respiratory therapy school

Has anyone attended California college for heath sciences which is a distance based respiratory therpay program that is fully accredited? what was your experience?

I did many years ago- early 90's. At the time it was the best thing for me. I was just starting a family and new tho the field. Alot depends on how much your host hospital is willing to teach/train you. I was fortunate in that about 4 of us did it back then, so we could rely on each other for help. It was a good move for me, and now I am able to support a family of 5 and make my own hours for the most part. I would suggest getting your AS, back when I did it we just got a certificate. Good luck!

I'm going through CCHS right now. I'm currently working as a Respiratory Tech. My director, and the director of the RT program at the local community college, both recommended CCHS, due to the long wait to get into the RT program in SW Michigan.

It's tough. You do the same things you would if you were going to a physical location, you just have the issues of not having someone right there to ask and explain things to you. You're teaching yourself with a text book and study guide. You are able to call/email your instructor if you need to, there is always help available. You have to be disciplined, though. There is no one calling to let you know you've fallen behind your milestones. It is also very expensive (they do have "scholarships" available if you qualify). I went for it, because I have a full time job, a family, and couldn't do the regimented schedule of a college, or afford to put my daughter in daycare for the extra days a week. Also, I will be done and registered by the time I would have even started at a conventional college (I've got 4 years of college before this, so pre-req's were met).

I work with a couple great therapists, who are always willing and excited to help me with any questions I have about a class.

Bret in South Haven, Michigan said: I'm going through CCHS right now. I'm currently working as a Respiratory Tech. My director, and the director of the RT program at the local community college, both recommended CCHS, due to the long wait to get into the RT program in SW Michigan.

It's tough. You do the same things you would if you were going to a physical location, you just have the issues of not having someone right there to ask and explain things to you. You're teaching yourself with a text book and study guide. You are able to call/email your instructor if you need to, there is always help available. You have to be disciplined, though. There is no one calling to let you know you've fallen behind your milestones. It is also very expensive (they do have "scholarships" available if you qualify). I went for it, because I have a full time job, a family, and couldn't do the regimented schedule of a college, or afford to put my daughter in daycare for the extra days a week. Also, I will be done and registered by the time I would have even started at a conventional college (I've got 4 years of college before this, so pre-req's were met).

I work with a couple great therapists, who are always willing and excited to help me with any questions I have about a class.

Thank you so much for the information!

I went through CCHS many years agao to get my CRT and then again to get my AS degree to be able to sit for my RRT which I got. I am now thinking of doing polysomnography through them. I was always satisfied with what I got from them, and it really helped that I didn't have to got to class since I had a growing family and a full time job. They have gotten very expensive as of late but you have to weight the fact that you can start anytime and study at your convenience. Good luck it is so worth it!

Bret,

HOw much is the program? How far along are you on your program? I'm considering it, but I'm concerned whether I would met their requirements. I have a BA, have taken A&P, medical termiology, chemistry, mth, and statics.

Any info would be helpful.

Anyone have a link for this school?

Thanks

I think I found it? How long did it take to finish RT school?
www.independence.edu/Programs/HSASRespiratoryTherapy.php

Has anyone been to the RT program at Concorde in North Hollywood or Garden Grove? Looking for a school, but I am not familiar with any but the one I attend now for my Massage Therapy Cert.

I am going to the San Bernardino location this spring. Wife went as a LVN there last year.

Ron, Can you tell me anything about the school? Is it a good one? Have they ever had thier credentialing questioned or revoked, that you know of? What is the tuition like? What are the teachers and staff like? Any and all info you can give me would be helpful. Thank You in Advance!

Wife said it was fine. She got a job very easy! The school is good. That is the only reason I am willing to pay $30k!

Bret in South Haven, Michigan said: I'm going through CCHS right now. I'm currently working as a Respiratory Tech. My director, and the director of the RT program at the local community college, both recommended CCHS, due to the long wait to get into the RT program in SW Michigan.

It's tough. You do the same things you would if you were going to a physical location, you just have the issues of not having someone right there to ask and explain things to you. You're teaching yourself with a text book and study guide. You are able to call/email your instructor if you need to, there is always help available. You have to be disciplined, though. There is no one calling to let you know you've fallen behind your milestones. It is also very expensive (they do have "scholarships" available if you qualify). I went for it, because I have a full time job, a family, and couldn't do the regimented schedule of a college, or afford to put my daughter in daycare for the extra days a week. Also, I will be done and registered by the time I would have even started at a conventional college (I've got 4 years of college before this, so pre-req's were met).

