| Career/Technical Education Homepage About the Degree Certificate Requirements |
The respiratory
therapist, also known as a respiratory care practitioner or RCP, is a
specialist in the field of cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) care.
The respiratory therapist applies scientific knowledge and theory to practical clinical problems of respiratory care, and is qualified to assume primary responsibility for respiratory care treatment. Therapists may be called upon to exercise considerable independent clinical judgment in the respiratory care of patients, under a physician’s direct or indirect supervision.
The therapist initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures, maintains patient records and communicates relevant information to the other members of health care team. They also are involved in education and prevention including asthma education and smoking cessation programs.
Diablo Valley College and Ohlone College in Fremont together offer this joint program designed to prepare students to take the national examination that, upon passing, leads to the credential Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Students in the program take courses at each of the following locations: Ohlone campus, DVC campus in Pleasant Hill, DVC’s San Ramon Valley campus and various Bay Area hospitals.
What will I learn through the respiratory therapy certificate program?
This program prepares students to be respiratory therapists in one of the fastest-growing allied health professions in the nation. Therapists are involved in the diagnosis, treatment, management and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiorespiratory system, in both hospital and home environments. Completion of this CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program) makes graduates eligible for the California state license examination for respiratory care practitioner (RCP) and the registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credentialing examination of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Our joint program with Ohlone College was the first in the state and has become a model for other colleges to follow; students take their general education courses at DVC, laboratory and clinical courses at Ohlone College, and have supervised clinical practice at local hospitals.
To earn a certificate of achievement, students must complete the requirements for an A.A. degree (unless they hold a higher degree) and maintain a 2.0 grade point average or better. See the associate in arts degree requirements listed in the “Transfer and DVC degrees” section of this catalog. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate from Ohlone College and an A.A. degree from DVC. For applications and information, contact the Career Development Office located in the Student Services Building.
