Whitesburg Respiratory Care

Applicant must:

• be at least 17 years old with verification of age
• take the ACT exam and provide scores acceptable for admission
• have both high school (or GED) and college transcripts sent to SKCTC
• complete an application for admission to SKCTC
• attend a pre-admissions conference and complete program application
• meet with a Respiratory Care faculty member for advising
• apply for admission into the Respiratory Care Program prior to May 1
• meet the minimum requirements of the Respiratory Care admissions committee

Admission into the Respiratory Care Program is based on:

• General education courses
• The student GPA (preference is given to a GPA of 3.0 or higher)
• The student ACT Score (preference is given to an ACT score of 18 or higher)

Pre-Requisites for Admission:

• BIO 137 Anatomy and Physiology I
• MAT 150 College Algebra, MAT 141Liberal Arts Mathematics, or MAT 146 Contemporary College Math
• ENG 101 Writing I

• American Association for Respiratory Care

Keeping hearts beating and people breathing.

Imagine: it could be 7:30 a.m. and you ve already brought a newborn back to life. But first you would need to study respiratory care, where jobs are growing faster than the national average and median annual income was $65,000 in 2025.

What do respiratory therapists do?

Provide effective treatment of respiratory and cardiac disorders, including using life-support equipment and intervening in emergencies and traumas. They also perform cardiopulmonary testing, evaluate patients, and plan care.

What will I study?

Supporting sciences, math, communications, and specialized courses in cardiac and respiratory care. We combine classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences throughout the program.

Where could I work?

In hospitals, intensive care units, emergency rooms, newborn and pediatric units, patient s homes, sleep laboratories, skilled nursing facilities, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, doctor s offices, pulmonary function laboratories, asthma education programs, smoking cessation programs, air transport and ambulance programs, and in case management programs.

What are my job prospects?

Career and advancement opportunities are excellent, especially for those willing to travel or relocate. With faster-than-average growth, this profession has a bright future with job security and room for advancement.

What credentials can I get?

With our degree you'll be eligible to take exams to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Professional Organizations

• American Association for Respiratory Care
• National Board for Respiratory Care
• Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care

Associate of Applied Science Respiratory Care Program

Whitesburg Schedule (Fall 2025 through Fall 2026)

• Semester 1 - Fall 2025
  • BIO 139 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 Credit Hours)
  • RCP 110 - Cardio Anatomy & Physiology (3 Credit Hours)
  • RCP 120 - Theories & Principles (4 Credit Hours)
  • RCP 135 - Respiratory Care Pharmacology (1 Credit Hours)
  • RCP 150 - Clinical Practice I (2 Credit Hours)
• Semester 2 - Spring 2026
  • RCP 125 - Cardiopulmonary Evaluation (4 Credit Hours)
  • RCP 175 - Clinical Practice II (3 Credit Hours)
  • RCP 180 - Ventilatory Support (3 Credit Hours)
  • RCP  214 - Advanced Diagnostic Procedures (3 Credit Hours)
  • RCP 228 - Preventative & Long-Term Care (2 Credit Hours)
• Semester 3 - Summer 2026
  • RCP 200 - Clinical Practice III (3 Credit Hours, first mini-semester)
  • RCP 225 - Clinical Practice IV (3 Credit Hours, second mini-semester)

• Semester 4 - Fall 2026

• RCP 190 - Advanced Ventilator Support (2 Credit Hours)
• RCP 210 - Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology (3 Credit Hours)
• RCP 212 - Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory Care (3 Credit Hours)
• RCP 204 – Emergency and Special Procedures (3 Credit Hours)
• RCP 250 - Clinical Practice V (3 Credit Hours)

Respiratory Therapy Students Must Exhibit The following For Student Success:

• Intellectual and conceptual skills demonstrating the academic readiness needed to succeed in the rigorous Respiratory Care curriculum.
• Clinical thinking skills sufficient to make sound clinical judgments across a variety of healthcare settings.
• Problem-solving skills necessary to modify and adjust therapies in response to patient needs.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to allow appropriate interaction with individuals and groups from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. 
• Communication, written and verbal communication that is appropriate to create clear and concise dialogue in a clinical and professional setting.
• Mobility and physical abilities appropriate to maneuver in small spaces while maneuvering equipment.
• Gross and fine motor skills appropriate to perform patient care procedures to national standard which include safety and efficiency.
• Appropriate physical strength and endurance to be able to access patient as well as perform therapies on patients for extended periods of time.
• Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health care needs of patients.
• Tactile ability appropriate for assessment of physical health conditions. 
• Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations and maintain professional and positive interactions with all patients, families, preceptors, faculty, and fellow students. 

