68 Credits AAS3400, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
Respiratory Therapists are specialized healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting individuals afflicted with cardiopulmonary disorders. As integral members of the healthcare team, they contribute to the assessment, treatment, management, and rehabilitation of such conditions. Respiratory therapists cater to a broad spectrum of patients, spanning from premature infants to the elderly. Their roles encompass diverse opportunities within various settings, including hospitals, diagnostic labs, clinics, and home care. In playing a crucial role in the nation's healthcare system, respiratory therapists contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals across different life stages.
Upon graduation, the student will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy. The graduate is then eligible to sit for the NMRC credentialing exams, which are required for licensure. Upon successful completion of the exams, the graduate will be awarded the credentials of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Coming Fall 2026
Base estimate for 68 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $14,583
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $14,583 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (14 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
HC1000 Medical Terminology (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the language of medicine that is used in the health care profession. The student will learn to spell, pronounce, define, and interpret medical terminology related to body structure, disease, diagnosis, and treatment. (Prerequisites: None)
RESP1100 Introduction to Respiratory Care (2 credits)
This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of respiratory therapy, preparing students for a career as a Respiratory Therapist. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Respiratory Therapy Program is required in order to register for Respiratory Therapy Courses).
RESP1120 Principle Practice of Respiratory Care I (3 credits)
This course examines respiratory equipment and the underlying principles related to medical gas therapy, bland aerosol and aerosolized medication therapy, lung expansion techniques, and airway clearance methods. Students will practice these respiratory procedures in the lab to demonstrate competence and readiness for direct patient care.
RESP1220 Principle Practice of Respiratory Care II (3 credits)
This course examines respiratory equipment and the principles of airway management, introduces both non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, and covers arterial blood gas sampling. Students will practice respiratory procedures in the lab to demonstrate competence and prepare for direct patient care in critical care environments. (Prerequisites: RESP 1100 and RESP 1120)
RESP1240 Pathophysiology for Respiratory Therapy (2 credits)
This course focuses on respiratory diseases with a strong emphasis on physical assessment. It will also address several common non-respiratory conditions. (Prerequisites: RESP 1100 and RESP 1120).
RESP1260 Pharmacology for Respiratory Therapy (2 credits)
This course covers fundamental pharmacology principles, dosage calculations, and drug administration methods commonly used by respiratory therapists. It also includes an overview of medications frequently prescribed for respiratory patients, such as antibiotics, analgesics, cardiovascular agents, and more. (Prerequisites: RESP 1100 and RESP 1200)
RESP1280 Respiratory Therapy Clinical I (4 credits)
This course offers students the opportunity to apply and integrate respiratory therapy theory and laboratory skills in a clinical setting (Prerequisites: RESP 1100 and RESP 1200).
RESP1320 Adult Critical Care (4 credits)
This course addresses both invasive and noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring, as well as chest tube management, fluid and electrolyte balance, and other essential topics in criticial care. (Prerequisites: RESP 1220 and RESP 1240, and RESP 1260 and RESP 1280).
