Respiratory Therapy
SEARK Respiratory Therapy Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Respiratory Therapy program is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.
About Our Program
The Respiratory Therapy program is a patient care field that deals primarily with patients who have pulmonary disorders. Professional opportunities are in high demand, with many areas of respiratory care becoming specialized. Specialty areas in Respiratory Therapy include:
- Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) and transport
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and transport
- Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Unit (ECMO)
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) Lab
- Education and Research
- Home Care and Medical Equipment (DME)
- Rehabilitation
- Polysomnography
Program Accreditation
Southeast Arkansas College Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by:
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
264 Precision Blvd.
Telford, TN 37690
Office: (817) 283-2835
Fax: (817) 354-8519
Website: www.coarc.com
Program Outcomes Data Website
Program of Study
Acceptance into the Respiratory Therapy program is highly competitive with 16 students accepted each year. The professional component of the program begins in the Fall semester each year after the successful completion of the Summer Extended prerequisite course. Students will receive didactic and laboratory instruction, as well as supervised clinical work experience in several of our clinical sites. The program incorporates general education courses with professional courses to prepare graduates for the expanded role required for the respiratory care practitioner. After graduation, students will be eligible to take the national credentialing examinations and become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
This program of study requires special program fees beyond current tuition and college fees.
Application Procedures and Deadline:
March 15th of each year..
Step 1: Complete an online application for admission to Southeast Arkansas College, including all required admission documentation. Admission to the college does not constitute admission to the Respiratory Therapy program. Submit the following admissions documents:
- High school or GED transcript (required even if a college transfer)
- Official transcript (s) from all transferring colleges or universities, if applicable
- Proof of two immunizations against measles and rubella as mandated by Arkansas state law.
Step 3: Schedule and advising appointment by calling (870) 850-8633 or (870) 543-5924. All the above documentation should be submitted by March 15th of each year to allow sufficient time for applications to be processed.
Program Requirements
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age by August 1st of the current year.
- Completion of all 27 semester hours of the prerequisite courses with a “C” or above.
- A clear criminal background check and negative drug screen from a SEARK Respiratory Therapy approved agency.
Respiratory Therapy Associate of Applied Science Degree Plan
Program and Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of classroom and laboratory training with a minimum of 76%
- Successful completion of all clinical training with a minimum of 76%.
- Successful completion and certification in CPR/BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP.
- SSuccessful completion and passing of the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) CAPSTONE graduation exam.
Licensure and Certification
Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree program in Respiratory Therapy are eligible to apply for the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful candidates earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapists credentials. Successful completion of this program does not ensure certification or registration.
Successful completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy and earning the NBRC credential satisfies the requirements to apply for a license in the State of Arkansas but does not guarantee one being issued.
For More Information, Contact:
Lekita M. Pounds, MEd RRT LRCP
Program Director
Phone: (870) 850-8633
lpounds@seark.edu
Tammye Whitfield, MEd RRT LRCP
Director of Clinical Education
Phone: (870) 543-5924
twhitfield@seark.edu
Health Professions
Southeast Arkansas College
1900 Hazel St Pine Bluff, AR 71603
Phone: (870) 543 5934
Toll Free: 1-888-GO-SEARK
General Application Packet
