Respiratory Therapy, A.A.S.

Respiratory Therapy is the allied medical discipline that works under the direction of a physician to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Those patients range from premature infants to post-operative patients to the aged. During clinical practice the student will rotate through area hospitals where preceptors and clinical instructors will work closely with them allowing direct patient care.

The Respiratory Therapy program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. The Associate of Applied Science degree curriculum will prepare the graduate to take the national credentialing exam.

Special admissions requirements: Admission to the program is on a competitive basis. Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. It is suggested that the student speak with a Respiratory Therapy Program instructor for advising when registering for the prerequisite courses.

1. Complete the prerequisite courses, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, before entering the program. (These may be taken during the summer before the August entrance date. The student will, however, still need to apply before May 1.)
2. Observe a respiratory therapy department and the day-to-day activities of a therapist and complete the observation log.
3. Before May 1, send the following information to:

Northwest Mississippi Community College/DeSoto Center
Director, Respiratory Therapy Program
5197 W.E. Ross Parkway
Southaven, MS 38671

1. Respiratory Therapy Program Application
2. ACT composite score of 18*
3. High school transcript
4. College transcript(s) if applicable
5. Respiratory department observation log

4. Send the following information to the Senatobia campus:

Northwest Mississippi Community College
Office of Admissions and Records
4975 Highway 51 North
Senatobia, MS 38668

1. Northwest Mississippi Community College Application
2. ACT score
3. High school transcript
4. College transcript(s) if applicable

5. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or greater may waive the ACT score if they have a GPA of 3.25 or better on the academic courses required in the curriculum and have taken their science courses within the last five years.

Admission to the program is on a competitive basis. Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. Science courses older than five years will have to be repeated. Preference is given to Mississippi residents as well as those who have taken their prerequisites at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

* ACT scores: The ACT score is required for entry into the Respiratory Therapy program for students of every age and background regardless of previous college experience. (Please see #5 above for the only exception). Applicants who have never taken the ACT should contact the counseling office for an application. Those who have taken the exam and are not sure of their score should first contact their high school and ask if it is posted on their transcript. If it is not, the applicant can contact the ACT office to request a copy of scores at: ACT Records, P.O. Box 451, Iowa City, IA, 52243; Telephone: (319) 337-1313.

If the class is not full, remaining positions will be filled by selecting applicants who may not meet ALL of the minimum requirements but do present documentation of achievement specified below under “alternate qualifications.”

ALTERNATE qualifications include, but are not limited to:

1. courses and grades earned in traditional colleges and universities;
2. courses and grades earned in post-secondary vocational or professional training programs (especially health related);
3. documented work experience in a health-care facility in direct patient care.

Admission forms for Respiratory Therapy Program may be obtained by writing to the following address, or complete application on college website: www.northwestms.edu, select Program and Respiratory Therapy:

Director, Respiratory Therapy Program
Northwest Mississippi Community College/DeSoto Center
5197 W. E. Ross Parkway
Southaven, MS 38671