Apply by November 15 for Respiratory Care Program

Ashland Community and Technical College is accepting applications for the Respiratory Care Advanced Level Program.

The program is offered by a consortium of ACTC, Morehead State University (MSU) and Maysville Community and Technical College - Rowan County Campus.

Students learn to take an active role in maintaining and/or restoring cardiopulmonary function. Classroom instruction is supplemented with learning experiences in the campus laboratory and area hospitals, and students are responsible for transportation to clinical sites.

Students are registered at ACTC or MSU and take their respiratory care courses at the Maysville Rowan County Campus. ACTC students complete all admission requirements, receive financial aid, register for class, pay tuition and fees, and complete their general education courses at ACTC.

The program meets the standards of the Commission on the Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Graduates earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care and are qualified to take the national board examination to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist.

Although hospitals employ the majority of respiratory therapists, other employers include home care providers, medical clinics and nursing homes.

Jobs for respiratory therapists are expected to grow by 20 percent by 2022, according to the Kentucky Occupational Outlook. The average pay for Kentucky respiratory therapists in 2012 was $22.15 per hour.

Respiratory Care is a selective admission program. Selection is based on ACT/COMPASS scores, documentation of observation hours, and completion or current enrollment in required courses. Prior to starting classes, CPR certification must be obtained.

The application deadline is November 15, and students not already enrolled at ACTC must also submit an ACTC application. Applications are available online at ashland.kctcs.edu. Application to the program does not guarantee admission

For more information, contact Coordinator Marlene Vice at MSU, 606.783.1538 or email: marlene.vice@kctcs.edu.