Academics > Health Careers and Human Services > Frequently Asked Questions About The Respiratory Care Program

Frequently Asked Questions About The Respiratory Care Program

1.   What is the employment outlook?

Employment opportunities in the greaterDaytona Beacharea are good. For those who are willing to relocate, opportunities statewide are better and nationwide are best.

2.   What salary can I expect?

The range of salaries for entry-level graduates in the area currently is $16.00 to $17.00 per hour. The starting salary may also vary with individual health care facilities and locations.

3.   What are the typical working hours for this profession?

Those employed in a hospital setting may expect a variety of shifts and hours. Currently, most hospitals in the area work on a 12-hour shift basis, usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. For those employed in clinics, rehabilitation units, or home care settings, regular day hours 7 AM to 3 PM or 8 AM to 4 PM are the norm.

4.   What are the program hours?

The first year: Fall semester is classroom-based and is comprised of the major foundation courses and runs from 9:00 AM to approximately 2:00 PM Monday through Thursday. For the Spring semester, classes are taught on Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to approximately 2:00 PM.

The second year of the program: Fall semester include classes on Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Spring semester class on Wednesday 12 noon to 3 PM. Clinical classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:45 AM to 3:15 PM. (**Days and Times are subject to change)

General education courses must be taken during hours that do not conflict with the normal sequence of the Respiratory Care program.

5.   How much does the program cost? What about books, lab fees?

At $104.48 per semester hour ($406.80 for out-of-state fees) the tuition for this 76 hour program is $7,940.00 (30,916.00 for out-of-state fees). (Tuition may increase subject to Florida legislative action) Approximately $800.00 additional is required for books, uniforms and supplies such as a stethoscope.

6.   Must I pass a board exam upon completion of this program?

Yes! You are required to take and pass the national entry-level examination upon graduation from the program to be eligible for licensure. You also must within 3 years take the national Registry Examination subsequent to passing the entry-level examination. All examinations are computer-based. Procedures for application and taking the examinations will be explained during the program.

7.   Is a state license required to work in this occupation?

Yes! Chapter 468 of the Florida State Statutes requires that all respiratory care practitioners in the state ofFloridapossess a current occupational license. The procedure for an application and licensure will also be discussed during the course of the program. The issuance of a license is dependent upon passing the different levels of board examinations. A background criminal check is conducted prior to a license being granted.

8.   What courses are required?

Currently the pre-requisites are BSC1085 and BSC1085L (Human Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab), ENC1101 (College Composition I), and MAC1105 (College Algebra). It is suggested that the general education requirements listed on the program guide be taken prior to entry into the program.

9.   Is clinical or externship training required in this program?

Yes! Approximately 700 hours of clinical training are included in the two-year program. During this time, students work with patients (adult, pediatric and newborn) in a variety of health care settings.

10.  If I have previous college courses, will they count towards graduation from this program?

Transcripts from previous colleges must be submitted to the Admissions Department at, DSC, where the Record’s Department will determine the courses/credits, which are transferable towards the Associate of Science degree. You may also be asked for catalog or course descriptions from your prior college in some cases.

11.  FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) Level II Background Screening

Once provisionally accepted to the program students will be required to complete a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Level II Background screening to             include Fingerprinting and Drug Testing, with a cost of approximately $90. Instructions will be provided once a Student is provisionally accepted into the program.

12.  When may I start the program?

Applications are accepted throughout the year for the program which begins in the Fall semester (August). Effective Fall 2012 program selection will be based on the following:

• Minimum Cumulative 2.5 GPA or better
• Completion of the prerequisite courses:

BSC1085 and BSC1085L (Human Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab)

ENC1101 (College Composition I)

MAC1105 (College Algebra)

• Attendance at a program information session (TBA)
• Interview with Program Director and the Director of Clinical Education
• Brief written statement (1 page) explaining your interest in Respiratory Care
• At least 18 years of age by the second semester of the program
• Applicants must have all documentation in by May 31 of each year to be considered for the upcoming Fall program.

 Anyone not meeting the above criteria will not be considered. Please be advised that application submission does not guarantee program acceptance.

Two-Year Schedule of Respiratory Classes

Class days and times are subject to change at the discretion of the program director.

Rev 3/2013

Daytona State College 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 (386)506-3000

Daytona State College prohibits discrimination and provides equal opportunity in employment and education services to all individuals without regard to age, ancestry, belief, color, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, gender, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. If you have any questions or concerns regarding equity or equal access, contact Lonnie Thompson, Director of Equity and Inclusion, (386) 506-3000 ext. 3973 or ThompsL@daytonastate.edu. The Office of Equity and Inclusion is located at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114.