PNW Respiratory therapy requirements different than Nursing program?

Nurses General Nursing

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I have completed all my pre requested for nursing program in clark college, transfer to LCC because clark is highly competitive. LCC has a Teas requirement testing which still need to take however i was thinking of looking to Mt. Hood respiratory therapy program. Financially and time wise it would be unfortunate if the pre requisite were much different for the two programs. Does anyone know how similar are they and what are the extra classes RT requires?

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This is a board full of nurses. You might have better luck checking with the school you're interested in for RT requirements.

Each nursing program has different prerequisites, as well ...and they can even change from year to year.

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Specializes in Respiratory Therapy.

Here is a link to their prerequisite requirements: Program Details

Looks the same as most programs: English, Math, Psych, and Communication + the sciences with Anatomy and Physiology I & II, General Chemistry, and Microbiology. It seems they use a points scale too for admissions. Most RT programs have the same or almost the same prereqs as the RN programs in the same schools with the exception of a physics requirement, so if you're good to go for nursing you should be good to go for RT as well.

Interestingly enough though, it appears Mt. Hood's RT program doesn't require physics. Most RT programs require that, but without it that would be one less class you'd have to worry about. Although, as an RT myself I would strongly recommend taking it if you're able to. Everything in RT (ventilators, BiPAP's, oxygen delivery, hemodynamics, ECMO, IABP) is heavy on the physics and not having a physics class puts you at a pretty severe disadvantage in regards to the depth of comprehension required for your boards and for clinical practice.

It's not required, and you can always learn as you go - it's just a lot harder is all.

Either way, good luck in whichever path you choose. Feel free to PM me if you have any other RT related questions.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

I had no prerequisite. To take, on acceptance into a respiratory program....but I had been a biology major (118) hrs.

Prior to going to nursing school.....any prerequisite was more than exceeded...

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