Associate of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Program

Clarion University's Associate of Science in Respiratory Care program prepares students to be registered respiratory therapists. Respiratory care practitioners (respiratory therapists) evaluate and care for individuals who have breathing and other cardiopulmonary ailments ranging from moderate to life-threatening. Respiratory care practitioners work closely with other health care professionals to provide a wide range of diagnostic and therapy to patients.

The program provides students clinical knowledge in respiratory care as well as a liberal arts education.  Graduates of the respiratory program will be eligible to take the Written Registry Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.  The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

The field of respiratory care affords exciting opportunities for career diversity. After attaining status as an advanced-level respiratory care practitioner, individuals may specialize in areas such as:

• Intensive care
• Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care
• Polysomnography (the diagnosis of sleep disorders)
• Education
• Administration

Qualified respiratory care practitioners are in high demand. Because of the aging population and the increasing incidence of respiratory disease, the need for respiratory care practitioners is on the rise. Job opportunities for respiratory care practitioners exist in hospitals, home health agencies, physician's offices and other settings.

Job experience

Career shadowing appointments are scheduled through Clarion University's Department of Allied Health. Shadowing provides a unique opportunity for prospective students to spend four hours with a respiratory therapist in a hospital environment.  Career shadowing assists students in academic and career choices. Schedule a career shadowing appointment by contacting respiratory care secretary, Debra Weaver, at 1-877-VENANGO, Ext. 1250.

Clarion University's Associate of Science in Respiratory Care degree program is located at Venango College in Oil City. The 24-month program requires two semesters of general education course work and a 14-month clinical program in respiratory care.

Admission to the Program and Suggested Prerequisites

Admission to Clarion's respiratory care program is available to individuals who meet the university's standard admission criteria.  Admission to the respiratory care program is also contingent upon vacancy in the program.  Students are admitted to the program via rolling admission until full capacity is reached.  Once full program capacity is reached, interested students may be offered to be put on a waiting list.

These are the suggested prerequisite requirements:

• Math 050 if necessary, as determined by Clarion's math placement exam
• BIOL 111 (basic biology) if students have not had one year of high school or college biology with a minimum grade of "C" or better.
• Four documented hours of respiratory care career shadowing with a respiratory therapist prior to starting the program. (This is coordinated through the Department of Allied Health by contacting Debra Weaver at 814-676-6591, Ext. 1250.) 

Apply Now

For information on how to apply to Clarion University, contact the Venango College Admissions Office at 877-VENANGO, Ext. 1211.  You may also complete Clarion's online application.