Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the Respiratory
Therapy Program?
Two years following acceptance into the
program after completion of the prerequisite courses.
What are the prerequisite
courses?
- High School graduation or
equivalent.
- Chemistry 115 or equivalent (4
units)
- Biology 144 & 145 or Biology
140 & 141 or equivalent (8 units)
- These courses take about 1 year
to complete
- A grade of "C" or better is
required in all prerequisite courses.
May I take the prerequisites
during the summer preceding entering the Fall Program?
Yes, as long as the
prerequisites are completed prior to the start of the Fall Semester.
Can
prerequisites be completed at a school other than Grossmont College?
Prerequisites may be taken
at any accredited college. The Respiratory Therapy office can tell
you what course numbers at other local schools correspond with those
at Grossmont, or see the Equivalency
Web Page.
When
may I apply for admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program?
The Respiratory Therapy Program has an
open application policy. To request an application, please contact
the RT secretary at (619) 644-7448 or
download one off this website.
Is the Respiratory Therapy
Program a day or evening program?
The Respiratory Therapy
Program is held only during the day.
I have
a degree from another country. Will those credits be applied toward
prerequisite courses at
Grossmont College?
Prospective students who
completed their education in another country must have their
transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service.
Applications and information for these services are available in the
Admissions and Records office. Make an appointment with the Program
Coordinator to discuss this question. Bring transcripts (English
translation) for evaluation.
Are
there many jobs available?
Yes, there are jobs both
locally, nationally and internationally. Most of our graduates have
obtained positions before graduation.
What
are the current salary levels?
The salary range varies for
a newly graduated therapist, however, the starting range is
typically $18.00 to $20.00+ an hour depending on the facility.
Is
there a waiting list?
Students are accepted on
first come, first served basis - as long as prerequisites are
successfully completed. Approximately 45 students are accepted each
year.
What
are the hours of the classes?
The class hours are listed
in the class schedule. The class schedule can be obtained from the
Grossmont College Bookstore. Class times and days vary each
semester.
Are the
graduates required to pass a state certification?
Yes! The graduate takes the
Certification exam after completing an AS degree in Respiratory
Therapy. This test is a state licensing examination. Once the
graduate passes this test, the graduate then becomes a
Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP). After this test is
completed, the RCP may take the Registry examination. The Registry
examination allows the practitioner to become a Registered
Respiratory Therapist. (The
RRT is at a higher level than the RCP, earns more money, and has
more responsibility).
Degrees/Certifications
An Associate in Science
Degree in Respiratory Therapy is required. The Respiratory Therapy
Program has a special "G.E." package. To find out what the G.E.
requirements are, you will need to contact the counseling department
or refer to the college catalog.
Are the
Respiratory Therapy courses transferable to another
college/university?
Yes, our courses are
transferable to a four year college, however, you should check with
the college or university that you are interested in transferring to
for course acceptance.
What is the approximate cost of
the program?
|
Resident
Tuition |
$20.00
per unit |
|
Books,
Clinical Attire, Malpractice Insurance, Etc. |
$2,000
|
|
Nonresident
Tuition - above fees
plus |
$156
per unit cost + $2,000 |
|
International
Student - above fees
plus |
$156
per unit cost + $2,000 |
|
 Grossmont College
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020
Counseling Office
(619)644-7208
Admissions & Records Office
(619)644-7186 Respiratory Therapy
(619) 644-7448 Email
Respiratory Therapy
Health Professions Home Page
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