Overview

Limited Entry Program

See Department website and program contacts here

The Respiratory Care (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers as respiratory therapists in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare environments. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, laboratory learning, and clinical experience to prepare students to assess and treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders.

Coursework includes topics such as respiratory therapy procedures, cardiopulmonary care, patient assessment, neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, and critical care support. Students develop practical clinical skills through hands-on training in both classroom and healthcare settings.

The Respiratory Care program is workforce-focused and prepares students for professional credentialing examinations and employment as respiratory therapists. Students completing the program may also pursue continued education through Bachelor of Science programs in Respiratory Care.

The MHCC Respiratory Care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Because this is a limited entry program, students should review application requirements carefully and work with program advisors regarding eligibility, prerequisite completion, and program planning.

Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.

Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:

• Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
• How to Apply – details the steps required to apply to the program
• Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings

Program Learning Objectives

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Collect and interpret clinical data accurately, relate theory to clinical practice and recommend appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in accordance with established clinical guidelines
• Perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures efficiently in accordance with appropriate standards of care, protocols and clinical practice guidelines; will modify therapeutic procedures in response to the patient’s condition; will efficiently use equipment and supplies and demonstrate thorough attention to safety
• Communicate effectively with patients and members of the health care team and maintain appropriate records accurately and completely in accordance with health care agency standards and HIPAA regulations
• Respect the beliefs and values of all persons, demonstrate self-direction and practice in an ethical and professional manner in accordance with established policies and procedures

Education Plan

This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.

Prerequisite Courses

For the most updated information and a list of prerequisite courses, please see the Respiratory Care - How to Get Started page. It is the student's responsibility to verify completion of appropriate prerequisite courses.

These courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher before the application deadline:

• College-level biology course.
• College-level chemistry course.
• MTH065 Beginning Algebra II or higher, fulfills AAS degree mathematics requirement.
• WR115 Introduction to College Writing or WR121Z Composition I (fulfills AAS degree written communication requirement), or placement into WR121Z within the past 5 years.

Supporting Courses

These courses are required for degree completion, but may be completed before the application deadline for additional points:

• One (1) anatomy & physiology sequence from the following:
  • BI121 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BI122 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  • BI231Z Human Anatomy and Physiology I, BI232Z Human Anatomy and Physiology II, and BI233Z Human Anatomy and Physiology III
• BI234 Microbiology
• MO111 Medical Terminology
• WR121Z Composition I, if not already taken. Fulfills AAS degree written communication requirement.
• One (1) communication course from the following:
  • COMM111Z Public Speaking
  • COMM115 Introduction to Intercultural Communication  (Cultural Literacy course)
  • WR122Z Composition II
• One (1) psychology course from the following, fulfills AAS degree Human Relations requirement:
  • PSY101 Psychology of Human Relations
  • PSY201Z Introduction to Psychology I
  • PSY202Z Introduction to Psychology II

Additional Requirements

The following additional requirement(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the AAS in Respiratory Care.

• All Respiratory (RT) and Biology (BI) courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" or higher.
• All core courses (RT) must be completed within 5 years of starting the program.

General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program. 

How to Apply

The Respiratory Care program is a limited-entry program. The program admits up to 30 students each fall term through a point-based selection process. Because space is limited, students must meet specific eligibility requirements before applying.

View current admissions requirements, deadlines, and point system information

Application Steps

Step 1: Apply to MHCC

Students should apply for admission to Mt. Hood Community College and work with an advisor regarding prerequisite coursework and program planning.

Step 2: Complete Prerequisite Coursework

Students must complete all required prerequisite coursework prior to applying to the program. Prerequisite requirements may change between application cycles.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

Students must submit official transcripts for evaluation and prerequisite verification.

Step 4: Apply to the Respiratory Care Program

Students must complete and submit the Respiratory Care program application during the published application period.

Admission Requirements

The Respiratory Care program uses a point-based selection system that considers academic criteria when determining admission decisions. Selection criteria and point values may change between admission cycles.

Students are encouraged to carefully review current admission requirements and work closely with an advisor regarding application planning and prerequisite completion.

Additional Information

Admission to Mt. Hood Community College does not guarantee admission to the Respiratory Care program. MHCC reserves the right to modify admission requirements and selection processes.

Mt. Hood Community College welcomes students of all backgrounds and identities. Students of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, religions, sexual orientations, socio-economic statuses, nationalities, physical abilities, and cognitive differences are encouraged to apply.

Career Information

Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.