Respiratory Therapy FAQ

Respiratory therapists administer oxygen to patients who require it; they administer medicated treatments to patients with asthma, emphysema, or other lung diseases; they manage mechanical ventilators, that take over breathing for patients who cannot efficiently breathe on their own; they draw arterial blood to measure pH, oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide levels; they act as a physician extender to care for patients with pulmonary diseases.

Yes, you will need to have a clear criminal background check for the past seven years in order to be eligible for enrollment into clinical.  No violent and other significant crimes will be allowed even if they occurred longer than seven years ago.

Health Sciences Criminal Background Check Policy »

Yes.  A negative 10-panel drug screen is required in order to enter the Respiratory Care program.  Random testing may be completed throughout the program.

Health Sciences Drug Policy »

Yes.  The Associate Degree in Respiratory Care takes two years; the Bachelor’s Degree takes four years and advanced degrees include a Master’s Degree in Respiratory Care and a doctorate level (PhD).  There is a minimal pay difference between the associate’s and bachelors prepared therapist, but the BSRT degree affords more advancement opportunities, such as management.  There are no BSRT, MSRT, or PhD in Respiratory Care programs in the state of SC, but neighboring states (NC and Georgia) both have offerings.  There are also many online opportunities to obtain an advanced degree.

Yes.  These are covered during Orientation.  A physical form is required as well as proof of immunity to certain communicable diseases, an annual flu shot, and a 2-step PPD (for TB).  QuantiFERON and T-spot blood testing for TB is an alternative to PPD testing.

Yes.  However, it is the responsibility of the student to have his/her transcripts evaluated to see if these courses meet the requirements for our Respiratory Care program.  To receive points toward the weighted admission, transcripts must be evaluated prior to the student submitting the Weighted Admission Form.

Yes, if the clinical course is equivalent in hours and skills.  Students transferring into the Respiratory Care program will be required to pass a skills check-off prior to attending clinical.

No.  The Respiratory Care program is seated using a weighted admission process, by which you obtain points based on your grades for the general education requirements in the major.  Points are also given for previous education, TEAS exam score, certification, and technical GPA per the guidelines on the Weighted Admission Worksheet

Respiratory Care classes start each fall semester and the total program is 5 semesters in length, including one summer semester.

This could be different each year because of changes made in courses or how points are awarded. However, a goal would be to obtain nearly 75% of the maximum score.

Yes.  You must re-submit a Weighted Admission Form for the next application period.  Applications are not carried over from one application period to another.

CPR certification must be valid for two years and meet the Health Care Provider level for Adult, Child, and Infant. Only courses titled “Health Care Provider” by the American Heart Association are accepted. Greenville Technical College offers these classes through its continuing education program. For details, visit  Continuing Education and Economic Development. It is your responsibility to keep your CPR certification current throughout the duration of the program.

The Respiratory Care program is held Monday through Friday during daytime hours. Classes typically run between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., although clinical courses may begin as early as 7 a.m.

You may want to consider other health care careers or certification programs to improve your score.  Faculty and advisors can help you determine your options.

Respiratory Care students receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science.

SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

Once students apply to the college, they are assigned an academic advisor.