RESP1340 Mechanical Ventilation (2 credits)
This course will examine the indications for mechanical ventilation, the underlying physics, potential complications, management strategies, monitoring techniques, equipment, and the process of weaning. It will also include discussions on advanced modes of mechanical ventilation. (Prerequisites: RESP 1220, RESP 1240, RESP 1260, RESP 1280)
RESP1360 Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapy (2 credits)
This course explores developmental anatomy and physiology, diseases affecting neonates and children, patient assessment, oxygen therapy, airway management, and mechanical ventilation for neonatal and pediatric patients. (Prerequisites: RESP 1220, RESP 1240, RESP 1260, RESP 1280)
RESP1380 Respiratory Therapy Clinical II (4 credits)
This course offers students the opportunity to apply and practice respiratory therapy theory and lab skills in a clinical setting. (Prerequisites: RESP 1220, RESP 1240, RESP 1260, RESP 1280)
RESP1420 Directed Studies in Respiratory Therapy (3 credits)
This course provides a comprehensive review of respiratory therapy, focusing on key areas needed for success in self-assessment exams. It emphasizes advanced analysis of clinical data and its integration into patient management plans. The course prepares students for the NBRC, CRTT, and RRT exams, which they will take after graduation for national credentialing. (Prerequisites: RESP 1320, RESP 1340, RESP 1360, RESP 1380)
RESP1440 Special Topics in Respiratory Therapy (2 credits)
This course addresses pulmonary rehabilitation and home care as they relate to respiratory therapists and their patients. Additional topics relevant to the current practice of the profession will also be discussed. (Prerequisites: RESP 1320, RESP 1340, RESP 1360, RESP 1380)
RESP1480 Respiratory Therapy Clinical III (6 credits)
This course offers students the opportunity to apply and integrate respiratory care theory and laboratory skills withing a clinical setting. (Prerequisites: RESP 1320, RESP 1340, RESP 1360, RESP 1380)
Required Arts and Sciences (7 Courses)
To complete an AAS Degree, students must complete at least 15 MNTC credits from 3 of the 10 MNTC Goal Areas. The following courses are required:
BIOL220 Human Anatomy (4 credits)
This course takes an in-depth look at the anatomy of the human body systems. The course emphasizes structure and anatomical function at the cellular, tissue, organ and systemic level. Dysfunctions are included but the body in homeostasis is emphasized. This course includes a weekly three hour lab. Some labs include dissection. (Prerequisite: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Area 3)
BIOL230 Human Physiology (4 credits)
This course provides an in-depth study of the functioning of most body systems, including muscle, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and endocrine systems at both the cellular and systemic level. An emphasis is placed on normal physiology, but dysfunction will also be discussed. This course contains a weekly 3 hour laboratory component. (Prerequisites: BIOL 220 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 108, CHEM 110 or CHEM 120 with a grade of C or better) (MNTC Goal Area 3)
BIOL270 Microbiology (4 credits)
This course is an introduction to the general principles and methods used in the study of microorganisms. It includes a survey of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms emphasizing bacteria and viruses. Topics include microbial cell structure and function, metabolism, microbial genetics, and the role of microorganisms in disease, immunity and other selected applied areas. Laboratory techniques include isolating, culturing and identifying microorganisms. This course contains a three hour per week laboratory component. (Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in BIOL115 OR BIOL225 OR BIOL220 AND CHEM108 OR CHEM110 OR CHEM 120) (MNTC Goal Area 3)
CHEM108 Introduction to Chemistry (4 credits)
A one-semester introduction to the field of chemistry, this course is designed to allow the student to understand how chemistry relates to everyday life and to learn some of the language and concepts of chemistry related to applied health. This course uses a math-based approach. (Prerequisite: [Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher] AND [have a Next-Generation Accuplacer AAF score of 250 or higher or (Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher and Classic Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 76 or higher) or completion of either MATH 0085 or MATH 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or ACT Math score of 19 or higher or MCA Math score of 1158 or higher.] (MNTC 3: Natural Sciences)
OR
CHEM110 Chemistry for the Health Sciences (4 credits)
Key concepts of general, organic, and biological chemistry are introduced in an integrated approach with applications from the medical fields. The course is designed to prepare students for Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology or to be utilized as a general Liberal Arts and Sciences course. Limited mathematical approach; this course does not meet the requirements of a prerequisite for CHEM 120. Lecture and a 2-hour lab are included. (Prerequisite: [Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or READ 0095 or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher] AND [ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher] AND [have a Next-Generation Accuplacer AAF score of 250 or higher or (Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher and Classic Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 76 or higher) or completion of either MATH 0085 or MATH 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or ACT Math score of 19 or higher or MCA Math score of 1158 or higher.] (MNTC 2, 3: Critical Thinking, Natural Sciences)
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
HUM121 Introduction to the Humanities (4 credits)
This course is an overview of the principal trends in Western thought and artistic expression from ancient times to the contemporary. Its aim is to foster an appreciation of how diverse ideas and works of art have contributed to our understanding of the universal human experience. Classroom instruction will be supplemented by guided tours of museums/exhibitions, and attendance at live performances of works pertinent to the course. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 6: Humanities & Fine Arts)
PSYC110 Lifespan Psychology (3 credits)
This is an introductory course examining human development across the lifespan, with emphasis on normal physical, cognitive, and social development. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5 - History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, MNTC 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC 7b - Race/Power/Justice)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
