Actually RPT can stand for many things depending on what we are talking about. But, here we will discuss RPT which stands for Respiratory Therapy. If you want to take the Respiratory Therapy (RTP) program, you need to know the college where to study.
RTP in Jefferson State Community College
One of the places where you are able to take the Respiratory Therapy program is in Jefferson State Community College. You are able to access the information about the Respiratory Therapy program by accessing the website of Jefferson State Community College and then put your cursor on the Programs menu and then choose Career/ Professional Programs. On the left side of the screen, there is a list of programs offered by Jefferson State Community College. One of them is Respiratory Therapy. Just click on it and then you will be taken to the page of RTP information.
On the Respiratory Therapy page, there is an announcement that you can check back there for the fall 2022 Respiratory application. In March 2022, it will be available online. There is also information that you can find there that if you need more information about the Respiratory Therapy application process, you are allowed to send an email at alliedhealth@jeffersonstate.edu.
For your information, this is an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy and it is a 76-semester credit hour program where it consists of respiratory therapy classes, clinical activities and general education classes.
This offer of this program can be found at the Shelby-Hoover Campus and it is housed in the Judy M. Merritt Health Sciences Building. It is important for you to know that admission into the program is competitive and a ranking formula is also used as a determination for acceptance into the program.
Curriculum of RPT (Respiratory Therapy) in Jefferson State Community College
According to the website of Jefferson State Community College, here is the curriculum of RPT or Respiratory Therapy.
Prerequisite Courses
- ENG 101 English Composition I 3
- SPH 106 or 107 Fundamentals of Oral Communications or Fundamentals of Public Speaking 3
- MTH 100 Intermediate College Algebra or higher 3
- BIO 201 Anatomy & Physiology I (Must be within 5 years for admission purposes) 4
- BIO 202 Anatomy & Physiology II (Must be within 5 years for admission purposes) 4
So, the total prerequisites are 17 hours. It is important for you to note that Humanities/ Fine Arts and PSY 200 may be able to be completed after acceptance into the RPT Program. However, it is most useful to complete these classes before starting the program. There is an indication in the RPT Admission Ranking Formula Sheet that points may be given if courses are successfully completed before the acceptance into the program. Let’s say that the courses are not completed before the acceptance into the program. So, it is very recommended that students complete them before the start of the summer semester.
First Semester
- RPT 210 Clinical Practice I 2
- RPT 211 Introduction to Respiratory Care 2
- RPT 212 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care I (Lab 2:1) 4
- RPT 213 Anatomy & Physiology for the RCP 3
- RPT 214 Pharmacology for the RCP 2
- *Humanities and Fine Arts Elective (AHUM) 3
So, the total of the First Semester is 16 hrs.
Second Semester
- RPT 220 Clinical Practice II 2
- RPT 221 Pathology for the RCP I 3
- RPT 222 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care II 4
- RPT 223 Acid Base Regulation and Arterial Blood Gas Analysis 2
- RPT 254 Patient Assessment Techniques 2
- *PSY 200 General Psychology 3
So, the total of the Second Semester is 16 hrs.
Third Semester
- RPT 230 Clinical Practice III 2
- RPT 231 Pathology for the RCP II 3
- RPT 234 Mechanical Ventilation for the RCP 4
- RPT 242 Perinatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care 3
- RPT 244 Critical Care Considerations for RCP 2
So, the total of the Third Semester is 14 hrs.
Fourth Semester
- RPT 232 Diagnostic Procedures for the RCP 2
- RPT 233 Special Procedure for the RCP 2
- RPT 240 Clinical Practice IV 4
- RPT 241 Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Home Care 2
- RPT 243 Computer Applications for the RCP 2
- RPT 266 Seminar in Respiratory Medicine I RPT 1
So, the total of the Fourth Semester is 13 hrs.
Program Totals
- In major (Respiratory Therapy), credit hours which are required are 53.
- In general education, credit hours which are required are 23.
- Total credit hours required for completion of AAS Degree are 76.
The Essential Functions of RPT
According to the Jefferson State Community College website, Respiratory therapists have the responsibility to do assessments, diagnostic testing, treatments, and have critical thinking skills for all patients in a healthcare or homecare setting, especially patients who have cardiopulmonary diseases. If you take this respiratory program, you need to be able to adequately function and perform treatments, procedures, and testing in the scope of practice.
In the Communication field, you need to be able to communicate appropriately and efficiently with a diverse population. You also have to be able to convey thoughts in verbal and written form. Using and interpreting appropriate non-verbal communication is also needed.
In the Mobility field, you need to have the strength and physical ability to perform adequate patient care. You also need to be able to maneuver patients, equipment, and other related items without causing harm to others.
In the tactile field, you also have to perform patient assessments, operate equipment safely and perform procedures at a competent level.
For hearing and vision, you need to:
- have adequate hearing and vision to assess patients properly.
- take part in all aspects of patient care because it relates to the respiratory care scope of practice.
- read letters, numbers, and words in fine print or on electronic devices.
- hear sounds in low and high frequency such as monitor alarms, telephones and emergency signals.
In the behavioural field, you must have enough mental and emotional health to be able to work effectively in a fast paced, hospital/ clinic environment. You also may be exposed to high-stress medical situations that require you to have a certain level of mental and emotional stability.
