This program is designed to prepare graduates as competent respiratory therapists. Therapists provide care and treatment to patients suffering from breathing disorders and also may be involved in diagnostic testing, clinical supervision, and decision-making. This two-year program puts equal emphasis on theory, clinical practice, and the professional behavior expected of a respiratory care therapist. This degree typically is not designed for transfer.
Program eligibility standards apply; consult a KCC advisor.
Students in health career programs are advised to consult the Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations, section 11.4. This regulation concerns completion of all courses in health career curricula being completed with a grade of C or better.
The Kankakee Community College, 200441, AAS, Kankakee, IL is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. The CoARC website includes programmatic outcomes data and a list of CoARC accredited programs.
Each student in this program must have a physical exam, criminal background check without any disqualifying convictions, a negative drug screen, and current CPR certification from the American Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer: adult, child & infant or AED).
Upon completion, the graduate is eligible to apply for admission to the National Board for Respiratory Care Exams to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
The curriculum of record for students applying to, but not yet accepted into, competitive entry health careers programs will be the Associate in General Studies.
- Demonstrate respiratory clinical procedures.
- Integrate infection control practices.
- Integrate quality control procedures.
- Execute therapist-driven protocols in the healthcare setting.
- Justify cardiopulmonary procedures necessary for a patient using evidence-based principles.
- Formulate recommendations based on patient data evaluation.
- Manage respiratory care equipment.
- Develop responsible and accountable behaviors.
- Integrate legal and ethical principles into the respiratory scope of practice.
- Collaborate with the healthcare team to assist in cardiopulmonary procedures.
- Produce patient education related to respiratory care.
Prospective students should consult Health Careers Requirements for the complete process to apply and enroll in a health program--including deadlines, Respiratory Therapist eligibility worksheet, essential physical capabilities and functions.
General education courses
Courses listed in the General Education requirements section can be completed prior to program acceptance except for MATH 1142 which must be completed while enrolled in the program.
Program-specific courses
General education
The BIOL course must be taken prior to or concurrently with the first semester of Respiratory Therapist program.
Spring semester
Summer term
Fall semester
Spring semester
Fall semester
Learn more about this program: Respiratory Therapist, AAS