I work with a couple great therapists, who are always willing and excited to help me with any questions I have about a class.

I am planning to start next month. I am only hoping to find a local hospital in my area. I contacted the hospital and he said he would check with his legal department. He said they had students attend many years ago, but he wasn't sure how it works now.

I don't think the tuition is too bad. I was told with the eduplan the tuition is $200/month which includes books. I was also told that after completing the intermediate portion then I could prepare to take the CRT or do I need to finish the entire program before being able to take the CRT? I think this would be perfect for me, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to find a local hospital.

Bret in South Haven, Michigan said: I'm going through CCHS right now. I'm currently working as a Respiratory Tech. My director, and the director of the RT program at the local community college, both recommended CCHS, due to the long wait to get into the RT program in SW Michigan.

It's tough. You do the same things you would if you were going to a physical location, you just have the issues of not having someone right there to ask and explain things to you. You're teaching yourself with a text book and study guide. You are able to call/email your instructor if you need to, there is always help available. You have to be disciplined, though. There is no one calling to let you know you've fallen behind your milestones. It is also very expensive (they do have "scholarships" available if you qualify). I went for it, because I have a full time job, a family, and couldn't do the regimented schedule of a college, or afford to put my daughter in daycare for the extra days a week. Also, I will be done and registered by the time I would have even started at a conventional college (I've got 4 years of college before this, so pre-req's were met).

I work with a couple great therapists, who are always willing and excited to help me with any questions I have about a class.

Are you still in the program? Are you in the core respiratory classes right now? I am working on the pre-requisites and they are difficult, but I am getting good grades so I am happy about that. I am waiting for my local hospital to get back to me with regard to my clinicals. It is very difficult in my area, to find a hospital willing to work with me since I have no medical experience and am not currently employed by a hospital. Overall I am happy with the program and anxious to get past cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology!

"Are you still in the program? Are you in the core respiratory classes right now? I am working on the pre-requisites and they are difficult, but I am getting good grades so I am happy about that. I am waiting for my local hospital to get back to me with regard to my clinicals. It is very difficult in my area, to find a hospital willing to work with me since I have no medical experience and am not currently employed by a hospital. Overall I am happy with the program and anxious to get past cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology!"

Where are you attending?

"Has anyone been to the RT program at Concorde in North Hollywood or Garden Grove? Looking for a school, but I am not familiar with any but the one I attend now for my Massage Therapy Cert."

Did you sign up?

Not as yet, no. I'm still in the research stages. Concorde is the only one I've been able to find so far; and I wanted to get an idea from someone who's been there.

Here is another.
www.independence.edu/Programs/HSASRespiratoryTherapy.php

alisa in Encino, California said: Are you still in the program? Are you in the core respiratory classes right now? I am working on the pre-requisites and they are difficult, but I am getting good grades so I am happy about that. I am waiting for my local hospital to get back to me with regard to my clinicals. It is very difficult in my area, to find a hospital willing to work with me since I have no medical experience and am not currently employed by a hospital. Overall I am happy with the program and anxious to get past cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology!

Alisa,
you mentioned that the prereq's were difficult. I am planning to start next month. How long has it taken you to complete each class? I am anxious to get started. I wanted to wait until I got an answer from one of the local hospitals before I started. It looks like it may be possible. I would like to keep in touch as far as your classes.

How exciting! The pre-req's are hard, but I like it. The first class is relatively easy and I was able to complete it in about 3 weeks, the next class I was able to complete in about 45 days but that was during the holidays which slowed me up. My current class will probably run me about 40 days and the final pre-requisite will probably be the longest at about 45 days. Once you sign-up, there is a forum for students so let me know and we can chat in there!

Thanks Alisa,
How are the tests? Is there one final tests? Or are there quizzes after each unit how does that work so that you remember the information? Also how are you paying for classes? I have to pay out of my pocket, but I am hoping I will be able to get tuition reimbursement. I have to go through the eduplan of paying $200/month.

Each class has 5 or 6 Unit Tests that are open book and then one final that has to be proctored. They have a system set-up where you can take your final exam locally so it's nothing to worry about. As far as remembering the information, each class is different and you just have to find a system that works for you. Personally, I create flash cards as I go along and study them throughout the course. I have a SallieMae student loan with deferred payments but the Eduplan is a good deal too!

Alisa,
I had a few friends that wanted to do the program together, but I was told they don't accept federal funded financial aid. Is the SallieMae loan a private loan based on credit? or is it the government sponsered loans from Salliemae?

It based on credit.

it was a sallie mae "career" loan that the school helped me apply for and like Ron said, it is credit based.

