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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care

Overview

This degree is preparation for licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of California as a Respiratory Care Practitioner at the Advanced Registered Respiratory Therapist level. It focuses on diagnostic procedures, treatment, and management of patients with conditions affecting the cardiopulmonary system. Course work includes physical assessment, medical gas therapies, mechanical life support, airway care, pharmacology, neonatal/pediatric therapy, and specialized cardiopulmonary procedures. All degree major courses require a grade of “C” or better to remain in the program.

ARC's Respiratory Care Program is designed to prepare California licensed respiratory care practitioners at the registered respiratory therapist level. It focuses on diagnostic procedures, treatment, and management of patients with conditions affecting the cardiopulmonary system. The respiratory care practitioner works closely with the physician in assessing the patient and planning the proper respiratory care protocol.

The Respiratory Care curriculum is a two-year program designed to prepare the student for employment and to participate as a member of the healthcare team by providing direct patient care. Experience in respiratory care is provided in selected local hospitals where the student participates in clinical externships. Safe, ethical, and professional levels of practice are necessary for retention of students in the Respiratory Care Program.

The American River College (ARC) Respiratory Care (RC) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 

The ARC RC CoARC number is 200194.

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.  CoARC Programmatic Outcome Data.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.S. in Respiratory Care
  • Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences Certificate
  • Dean Narinedat Madramootoo
  • Program Director and Department Chair Lisa Ilaga MA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C, RCP
  • Phone (916) 484-8902
  • Email askhb-healthed@arc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree

A.S. in Respiratory Care

This degree is preparation for licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of California as a Respiratory Care Practitioner at the Advanced Registered Respiratory Therapist level. It focuses on diagnostic procedures, treatment, and management of patients with conditions affecting the cardiopulmonary system. Course work includes physical assessment, medical gas therapies, mechanical life support, airway care, pharmacology, neonatal/pediatric therapy, and specialized cardiopulmonary procedures.
All degree major courses require a grade of "C" or better to remain in the program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
Pre-RC Courses:
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (3)
   or ENGL C1000H Academic Reading and Writing - Honors (3)
ESLW 340 Advanced Composition (4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
   or ANTH 481 Honors Cultural Anthropology (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
   or PSYC C1000H Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
Pre-requisites:
AH 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers 3
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology 5
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology 5
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4) 4 - 5
   or BIOL 442 General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
Spring Semester 1:
RC 110 Cardiopulmonary Pathologies for Respiratory Care 4
RC 111 Principles of Respiratory Care 7
Summer Semester:
RC 123 Clinical Externship I 3
Fall Semester 1:
RC 122 Airway Care & Mechanical Ventilation Laboratory 1
RC 121 Concepts of Airway Care & Mechanical Ventilation 4
RC 124 Respiratory Care Pharmacology 3
Spring Semester 2:
RC 130 Respiratory Care in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations & Diagnostic Studies 3
RC 131 Respiratory Care in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations & Diagnostic Studies Laboratory 1
RC 132 Clinical Externship II 6
Fall Semester 2:
RC 140 Professional Development in Respiratory Care 2
RC 142 Clinical Externship III 6
Total Units: 63 - 64

The Respiratory Care Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduation from an accredited high school (graduates from outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated by an independent agency), or successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Test or California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) as defined by the current requirements of the State of California and National Board for Respiratory Care.
  • A GPA of 2.5 in all prerequisite courses.
  • AH 311 with a grade of “C” or better.
  • BIOL 430 and BIOL 431 with grades of “C” or better.
  • BIOL 440 or BIOL 442 with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Current college GPA of 2.0 or better.
  • A Curriculum Planning Summary Sheet completed by an ARC counselor and dated within the year the enrollment application packet is submitted.
  • A completed pre-enrollment application.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Applications to the program may be obtained online at http://www.arc.losrios.edu/Programs_of_Study/Health_and_Education/Respiratory_Care.htm. Please check the above website for the application period and submission deadline.
  • Only students who meet the pre-enrollment requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program.
  • Selection is based on a computerized random selection process from among the qualified applicants.
  • The student accepted into the Respiratory Care program is required to have a physical examination, inoculations, drug screen, background check, and malpractice insurance. The student is responsible for any cost incurred related to meeting the requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • discuss patient/client reports with members of the health care network.
  • collect patient information relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by pulmonary disease.
  • recommend appropriate treatment plans based upon auditory, tactile, and visual feedback.
  • record assessment findings, treatment plans, and recommendations for care in medical records.
  • chart patient care in accordance with local, regional, and national standards.
  • categorize patients affected by pulmonary disease as having acute or chronic conditions.
  • define pulmonary disorders as restrictive or obstructive disease.
  • comply with ethical standards of the profession.

