How to Apply for Respiratory Care Program Chicago: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Are you interested in a rewarding healthcare career in Chicago? The Respiratory Care Program at Malcolm X College (MXC) offers an excellent path to becoming a certified and licensed respiratory therapist. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the application process, ensuring you have all the information you need to apply for this respected program.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Respiratory Care Program in Chicago

Applying to the Respiratory Care Program at Malcolm X College involves several key steps. Follow this detailed guide to ensure a smooth and successful application:

1. Become a Malcolm X College Student (if you aren’t already): Your first step is to apply to Malcolm X College if you are not currently enrolled. This establishes your student status within the City Colleges of Chicago system. You can find the college application on the City Colleges of Chicago website.

2. Connect with Your Academic Advisor and Declare Your Intent: Once you are a student or have applied, it’s crucial to connect with your assigned academic advisor at Malcolm X College. Discuss your intention to apply for the Respiratory Care Program. Your advisor will provide personalized guidance and ensure you are on the right track with prerequisites.

3. Complete Prerequisite Courses: The Respiratory Care Program has specific prerequisite course requirements to ensure you have a strong foundation in science and mathematics. These prerequisites include:

   • English 101 or higher (Grade “C” or above)
   • Math 118 or higher (Grade “C” or above)
   • Chemistry 121 or higher* (Grade “C” or above)
   • Biology Requirement (Choose one option):
     • Biology 226 and Biology 227 (Grade “C” or above in both). Note: Biology 226 requires Biology 121 as a prerequisite.
     • Biology 116 (Grade “C” or above)

   * Note: If you are currently enrolled in prerequisite courses, you can still apply, provided you can demonstrate you are achieving a grade of “C” or better. However, final admission is contingent on successful completion of all prerequisites.

4. Submit Non-CCC Official Transcripts: If you have attended colleges or universities outside of the City Colleges of Chicago system, you must submit official transcripts to the Malcolm X Registrar’s Office. This ensures all your prior academic work is properly evaluated.

5. Apply to the Respiratory Care Program in the Student Portal: The final application step is to apply directly to the Respiratory Care Program through the student portal, my.ccc.edu. Navigate to the “Selective Application” section under “Academic Planning” within “My Academic Plan”.

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   The application period for the Fall 2025 cohort is from October 1st through February 14th. Ensure you submit your application within this timeframe.

About the Respiratory Care Program at Malcolm X College

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Respiratory Care at Malcolm X College is a fully accredited program designed to prepare you to become a highly competent and professional advanced respiratory therapist. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), program number 200175, this program adheres to rigorous standards and ensures quality education. You can verify the program’s accreditation and outcomes data on the CoARC website: www.coarc.com and https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple Choice exam (TMC). Success in these exams can lead to the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials, essential for licensure in Illinois and professional recognition nationwide. More information about respiratory care as a profession can be found at the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) website: https://aarc.org.

Program Goals:

The Respiratory Care Program is structured around three core goals:

• Goal 1: To cultivate graduates with demonstrated competency in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains necessary for registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
• Goal 2: To equip graduates to effectively educate COPD and Asthma patients and their families in disease management, aiming to improve patient quality of life, prevent exacerbations, and reduce healthcare costs.
• Goal 3: To foster culturally competent graduates capable of interacting respectfully and effectively with diverse patients, families, healthcare professionals, and global citizens.

Admission Requirements: What You Need to Qualify

Admission to the Respiratory Care Program is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements is essential, and strong preparation is highly recommended. The minimum admission requirements include:

• GPA: A cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher.
• Course Grades: A grade of “C” or above in the specified prerequisite courses (English, Math, Chemistry, and Biology).
• Transcripts: Submission of all official college transcripts from institutions outside the City Colleges of Chicago.
• Interview: Students meeting the minimum requirements will be invited for an interview with the program admission committee. This interview is a crucial part of the selection process. Prepare professionally, be punctual, and dress appropriately for a professional interview setting. Your application packet should also be carefully prepared, paying attention to both content and format.

Background Check and Health Requirements

Please be aware that healthcare programs typically require students to fulfill certain health and background checks. For the Respiratory Care Program, this includes:

• Documentation of health history and vaccination status.
• Annual tuberculosis screening.
• Background check.
• Initial and random drug screening.
• Fingerprinting (prior to state licensure).

If you have any concerns about these requirements, it is advisable to consult with an advisor early in the application process.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates of the Respiratory Care Program are well-prepared for diverse employment opportunities in various healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Home healthcare agencies

Beyond direct patient care, career paths can extend into:

• Research
• Medical equipment sales
• Education
• Other specialized areas within respiratory care and healthcare.

By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, you can confidently apply for the Respiratory Care Program at Malcolm X College in Chicago and embark on a fulfilling career as a respiratory therapist.