Upon completion of this program, the student can:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in conducting thorough patient assessments, including evaluating respiratory conditions, recognizing signs of distress, and interpreting clinical data.
2. Perform appropriate selection and delivery of respiratory care interventions, encompassing oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, airway management, and mechanical ventilation.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving to make informed clinical judgments, prioritize care, and effectively respond to rapidly changing patient conditions.
4. Display ethical standards and effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology by interpreting diagnostic data effectively in assessment and diagnosis of respiratory conditions.
6. Demonstrate professional communication skills by composing and managing emails with proper etiquette, effectively communicating with program faculty, and utilizing a computer system to perform basic tasks such as organizing files, submitting assignments, and navigating online platforms.

Students must submit a graduation application at the beginning of the term in which they plan to graduate. Applications are available through the Admissions Office or may be completed online using the link below.

Before submitting the application, students must meet with their academic advisor to verify that all degree requirements have been met. Completed applications must be returned to the Admissions Office by the following deadlines:

• Mid-March for Spring graduation
• Mid-May for Summer graduation
• Mid-October for Fall graduation

Students choosing to apply online must also adhere to these deadlines:

Application for Graduation

All courses outline specific objectives, goals, and learning outcomes that collectively ensure students achieve the program’s terminal objectives and fulfill the mission of the program.

Program Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, students must:

• Successfully complete all clinical requirements and program competencies.
• Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all RCP coursework.
• Successfully complete all required general education coursework.
• Successfully completion of either a Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination or the Respiratory Therapy Examination.

The Respiratory Care Program welcomes transfer students who meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of respiratory care. The transfer policy outlined below ensures that students transition seamlessly into the program while maintaining the integrity and academic standards of the curriculum.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Accredited Institution: Students must have completed courses at an accredited KCTCS institution in a program recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
2. Minimum GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all prior coursework is required.
3. Good Standing: The student must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at their previous institution.
4. Prerequisite Courses: Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher is mandatory. Prerequisites may include anatomy and physiology, math, English, or other courses required for program entry.

Application Process

1. Application Form: Submit a completed application for transfer admission to the Respiratory Care Program by the published deadline.
2. Official Transcripts and ACT: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Proof of ACT (18 or higher) is required.
3. Letter of Recommendation: Provide a letter of recommendation from the Program Director at the previous institution.
4. Personal Statement: Include a statement explaining the reasons for transferring, career goals, and commitment to the respiratory care profession.
5. Interview: Participate in an interview with the program director or admissions committee.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

1. Course Equivalency: Transfer credit will be granted for courses that are deemed equivalent in content, rigor, and credit hours to courses offered in the Respiratory Care Program.
2. Grade Requirements: Only courses with a grade of "C" or higher will be considered for transfer credit.
3. Timeframe: Applicant must be currently enrolled in a KCTCS Respiratory Care Program to be considered for transfer. Any gap in programmatic enrollment constitutes a new application and coursework begins in the first term of the new cohort. 
   Credit Limitations: Students must complete a minimum of 50% of the program’s required respiratory care coursework at Southeast Kentucky CTC.

Clinical Requirements

Transfer students must complete all clinical education requirements as outlined in the Respiratory Care Program curriculum. Clinical competencies completed at another institution will be evaluated individually, and additional clinical experiences may be required.

Additional Considerations

1. Program Capacity: Admission for transfer students is contingent on available space within the program and clinical affiliates.
2. Academic Policies: Transfer students are subject to the same academic and professional policies as all other students in the program.
3. Readiness Assessment: Transfer students may be required to complete a readiness assessment or skills evaluation to determine placement within the program. 

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of, race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, gender presentation, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, or genetic information. Further, we vigilantly prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor.

Contact Information

For questions or assistance with the transfer process, please contact:
Wendy Wright
Program Director
wwright0032@kctcs.edu
(606) 589-3311