Respiratory Therapy

Mission Statement

To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs).

Program Goal

The department of Respiratory Care strives to provide every student with a quality education leading towards successful career opportunities while providing the hospitals with competent reliable employees.  We stress the importance of working as a team to provide the best patient care balanced with a humanistic approach to student and patient needs. The general education and respiratory care curriculum are structured in accordance with the expectations of the professional community, the national credentialing board and the national accrediting agencies.  Coordination between classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction of the program is used to insure competency in all areas of study.

Learn more at MoreRTs.com

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING TO THE NWCC RESPIRATORY PROGRAM

1.  Complete the prerequisite courses- Anatomy and Physiology I and II (including labs) in addition to College Algebra with a "C" or better before entering the program. These may be taken during the summer prior to August entrance date. However, the application packet is still due by August 7th.
2.  Observe a Respiratory Therapy department and the day-to-day activities of a therapist. Type a synopsis of the day to complete the observation log (on hold).
3.  Before June 1 send the following information to: Northwest Mississippi Community College DeSoto Center Respiratory Therapy Program ATTN: Debra Lenox 5197 W.E. Ross Parkway Southaven, MS 38671
   1. Respiratory Therapy Program Application Form. 
   2. ACT composite score of 18 or higher (*see below).
   3. Respiratory department observation log. 
4. Send the following information to the Senatobia Campus:
   1. Northwest Mississippi Community College Application for Admission.
   2. Official ACT score.
   3. Official high school transcript.
   4. Official college transcript(s) if applicable.

*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. The ACT score is required for entry into the Respiratory program for students of every age and background regardless of previous college experience. Please see the * paragraph above for the only exception. If you haven't  taken the exam you should contact the counselors for an application. If you have taken the exam and are not sure of your score, you should contact your high school. Admission to the program is on a competitive basis. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission into the program. Sciences older than five years will have to be repeated.

There is not an entry test required but 4 hours of observation of a Respiratory Therapist in a hospital setting is required prior to acceptance.   

resource: complete the observation log (on hold)

A-  93-100
B-  84-92
C-  75-83
D-  70-74
F-  69 or below

Debra Lenox, Program Director (662) 280-6151
Tessa McMinn, Clinical Director (662) 280-6155

Debra Lenox attended Southern Illinois University for Respiratory Therapy and Allied Health where she received an Associate degree. She continued her education with a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management from Independence University and a Master’s in Health Administration from Belhaven University.  Her work experience begins at Dameron Hospital in Stockton, California for 11 years, Methodist University in Memphis, Tennessee for 25 years and currently is the Program Director at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Tessa McMinn is a graduate of Delta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, she was accepted into the Respiratory Therapy program and earned her credentials as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. She worked at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital for 17 years before becoming the Director of Clinical Education at Northwest Mississippi Community College. 

Respiratory Therapy Course Curriculum 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC.org) - Provides job opportunities, continual educational units and research in the advancement of Respiratory Therapy.

The National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC.org) - Provides information on credentials, licenses, practice tests, and accredited educational programs.

The respiratory therapy profession offers a wide variety of fulfilling career paths and opportunities. The job outlook continues to grow even more in the coming years with new health concerns, elderly population, asthma, emphysema, accident victims and other illnesses. Respiratory Therapist is a vital team member of saving lives. Our professional organization, American Association of Respiratory Care provides job listing of opportunities in several states.