratory disease, the need for respiratory care practitioners is expected to "increase faster than average for all occupations through the year 2020" (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook). Job opportunities for respiratory care practitioners exist in hospitals, home health agencies, physician's offices, and other employment settings.

Career shadowing appointments scheduled through Clarion University's Department of Allied Health provide a unique opportunity for prospective students to spend four hours with a respiratory therapist in a hospital environment.  Career shadowing assists students in academic and career choices.  To schedule a career shadowing appointment, please call 1-877-VENANGO, extension 1250.