Respiratory Therapy Students in Training
Are you considering a fulfilling career in healthcare? Respiratory therapy offers a vital and in-demand profession, especially in Florida, where the need for skilled respiratory therapists is growing. Respiratory Care Programs In Florida provide the specialized training necessary to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), a licensed healthcare professional critical in the management of patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. These dedicated individuals are experts in operating life support equipment and providing essential care across various healthcare settings.
Respiratory therapists are essential members of healthcare teams, working in environments ranging from intensive care units and long-term care facilities to outpatient clinics, sleep disorder centers, diagnostic labs, and patients’ homes. The path to becoming a licensed RRT typically involves a two-year training program, and the earning potential is competitive with other allied health professions like registered nurses and radiology technicians.
Recognizing the significant demand for respiratory therapists, State College of Florida (SCF) has established a valuable partnership with St. Petersburg College (SPC) to deliver a leading respiratory care program in Florida. This collaboration combines the strengths of both institutions to offer students exceptional training and career opportunities. St. Petersburg College brings to the partnership a well-respected and long-standing Respiratory Care program, known for its state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment. Notably, SPC’s program boasts certification exam pass rates that are consistently 20-30% higher than the national average, demonstrating its commitment to student success and quality education in respiratory care.
This collaborative respiratory care program allows students to complete their general education requirements at any SCF campus, providing flexibility and convenience. With sufficient enrollment, students will gain invaluable hands-on experience through clinical rotations at hospitals located in the Manatee and Sarasota regions. The specialized respiratory care coursework is primarily delivered at St. Petersburg College’s Health Education Center in St. Petersburg, with options for online components to accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules. Designed to be accessible to working adults of all ages, this program provides a pathway to a rewarding healthcare career for individuals from varied backgrounds.
Program Goal: Shaping Future Respiratory Therapy Professionals
The core goal of this Respiratory Care Program is to align with the broader mission and values of the college system, focusing on providing students with enriching learning experiences. The curriculum is meticulously structured to impart the essential knowledge, technical skills, and professional attitudes required for graduates to excel as respiratory therapists. The program is committed to preparing graduates who demonstrate entry-to-practice competency in the three critical learning domains of respiratory care: cognitive (knowledge-based), psychomotor (skill-based), and affective (behavioral and professional conduct). Graduates will be equipped to deliver high-quality respiratory care as registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
The St. Petersburg College Respiratory Care program, holding CoARC program ID number 200145 for its Associate in Science (AS) degree offered at the Health Education Center, holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com). CoARC, a nationally recognized accreditation body, ensures that respiratory care programs meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness in educating future respiratory therapists. They can be contacted at 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford Texas 76021-4244, or by phone at (817)283-2835.
Program Entrance Requirements: Your Pathway to Admission
The collaborative program structure requires students to fulfill their general academic coursework at any State College of Florida campus before transitioning to the specialized respiratory care components at St. Petersburg College. To be eligible for admission into this competitive program, prospective students must meet the following essential criteria:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 across all General Academic Requirements.
- Successfully complete all required general education courses with a minimum letter grade of ‘C’ or higher in each course.
- Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours, including mandatory prerequisite science coursework:
- BSC 2085C w/lab (Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab): 4 semester hours
- BSC 2086C w/lab (Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab): 4 semester hours
- Demonstrated competency in Computer Literacy, fulfilling the college’s requirement.
- Submit a completed SPC Health Programs Application, signaling formal interest in the Respiratory Care program. This application is accessible on the SPC website.
Upon formal acceptance into the Respiratory Care program, students are required to complete the following health and safety prerequisites prior to commencing clinical rotations:
- Provide documentation of satisfactory physical and mental health status from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. Specific forms for this requirement will be provided to admitted students.
- Successfully complete a mandatory criminal background check and drug screening. Forms and instructions for these processes will be provided upon acceptance.
- Achieve certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Professionals or CPR for the Health Care Provider, offered through the American Heart Association. Proof of current certification is required.
For more detailed information about the Respiratory Care Program and the application process, please contact Program Chair Steve Hardt, RRT at St. Petersburg College directly at 727-341-3627 or via email at [email protected]. Steve Hardt is a valuable resource for prospective students seeking guidance on program specifics and career pathways in respiratory therapy.
Occupation Outlook: A Promising Career in Healthcare
Respiratory therapy is a field with strong job growth and excellent career prospects. To delve deeper into the specifics of the profession, including the nature of the work, employment projections, and salary expectations, explore resources provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Click the link below to Learn More about the rewarding career of a respiratory therapist.
