Respiratory Care

The goal of the Respiratory Care Program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College is 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). At HGTC, you as a student will realize the important part you will have in today’s healthcare system, caring for high-risk patients in their most intense moments. Respiratory Therapists have a vital role of taking care of patients who suffer from heart and lung ailments. The HGTC Respiratory Care program trains students with the most up-to-date technology and equipment, so graduates are ready for employment in the profession.

Admissions Information

Specific Admission Requirements for Program

This is a First Qualified program with a limited number of available seats.  There are additional requirements beyond those of HGTC’s General Admission policy.  Every applicant will not receive an invitation.  Detailed information is shown below.

Getting Started with Respiratory Care

 

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements

Earn a minimum grade of "C" in all Respiratory Care General Education, support and RES courses. Failure of one required course will result in the student being dropped from the program with eligibility for readmission. A student who has a second failure in any one of the required courses, or failure in any two of the required courses will not be eligible for readmission to the RES program. Failure is defined as receiving a grade below "C" in any course. Students may apply for readmission to RES program after 2-year time period from 2nd course failure.

Student Resources

• Cost of Attendance
• Respiratory Care Program Cost
• STEPS Session

Forms

• Background Check
• Clinical Requirements

For more information, contact:
Sheri Tanner - (843) 839-1102
For more information about Health Science Admissions visit: www.hgtc.edu/healthscience

Accreditation Status

The Respiratory Care Program, CoARC Number 200622, Associate in Applied Science Degree on the Grand Strand Campus, holds Continuing Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).  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. The conferral of Continued Accreditation (approved July 12, 2024) denotes the program has made significant progress towards meeting the Entry into Practice Standards of Accreditation.

For more information about HGTC's accreditations, click here.

Program Mission, Goal & Outcomes

Program Mission

• To provide the opportunity for individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds to enter the respiratory therapy profession.
• To graduate students who exemplify the core values of the profession of Registered Respiratory Therapist.
• To have the faculty, students and staff contribute to the health and well-being of our community, and society through competent practice leadership, education, and humanistic ethical practices.
• To adapt technological advancements into the clinical practice.

Goals

“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).”

Learning Outcomes

Respiratory therapists provide patient care, which includes clinical decision-making and patient education. The respiratory care scope of practice includes, but is not limited to the following basic competencies:

• acquiring and evaluating clinical data;
• assessing the cardiopulmonary status of patients;
• performing, and/or assisting in the performance of, prescribed diagnostic studies such as: obtaining blood samples; blood gas analysis; pulmonary function testing; and polysomnography;
• evaluating data to assess the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care;

• establishing therapeutic goals for patients with cardiopulmonary disease;
• participating in the development and modification of respiratory care plans;
• case management of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases;
• initiating prescribed respiratory care treatments, evaluating and monitoring patient responses to such therapy and modifying the prescribed therapy to achieve the desired therapeutic objectives; managing life support activities;
• conducting and evaluating prescribed pulmonary rehabilitation;
• providing patient, family, and community education;
• promoting cardiopulmonary wellness, disease prevention, and disease management;
• promoting evidence-based practice by using established clinical practice guidelines and by evaluating published research for its relevance to patient care.

Program Outcome Data can be found at: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care Programmatic Outcomes Data.

Program Disclosure Statement

Applicants to the Respiratory Care program should be aware a current, unrestricted license or certification may be required to practice in the state in which you intend to reside/practice. Each state is unique in its licensure requirements. Students are encouraged to reach out to the program chair for more information and assistance with understanding professional licensure.

Career Outlook & Employment Opportunities

For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Career Services for more employment, career, and professional development resources.

 

Required Courses and Sample Schedules

*Courses may be completed during Phase I, General Admission phase of the Respiratory Care program or transferred in from another accredited institution.  BIO 210, ENG 101, and MAT 110 or MAT 120 must be completed with a grade of C or better before enrolling into the Limited Access Respiratory Care program.

^∇Registration for MAT courses require students to have appropriate test scores and/or pre-req courses; please refer to your advisor to determine your academic qualifications and eligibility for enrolling in MAT courses.