Thank you for your interest in the Respiratory Therapy Program.  When you are accepted into the program, the following information will assist you in planning for an exciting and challenging two years of study.  

This two year program begins once a year in August and students complete their coursework in May of the second year.  Upon graduation, you are eligible to take the national exams (certified and registered exams) to become a respiratory therapist.

All of the following needs to be completed and turned in to the program faculty by September: Physical exam, criminal background check, drug screening and the continuing education classes, CAE 0299 CPR /BLS (American Heart Association) 8 clock hours, CAE 0382 HIV/AIDS 4 clock hours, CAE 0474 Domestic Violence 2 clock hours, CAE 0476 TB/OSHA/Hepatitis 6 clock hours,  This is necessary as part of your preparation for hospital rotations that begin in January. 

Program Attrition Rate:   Acceptance in the respiratory program does not guarantee successful completion of the program.  A grade of “C” or above must be attained in all program related courses.

Time Schedule for Each Semester:

First Year:

First semester: Respiratory classes are from approximately 9AM to 3PM on Tuesday and Thursday.   Lab sessions (RET1026L) are limited to ten students so the time schedule will depend on the lab session that you choose.

Second semester:  The clinical rotations begin at the hospital. The times are on Wednesday and Friday from 6:45am until 3:15pm.  Some students may be offered the hours of 2:45pm until 11:15pm.  Respiratory classes take place on Tuesday from 9:30am until 4:00pm and Thursday from 9:00 am until 5:00pm. Times on Thursday are approximate depending on the lab session that you choose.

Third Semester (Six weeks): Respiratory class meets on Tuesday from 10:00amuntil 3:00pm.The clinical rotations at the hospital are on Wednesday and Friday from 6:45am until 3:15pm.  Some students may be offered hours of 2:45pm until 11:15pm.

Second Year:

First Semester:  Respiratory classes meet on Monday from 10:00am until 4:00pm and on Tuesday from 9:00am until 3:00pm.   The clinical rotations are on Wednesday and Friday from 6:45am until 3:15pm.  Some students may be offered the hours of 2:45pm until 11:15pm.

Second Semester:  Respiratory classes meet on Monday from 9:00am until 12:00pm.  The clinical rotations at the hospital are on Wednesday and Friday from 6:45am until 3:15pm. 

We recommend that you not work during the program or work 20 hours per week or less.  This is a full time advanced program and adequate study time is absolutely necessary to ensure success in the program.

Clinical rotations at the hospital begin the second semester of the program.   You will need to purchase a lab coat, hospital scrubs and a stethoscope.  The clinical coordinator will advise you of the color and types of items to purchase.

During your clinical rotations, paid clinical instructors stay with you and provide the expertise you need for proper training as a respiratory therapist.  Your rotations include non critical areas, intensive care areas for adults, pediatrics and neonates, emergency room training, pulmonary function rotation and long term care facility rotations.  You will be taught the competencies you need to independently function as a respiratory therapist when you graduate and become employed as an RRT.

Final Semester: During the final semester of your second year, intensive training takes place to prepare you for the national exams.    A seminar is scheduled, and practice questions and simulations are part of the preparation.  Prior to graduating from the program, an exit exam must be passed.  The exam is given by the National Board for Respiratory Care to all students graduating from a respiratory therapy program.  Students also become certified in ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) prior to graduation.

After graduation from the program, the cost of becoming a registered respiratory therapist who can practice in the State of Florida is approximately $750.00 including the exams and the State of Florida license.  The first exam can be taken within a week of graduating from the program.   

Pass Rates on the National Exam

Job opportunities for students graduating from the respiratory program:  100% of students that have graduated from the respiratory program at Broward College have found employment.  The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts an increase in the number of positions for respiratory therapists in the next ten years. With that being said, it is difficult to predict future employment as it may be affected by the economy.

Personal Grooming:  In choosing a career in Respiratory Therapy, you will be directly involved with the health of other human beings.  Professional attire and personal grooming are important, not only to the respiratory profession, but to the public as well.  You will be a representative of the respiratory team and must be an example to those with whom you come in contact.  Therefore, regulations about uniforms and personal grooming are necessary and are to be followed. 

Respiratory Therapy Program Progression Policy:

Auditing Passed Courses is Required    The program has an obligation to assure that any student who progresses in the program and is eventually assigned to a clinical rotation has demonstrated sufficient academic knowledge as well as competency in the skills that will be required in the clinical arena.  A student repeating a respiratory course will be required to audit all respiratory courses already passed in the same year as the failed course. ***  All students must be aware that if they are receiving Financial Aid, these audited courses will not be included in the financial aid package.  The student must pay the full cost of the course including any fees that are part of the course.

***Auditing an already passed respiratory care course:

The audited course must be successfully repeated (grade of “C” or higher) in order to continue in the respiratory program.