Your future in Respiratory Care

Prospective Student Information Guide | 2027 curriculum planning

CAREERS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Respiratory therapists assess and treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature newborns to older adults. They provide oxygen and breathing treatments, manage airways and mechanical ventilators, monitor patients, and respond to emergencies. RTs are part of healthcare teams in emergency departments, intensive care units, neonatal and pediatric units, and other healthcare settings.

Why choose Stark State Respiratory Care?

100% RRT credentialing success • 95% employment in the field | 2023–2025 reporting period

Small cohorts (maximum 24 students), hands-on simulation and labs, supervised clinical experiences with Northeast Ohio healthcare partners, and an accredited pathway to a rewarding healthcare career.

Program at a glance

• Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care.
• Format: Five-semester sequence beginning each fall; daytime respiratory care courses on the main campus.
• Learning experiences: Classroom instruction, hands-on laboratories, and supervised clinical rotations.
• Program courses follow a prescribed sequence and are offered once each year.

Program outcomes (2023–2025): 100% RRT credentialing success and 95% employment in the respiratory care field.

• The program is 63 total credit hours and enrolls a maximum fall cohort of 24 students.

What will I study?

You will learn respiratory assessment, airway management, medical gas administration, pharmacology, respiratory diseases, critical care, mechanical ventilation, cardiopulmonary anatomy & physiology, care of neonatal and pediatric patients and hemodynamics. The curriculum combines foundational science, clinical reasoning, case studies, simulation/laboratory work, and supervised patient care.

Clinical education

Clinical experiences are unpaid and assigned by the program's Clinical Coordinator. Students may rotate among different healthcare facilities and should plan for travel and scheduling flexibility. Clinical start and end times depend on site placement. Before clinical placement, students must complete required health and safety clearances, including a physical examination, immunization documentation, TB screening, BLS/CPR certification, BCI and FBI background checks, and a 10-panel urine drug screen (urinalysis). Additional requirements may vary by clinical site. Incomplete or unmet requirements may delay or prevent clinical placement.

Clinical partners include Aultman, Cleveland Clinic facilities including Akron General, Mercy, Union and main campus, Summa Health, Akron Children's, Select Specialty, and UH facilities including Ahuja, main campus, and Rainbow Babies. Actual placements and participating sites may change.

Time commitment and student success

• Expect a demanding schedule of lectures, labs, clinical experiences, and independent study.
• Most respiratory care coursework occurs during daytime hours; there is no separate evening/weekend program track listed.
• Attendance, punctuality, professionalism, good communication, and flexibility are essential.
• Students must earn at least a C in each required Respiratory Care course to progress.

RESPIRATORY CARE • PROSPECTIVE STUDENT GUIDE