COTC is currently in the process of seeking Commission on
Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) accreditation for a
respiratory care program. However, COTC can provide no assurance
that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC. Students will be
selected and admitted upon confirmation of the
program’s accreditation.
COTC’s respiratory therapy program prepares you for a career as a
respiratory therapist. A respiratory therapist is trained to help
people with lung diseases or disorders. They assess, diagnose and
treat patients who have difficulty breathing. They work with
people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, in conjunction
with physicians and nurses to come up with treatment plans aimed
at best helping restore as much natural breathing function as
possible. Most respiratory therapists are employed in hospitals
as staff therapists with the opportunity to advance into lead,
charge, and supervisory therapist roles. Respiratory therapists
are also employed by homecare companies that provide care to
patients in the home.
In addition to classroom learning, you will practice skills in
our state-of-the-art simulation lab and gain real-world
experience through clinical placements at several hospitals in
central Ohio. At COTC, you will learn:
- the different pathologies of cardiopulmonary disease
- how to manage patient airways and establish airways through
endotracheal intubation
- the various modes of invasive and non-invasive ventilation
- to communicate and work collaboratively with other members of
the healthcare team
- selection of appropriate oxygen and humidification delivery
devices
- the various equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of
patients with cardiopulmonary disease
Limited Permit
After one year, you can apply for a limited permit through the
state medical board. This limited permit allows you to work as a
respiratory therapist directly under the supervision of a
licensed respiratory therapist where you will gain valuable
experience to help you be successful for the remainder of the
program and throughout your career.
License/Credentialing Eligibility
Graduates who have successfully completed the program are
eligible to sit for the registered respiratory therapist (RRT)
credential offered through the National Board for Respiratory
Care (NBRC).
Future Start Dates
Pending accreditation confirmation, the respiratory therapy
technology program is anticipated to begin autumn semester
at the Newark campus. The deadline to apply is June 15. Selection
of students will be made after confirmation of
accreditation.