(openPR) - San Diego, California, October 04, 2011 - California College of San Diego’s Associate’s in Respiratory Therapy program has been accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC). As part of California College San Diego’s extensive offering of healthcare programs and in response to the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, California College San Diego offers an Associates of Science in Respiratory Therapy degree.

Americans are now living longer than ever before, which has led to an increase in the elderly population. This age bracket has the largest incidence of respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases, which means that there is a growing demand for qualified, skilled respiratory therapists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this demand will continue to grow by 21% between 2008 and 2018.*

The curriculum for the Associates of Science in Respiratory Therapy includes courses such as Medical Terminology, Law and Ethics, Cardiopulmonary and Renal Anatomy and Physiology, Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology, Vital Signs and Emergencies, Airway Management, Mechanical Ventilation Theory, Perinatal and Pediatric Care, Math, Chemistry, and Physical Sciences for Respiratory Therapy, Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology, and Bronchial Hygiene Therapy. Clinical experience is also a vital component of the degree.

The duration of the program is 20 months and admission criteria include:
• High school diploma or equivalent GED® credential
• Clean drug test results
• Satisfactory criminal background check
• A passing grade on all Core Courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 as pre-requisites for taking respiratory therapy (RES) courses.

Respiratory therapists work in the offices of private practitioners, in nursing homes, in assisted living facilities, with infants, and in other healthcare arenas.

For more details on California College San Diego’s healthcare programs, call 1-888-334-6783 or visit www.cc-sd.edu.

About California College San Diego (CCSD)
Offering associate’s, associate’s in occupational studies, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, and healthcare, California College San Diego (CCSD) has trained graduates for new careers since 1978. CCSD is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).


*U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Respiratory Therapists.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition. bls.gov/oco/ocos321.htm

About California College San Diego (CCSD) Offering associate’s, associate’s in occupational studies, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, and healthcare, California College San Diego (CCSD) has trained graduates for new careers since 1978. CCSD is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

California College San Diego
2820 Camino del Rio South
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San Diego, CA 92108
www.cc-sd.edu/
michaelb@cc-sd.edu