2 Year Associate Degree Program
Schedule varies each semester, and with clinicals
Definition of Respiratory Therapy as described by the American Association for Respiratory Care:
“Respiratory Therapy is the health care disicpline specializing the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function, health and wellness. Respiratory Therapists are educated, trained and licensed professionals who employ scientific principles to identify, treat and prevent acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system."
Definition of Respiratory Therapy as described by Missouri's Respiratory Care Practice Act 334.800:
A respiratory care practitioner is a person "duly licensed by the board; employed in the practice of respiratory care who has the knowledge and skill necessary to administer respiratory care as defined in this section; who is able to function in situations of unsupervised patient contact requiring individual judgment; and who is capable of service as a resource to the physician in relation to the technical aspects of respiratory care as to safe and effective methods for administering respiratory care modalities."
Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs, RTs) work in hospitals, physician's offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical home care equipment supply companies, and nursing homes. Respiratory practitioners use the application of scientific principles for the identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic cardiopulmonary disorders. A practitioner also reviews data of patients, collects additional data, and helps develop a care plan to determine the appropriateness of the current therapy. The RCP administers medical gases, humidification and aerosols, aerosol medication, postural drainage, bronchopulmonary hygiene, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, monitors mechanically ventilated patients, maintains artificial airways, performs pulmonary function testing, collects specimens of blood or other materials, and documents necessary information in the patient's medical record accurately. The practitioner must be able to communicate effectively to other members of the healthcare team as well as be able to problem solve to identify and correct malfunctions of respiratory equipment. Therapists must be able to demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skill to work productively with patients, families, staff, and co-workers. They must accept directives and maintain confidentiality, and uphold the the standards of professional and ethical standards of the profession. There are more than 100,000 respiratory care practitioners in the United States.
Typically, respiratory care practitioners perform procedures that are both diagnostic and therapeutic. Some of the physical activities include:
Lifting up to 50 pounds to assist moving patients/shapes and equipment
Stooping to adjust patients or equipment
Kneeling to perform CPR or other duties
Reaching 5 feet above the floor to attach respiratory devices to outlets
Grasping laryngoscopes, endotracheal tubes, or syringes
Standing for long periods of time
Feeling to palpate pulses, skin temperature, etc.
Pushing/pulling large equipment
Walking for extended periods of time
Hearing verbal directions, alarms, or through a stethoscope
Talking to patients, co-workers, etc.
Mental/Attitudinal Standards for Respiratory Care Practitioners
--Function safely, effectively and calmly under stress
--Manage multiple tasks simultaneously
--Prioritize
--Exhibit social skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, families, and co-workers
--Communicate with patients, families, and co-workers using respect, politeness, and tact
--Maintain personal hygiene consistent with professionals in close contact with patients.
Approval and Accreditation:
The Missouri Southern State University Consortium for Respiratory Care Education (Consortium) was organized in 1997 at the request of its interested communities – Franklin Technology Center and Missouri Southern State University. An entry-level respiratory care program was organized in July 1994 through Franklin Technical School (now Franklin Technology Center). The creation of an advanced level program was established in October 1996 through Missouri Southern State University. Combination of the two programs resulted in the current Associate of Science Degree Program. This collaboration celebrates more than twenty years of service to the surrounding community through the creation of highly skilled respiratory therapists. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), Franklin Technology Center is accredited by the Council of Occupational Education (COE) and MSSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The goal of the program is to prepare students for the NBRC RRT Credentialing exam, which is scheduled upon successful completion of the program. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the credentialing exam; however, earning the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential does not guarantee a student can obtain state licensure to practice. The Missouri Board for Respiratory Care states,
"1. The board may refuse to issue or renew any certificate of registration or authority,
permit or license required pursuant to section 334.800 to 334.930 for one or any
combination of causes stated in subsection 2 of this section. The board shall notify
the applicant in writing of the reasons for refusal and shall advise the applicant of his
or her right to file a complaint with the administrative hearing commission as
provided by chapter 621."
For more information go to:
https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=334.920&bid=48440
Curriculum Plan: The MSSU/FTC Consortium for Respiratory Care Education is an Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy. The degree is conferred by Missouri Southern State University. Students enrolled in the Respiratory Care Program are dual enrolled with both Franklin Technology Center and Missouri Southern State University. The program is a 2-year (4 semesters) curriculum beginning in the fall semester each year and follows the Missouri Southern academic calendar. Attendance is monitored closely as success is directly related to the students' participation.
Quality classroom instruction is combined with sound clinical and laboratory experiences in the content areas of Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Diagnostics, Mechanical Ventilation, Neonatal and Pediatrics, Alternate Site Care, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, and Cardiopulmonary Assessment.
Admission Criteria: Completion of an application with $25 fee submitted, official high school and/or college transcripts with minimum 2.5 GPA, completion of the TEAS entrance exam with a minimum total score of 47, and interview with program faculty. Upon acceptance to the program, students must submit a background check, participate in a drug screening at a time determined by the program director, and provide immunization records.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must take the TOEFL test of English proficiency and obtain a minimum score of 520 (paper test) or 68 (internet based), or take the Michigan Test and obtain a minimum score 85. Non-English speaking applicants must meet the same general admission requirements as all others applying for the Respiratory Therapy Program. Applicants are responsible for making their own arrangements for testing.
Advanced Placement: The MSSU/FTC Consortium for Respiratory Care Education does not offer advanced placement admission for students who have previously completed respiratory coursework at other institutions. Students who have taken previous respiratory care coursework must start this program at the beginning and progress through all courses with a "C" or better.
Additional Admission Requirements: Once accepted into the program, the applicant must provide documentation for required immunizations and health screenings (Hepatitis B, Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Influenza, COVID, and TB skin test or chest x-ray). Applicants must obtain current BLS Training from the American Heart Association. In addition, the applicant must present with a negative drug screen and an acceptable criminal background check and caregiver background screening.
Student Services: A variety of student services are available to Respiratory Therapy students including Financial Aid assistance, Career Services, and Student Success services.
Tuition Withdrawal Policy: Respiratory Therapy students are subject to the MSSU Tuition and Incidental Charges Policies, and the Refund Policy in the course catalog, located at https://catalog.mssu.edu/index.php?catoid=12
Nondiscrimination Policy: Franklin Technology Center and Missouri Southern State University endorses and practices the principle of equal education and employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age or non-job related handicap or disability in the education programs, services or activities it operates.