Career Information

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that faster than average employment growth is projected for respiratory therapists. The increasing demand will come from substantial increases in the middle aged and elderly populations. Greater demand will also result from the expanding role of the respiratory therapist in case management, disease prevention, emergency care, and the early detection of pulmonary disorders. Career opportunities include positions in hospitals and other areas, especially in home health care services, physician’s offices, and medical equipment supply companies.

Certificate of Achievement

Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences Certificate

The Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences recognizes English as a Second Language students' milestones in completing both advanced academic ESL course work and introductory coursework in several health science fields. It incentivizes them to continue taking courses in this discipline after completing higher level ESL courses and to obtain a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate degree for use in a workplace.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar (3) 3
   or ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking (3)
A minimum of 5 units from the following: 5
AH 112 Strategies for Student Success in Health Occupations (3)
AH 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers (3)
BIOL 304 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CISC 300 Computer Familiarization (1)
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
HCI 300 Introduction to Healthcare Interpreting (0.5)
NUTRI 300 Nutrition (3)
Total Units: 20

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze, compose, and organize oral and written communication into effective documents and/or academic compositions.
  • employ reading strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively.
  • take clear notes.
  • give oral presentations in a business/work environment.
  • convey intended meaning and formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • research and critically evaluate information to create informed responses to issues and problems and design messages that adapt to target audiences in order to maximize communication effectiveness.
  • demonstrate basic knowledge of introductory healthcare or scientific terms.
  • employ effective communication in professional healthcare settings.

Career Information

Students who complete this Pathway to Health Sciences certificate will have gained knowledge in academic English and introductory skills in several health sciences fields, such as Healthcare Interpreting, Nutrition, and Allied Health.

Respiratory Care (RC) Courses

RC 110 Cardiopulmonary Pathologies for Respiratory Care

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:RC 111
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Respiratory Care Program.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the common pathologies affecting the cardiopulmonary system and related pharmacological treatment. Topics include obstructive and restrictive airway diseases, early childhood respiratory diseases, infectious pulmonary diseases, and pulmonary vascular diseases.

RC 111 Principles of Respiratory Care

  • Units:7
  • Hours:108 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:RC 110
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Respiratory Care Program.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces critical thinking skills necessary for entry into clinical practice in respiratory care. It includes a comprehensive overview of the cardiopulmonary system with emphasis on applied physiology. Additionally, it covers ventilation, gas transport, gas exchange, and acid-base balance, including interpretation of data and the relationship of therapeutics to physiological principles. Respiratory care equipment, patient assessment skills, safe practices, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), human rights and privacy, personal health and hygiene, and hospital orientations are introduced. This course is preparation for general practice as a respiratory care practitioner. It covers laboratory skills and procedures with emphasis on the application of theories and techniques related to assessment, evaluation, and interpretation of patients with cardiopulmonary illness. Included are concepts of Basic Life Support.

RC 121 Concepts of Airway Care & Mechanical Ventilation

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:RC 110 and 111 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:RC 122, 123, and 124
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course expands on the principles of respiratory failure, airway protective techniques, and advanced life support. Topics include mechanical ventilator theories and modes, invasive and noninvasive airway care, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) procedures.

RC 122 Airway Care & Mechanical Ventilation Laboratory

  • Units:1
  • Hours:54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:RC 110 and 111 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:RC 121, 123, and 124
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces higher levels of clinical practice including critical care. It covers Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), airway protective procedures, and mechanical ventilation.

