Program Info: The Respiratory Therapist (RPT) program is a 5 semester course of study consisting of 75 semester hours of general education and respiratory therapist classes leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and is recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Comparable data related to student/graduate outcomes for all this and all programs accredited by CoARC can be found at http://www.coarc.com/Students/Programmatic-Outcome-Data.aspx. Graduates are eligible to attempt the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC), which is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of entry-level respiratory therapists, as well as determine eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). There are two established cut scores for the TMC Examination, the first of which earns one the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, and a higher cut score that qualifies examinees to sit for the CSE. Individuals who attempt and pass the TMC with the higher cut score, and attempt and pass the CSE, will be awarded the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Graduates of this program who complete these national examinations also meet criteria for licensure in states where licensure is required.

Admission Dates: A new class will be admitted fall semester of each year. Completed application packets are to be submitted no later than the published deadline prior to each fall semester.

Application Packets: Application packets are available for download from this site beginning March 1 each year. Applicants who are new or readmitted WCC students must have completed all requirements for admission to the College prior to submitting an application packet for consideration.

Number of Students to be Accepted: Space in the program may be limited by availability of clinical sites, as well as classroom space and number of faculty. Class size is set annually by the program with input from College officials and the RPT Advisory Committee.

Entrance Requirements:

  1. Unconditional admission to Wallace Community College.
  2. A 2.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale for those with previous college credit.
  3. Eligibility to enroll for or previous completion with a “C” or higher of ENG101, MTH100, and BIO201 at the time of program application. Eligibility will be determined by College placement policies. Students enrolled in courses pre-requisite to ENG101, MTH100, and BIO201 at the time of application may be considered for conditional admission pending grade results at the end of summer term.
  4. Completion of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills, ATI TEAS, and submission of score results in the application packet.

Admission shall be provisional upon the student’s ability to perform essential functions, have negative substance abuse screening results, and receive clinical attendance approval of findings from a required criminal background check. Random substance abuse screening will be conducted throughout program enrollment. Following admission to the Program, all students must submit a completed physical examination form, including immunization status documentation and verification of the ability to perform essential functions related to this program.

* Please note that personal transportation will be required between clinical rotations and campus. Students are expected to have reliable personal transportation available.

For clarification or further information, contact the RPT Office, Ms. Judith Harrell, at 334-556-2291 or the Allied Health Secretary.