Program Flexibility
All of the respiratory therapy courses must be taken in sequence. (Failure or incompletion of a respiratory course will delay the respiratory therapy education by one year). The program also requires that the students attend summer sessions. However, there is some flexibility in the progression of the liberal arts and basic science courses. It is possible to pursue parts of the program on a part-time basis.
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from respiratory therapy classes, laboratories, and clinical experiences. Students must abide by agency parking restrictions. The clinical courses may not be scheduled according to conventional semester scheduling and may include clinical scheduling during evenings, nights and weekends.
Programs of Study
The Respiratory Care Programs prepare the student for a professional career as a respiratory care practitioner (RCP).
Respiratory Therapist
A respiratory therapist delivers services such as administration of medications and humidity, providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, training patients in self-care skills, administration of oxygen, testing of lung functions, and helping patients breathe with the aid of mechanical ventilators.
Students who complete York College's respiratory care program are eligible for the certification examination, administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), to become Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT). The certification exam is often referred to as the entry-level exam. Most states require that graduates pass this exam before they are eligible to work in the field of Respiratory Care.
Students who complete the program at York College are also eligible to take the therapist multiple choice examination, administered by the NBRC, to become Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT). All states require that graduates pass this exam before they are eligible to work in the field of respiratory care. A second national exam must be passed to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Elective Information
Students are free to choose electives as they wish. Electives may be used to fulfill requirements toward a minor degree. The following are suggested areas of study for those not pursuing a minor who desire appropriate coursework which will be an asset in Respiratory Care:
- Computer Science
- Gerontology
- Language-Spanish for the Healthcare Field (previous Spanish knowledge is required)
- Pathophysiology
For More Information
Qualified applicants may contact Tony Ruppert, MS, RRT-ACCS, CPFT, Program Director, Respiratory Care Program, WellSpan York Hospital at (717) 851-2464 (truppert@wellspan.org).
Admission Office
York College of Pennsylvania
Country Club Road
York, PA 17403
(717) 815-1600
Respiratory Care National Organization:
American Assoc of Respiratory Care (AARC)
9425 N MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 243-2272
Respiratory Care Examination Board:
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
10801 Mastin Street
Overland Park, KS 66210-1614
(913) 895-4900
Although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we will not be held responsible for errors. The material presented is subject to change without prior notice.