RC 123 Clinical Externship I

  • Units:3
  • Hours:162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:RC 110 and 111 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:RC 121, 122, and 124
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students must meet the health requirements of the Los Rios Community College District for Allied Health Programs and certification in Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course presents the principles of medical gas delivery devices; humidity, aerosol and hyperinflation therapies, and chest physiotherapy. It also covers the application, patient assessment, patient monitoring, and evaluation of the efficacy of medical gas, humidity, aerosol and hyperinflation therapies, and chest physiotherapy. A portion of this course may be offered with a TBA component which may include working in clinical sites.

RC 124 Respiratory Care Pharmacology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:RC 110 and 111 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:RC 121, 122, and 123
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the concepts and principles of pharmacology
required in the practice of respiratory care, including medications, actions, dosages, routes of administration, and adverse reactions. Topics include patient education of medication delivery devices, patient
monitoring devices, utilization techniques, and the standards
for therapeutic efficacy in relation to asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, and smoking cessation.

RC 130 Respiratory Care in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations & Diagnostic Studies

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:RC 121, 122, 123, and 124 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:RC 131 and 132
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course prepares students to work in laboratories and special care areas of a hospital. Topics include perinatal and pediatric diseases, labor and delivery, rehabilitation, and advanced diagnostic studies performed by respiratory therapists. Additional topics include bronchoscopy, advanced pulmonary function studies, bronchial provocation testing, polysomnography, exercise stress tests, metabolic studies, hemodynamic measurements, advanced modalities of mechanical ventilation, and cardiovascular testing.

RC 131 Respiratory Care in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations & Diagnostic Studies Laboratory

  • Units:1
  • Hours:54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:RC 121, 122, 123, and 124 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:RC 130 and 132
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course prepares students for general practice as respiratory care practitioners. It provides laboratory practice in medical gas, humidity/aerosol, hyperinflation and bronchial hygiene therapies, airway management, and non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilatory support as applied to neonatal and pediatric patients in specialized critical care units. Additionally, it covers pulmonary rehabilitation techniques, cardiopulmonary stress testing, sleep studies, and respiratory care techniques in the home setting. Students must successfully complete the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Self Assessment Examinations to receive a passing grade in this course. Students are responsible for fees associated with this examination.

RC 132 Clinical Externship II

  • Units:6
  • Hours:324 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:RC 121, 122, 123, and 124 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:RC 130 and 131
  • Enrollment Limitation:Student must meet the health requirements of the Los Rios Community College District for Allied Health Programs and certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a preparatory course for advanced practice as respiratory care practitioners. Topics include clinical practice in the application of airway management, including intubation, suctioning, and bronchoscopy, to adult patients in critical care units. Additionally it includes clinical practice in application of non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilatory support, ventilator settings/adjustments, monitoring, adjusting ventilators to improve oxygenation and/or ventilation and discontinuance from mechanical ventilatory support. Clinical experience is provided in regional hospitals and clinics. A portion of this course may be offered with a TBA component which may include working in clinical sites.

RC 140 Professional Development in Respiratory Care

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:RC 130, 131, and 132 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:RC 142
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course prepares students for transition into professional practice. Topics include ethical behaviors, resume writing, and professional attributes and dress for the respiratory care setting. Interviewing skills, professional test preparation for national licensing examinations, and practice examinations for the National Board of Respiratory Care's (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) and Clinical Simulation Self Assessment Examinations (CSE) are also covered.

RC 142 Clinical Externship III

  • Units:6
  • Hours:324 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:RC 130, 131, and 132 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:RC 140
  • Enrollment Limitation:Meet the health requirements of the Los Rios Community College District for Allied Health Programs and certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Neonatal Resuscitation Program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course prepares for advanced practice of respiratory care. Topics include labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, cardiac and medical intensive care, medical trauma management, application of pulmonary rehabilitation techniques, cardiopulmonary stress testing, sleep studies, and respiratory care techniques in the home setting. Additional topics include case studies in medical management.

RC 295 Independent Studies in Respiratory Care

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

RC 299 Experimental Offering in Respiratory Care

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog