COTC’s respiratory therapy program prepares you for a career as a respiratory therapist. A respiratory therapist is trained to help people with lung diseases or disorders. They assess, diagnose and treat patients who have difficulty breathing. They work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, in conjunction with physicians and nurses to come up with treatment plans aimed at best helping restore as much natural breathing function as possible. Most respiratory therapists are employed in hospitals as staff therapists with the opportunity to advance into lead, charge, and supervisory therapist roles. Respiratory therapists are also employed by homecare companies that provide care to patients in the home.

In addition to classroom learning, you will practice skills in our state-of-the-art simulation lab and gain real-world experience through clinical placements at several hospitals in central Ohio. At COTC, you will learn:

• the different pathologies of cardiopulmonary disease
• how to manage patient airways and establish airways through endotracheal intubation
• the various modes of invasive and non-invasive ventilation
• to communicate and work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team
• selection of appropriate oxygen and humidification delivery devices
• the various equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary disease

Limited Permit

After one year, you can apply for a limited permit through the state medical board. This limited permit allows you to work as a respiratory therapist directly under the supervision of a licensed respiratory therapist where you will gain valuable experience to help you be successful for the remainder of the program and throughout your career.

License/Credentialing Eligibility

Graduates who have successfully completed the program are eligible to sit for the registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential offered through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Future Start Dates

The respiratory therapy technology program begins each autumn semester at the Newark campus. The deadline to apply is June 15.