Program Information
A.S. Degree - Code 221700 - Catalog 2025/2026
Melanie McDonough, Assistant Chair, 386-506-3759, Melanie.McDonough@daytonastate.edu
Melissa Brown, Academic Advisor, 386-506-3052, Melissa.Brown-Mack@daytonastate.edu
Program Mission, Description, and Outcomes
Mission:
The mission of the Respiratory Care program is to provide a learning-centered, widely diverse, high quality education to empower individuals to meet the needs of the community.
Description:
This accelerated program provides training in the use of special equipment, medications and other diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients who need temporary, emergency or long-term cardiopulmonary assistance. Students learn to administer medical gases, humidity and aerosol therapy, use positive pressure breathing machines, perform pulmonary drainage and clearance procedures, manage patient airways, perform pulmonary rehabilitation and home care, manage short and long term continuous mechanical ventilation and perform a variety of other special procedures.
Graduates are eligible to take the Respiratory Therapist multiple-choice exam and the clinical simulation exams of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), qualifying them for the credentials of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Additionally, graduates are eligible for articulation into most BS Cardiopulmonary or Respiratory Care degree programs.
Program Accreditation: The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Committee on the Accreditation of Respiratory Care [CoARC], 264 Precision Blvd., Telford, TN 37690 USA [817] 283-2835. Outcomes data from the Annual Report of Current Status can be found at Programmatic Outcomes Data.
College Accreditation: Daytona State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associates and baccalaureate degrees. Daytona State College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Daytona State College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Program Educational Outcomes:
To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
Outcomes: (Program Goals)
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Perform entry-level skills competently as described by the scope of practice for Respiratory Care.
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Employ effective communication skills within the healthcare setting.
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Assemble a safe environment within the healthcare setting.
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Apply professional behaviors within a healthcare setting.
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Execute safe clinical decision making in respiratory care.
Financial Aid
This program is eligible for federal financial aid and state Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For more information on grant, loans, and work program available please see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at daytonastate.edu/finaid. Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the many Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.
Approximate Costs
| Program Tuition and Fees*: |
$7,780.88 |
| Access Fee: |
$97.28 |
| Assessment Fee: |
$34 |
| Lab Fees: |
$834.20 |
| Textbook Estimate: |
$1,718 |
| Uniforms and Supplies: |
$230 |
| Lab Equipment |
$150 |
Professional Memberships, Certifications, and Clinical Software
|
$321 |
| Health Screening and Immunizations (depending on applicant's health care provider): |
$275 |
| FDLE Background Check and Drug Screening: |
$180 |
*In-state tuition only; out-of-state tuition will be higher
Additional Admission Requirements
This is a limited access program.
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Have a standard high school diploma or GED.
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Be at least 18 years of age
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Submit a brief statement explaining your interest in Respiratory Care along with application.
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Complete the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) with a minimum 10th grade level for reading, language and mathematics. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.
- Exemptions include:
- Florida public high school students who graduated after the year 2003 and earned a Standard High School diploma
- Active duty military applicants
- Those who have successfully completed college level English and/or Math
Continuing Enrollment Requirements
Continuing enrollment approval will be required to enroll in the program specific courses based on a selections process after completing the required general education courses. Student selection for continuing enrollment is based on specific admission criteria and a points system. Applications for continuing enrollment are accepted anytime during the year and deadline for Fall admission is May 31.
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.
- Complete the following course with a grade of 'C' or better:
- RET1021 Respiratory Care Introduction
- ENC1101 Introduction to Composition
- MAC 1105 College Algebra
- BSC1085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab
- Satisfy a second Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check and drug screen during the summer semester.
- Submit a completed application for continuing enrollment to the School of Health Careers.
Additional Completion Requirements
-
Earn a grade "C" or better in all program specific and prerequisite courses.
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Adhere to the policy and procedures of the Respiratory Care program as outlined in the Respiratory Care student handbook, as well as those outlines in the Daytona State College Student Handbook.
General Education
27 Credits
General Education courses must be completed with a grade 'C' or better.
Communication Core (3 credits)
Required General Education course:
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
Mathematics Core (3 credits)
Required Math Pathway:
Natural Sciences Core (4 credits)
Required course:
| BSC1085C | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab | 4 |
Humanities Core (3 credits)
Recommended courses. Choose one:
Substitutions may be granted with approval of the program director.
Social Sciences Core (3 credits)
Recommended courses. Choose one:
| AMH2010 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| AMH2020 | United States History 1865 to Present | 3 |
| POS2041 | American Federal Government | 3 |
AMH2010, AMH2020; POS2041: These courses satisfy the Civic Literacy Competency graduation requirement.
Note: Prior to enrollment in college-level English or math courses, some students may be advised to complete college preparatory/developmental course work. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.
Program Specific Courses
| BSC1086C | Human Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab | 4 |
| MCB1010C | Microbiology and Lab | 4 |
| PSY1012 | General Psychology | 3 |
| RET1021 | Respiratory Care Introduction | 3 |
| RET1025C | Principles of Respiratory Care and Lab | 3 |
| RET1026C | Basic Equipment of Respiratory Care and Lab | 3 |
| RET1264C | Advanced Equipment of Respiratory Care and Lab | 3 |
| RET1265C | Mechanical Ventilation and Lab | 4 |
| RET1295 | Chest Medicine | 3 |
| RET1450 | Basic Physiologic Monitoring | 3 |
| RET1485 | Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| RET1874 | Clinical Practice I | 4 |
| RET1875 | Clinical Practice II | 3 |
| RET2244 | Life Support | 3 |
| RET2350 | Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology | 3 |
| RET2714 | Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care | 3 |
| RET2876 | Clinical Practice III | 4 |
| RET2934 | Respiratory Care Seminar | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 60 |
Sample Program of Study
Prerequisite Courses
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
| BSC1085C | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab | 4 |
| MAC1105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| RET1021 | Respiratory Care Introduction | 3 |
Year 1
1st Semester
| BSC1086C | Human Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab | 4 |
| RET1025C | Principles of Respiratory Care and Lab | 3 |
| RET1026C | Basic Equipment of Respiratory Care and Lab | 3 |
| RET1485 | Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| RET2350 | Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology | 3 |
2nd Semester
| Social Sciences Core - Civic Literacy (AMH2010, AMH2020 or POS2041) | 3 |
| RET1264C | Advanced Equipment of Respiratory Care and Lab | 3 |
| RET1295 | Chest Medicine | 3 |
| RET1874 | Clinical Practice I | 4 |
| RET1265C | Mechanical Ventilation and Lab | 4 |
Summer Semester
Year 2
1st Semester
Total: 76