Remember, if you need credit based, your credit union to your local bank can help out there. Look for the best interest rate, along with how long you can defer it :-)

Hope this helps.

alisa in Encino, California said: Has anyone attended California college for heath sciences which is a distance based respiratory therpay program that is fully accredited? what was your experience?

No, I have not attended the California College, but I do know many of my co-workers who have who are respiratory therapist and they seemed to like it. I'm thinking about doing it and getting my associates degree in respiratory. It is accredited and it's legitimate. The only thing you have to have is a hospital willing to allow you to do clinicals there. It seems this is the hard part, but once you have that, you should be fine. I've heard it's pretty tough, but many people have gotten through and passed their boards.

Ron in Apple Valley, California said: Anyone have a link for this school?

Thanks

Yes,
edu.Go2Independence.com
It's called Independence University (CCHS)

I did the CCHS program (CRTT and RRT)program back in the 80's. It took a little over 2 years for the combined programs. I did the programs concurrently while attending college (I have BS in chemistry and biology). At that time the programs cost $1500 a piece and the hospital I worked for paid for it all. My RT director at the time required it for employment. You were either in the program or out the door. I needed a job, had the medical experience and it was 12 hour night shift. How could I go wrong.

The secret to the CCHS program is finding a good clinical instructor inside the department you work at. If you have problems or questions, this person needs to be sharp enough to be able to answer them. The other thing is you need to be strong in math. I am not talking calculus here, but you need to be able to manipulate formulas.

Good Luck

Brenda in Crossville, Tennessee said: I went through CCHS many years agao to get my CRT and then again to get my AS degree to be able to sit for my RRT which I got. I am now thinking of doing polysomnography through them. I was always satisfied with what I got from them, and it really helped that I didn't have to got to class since I had a growing family and a full time job. They have gotten very expensive as of late but you have to weight the fact that you can start anytime and study at your convenience. Good luck it is so worth it!

Hi Brenda,

At the time you attend did you live in Tennessee, because I am thinking about enrolling and was wondering if the school is accepted in Tennessee to take state board.

Etta in Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hi Brenda,

At the time you attend did you live in Tennessee, because I am thinking about enrolling and was wondering if the school is accepted in Tennessee to take state board.

Etta,

There are no state board exams.. all states use the NBRC exams (CRT & RRT). California College is acceptable to sit for the NBRC exams, but you will have to find your own clinical sites and that is not always easy to do. Why don't you just enroll in one of the accredited programs in Memphis? Your clinical sites would be arranged for you and it would be a whole lot less expensive. Good Luck!

hi everybody,

i have been reading all your msg. and im really excited to get in to this but ((((Sputum Jockey in Wichita, Kansas))) my math capability is terrible do you really have to be sharp on math? how often do you used math in the job? pls answer me anyone?

I went to Grossmont College in El Cajon, Ca.. Wonderful school.. My class total is 45 graduating students in June 5.

im going for my bachelors degree @ california college and am so excited to start!! i will do a 32 month program and will receive my BA in rerspiratory therapy it svery pricey but im sure ill have a good job at a hospital once im done and the payments wont hurt. community college is just toooo long 4 me and the prequisits make that much longer not to mention the waiting list...i already talked to a councelor.@ city college so nopefast track is the way to go 4 me, besides they are acredited!!!!! so yaaaay by the way are the pay rates good for RT's????? in san diego???

I have a question hopefully someone can answer...I'm thinking of changing careers...Currently,I work as a production supervisor for a large manufacturing company.I have a BS degree. What's the best route for me to become a respiratory therapist? I have some of the pre-req's out of the way.Would I have to quit my present job?Thanks

Hi, new guy here. I live in Vancouver Washington and really want to become an RRT. Are there any trade schools around here that teach it? If not, what are the thoughts of doing it online with a distance learning school? Will it be recognized by a potential employer? I'm a single full time dad, so all these questions have a foundation. Thanks for any help!

im currently a student as an RT and i need to know how are u using math in this field

You needt o make sure that schools have the proper accreditation that you need. They don't all tell the truth check out my story in the Orange County Register. This forum will not allow me to post the link but if you google the headline you can find it easily> Here's the hed: Trade school pitfall: Lack of accreditation can strand grads

i believe math is used to caluclate the gas levels in the blood etc.. im not TOO sure.. but i know its used quite often from a good freind of mine

If interested please email me your resume to 100krecruiter@gmail.com. Currently I have mutiple lucrative $$$ positions available throughout the country for Respiratory Therapists, Registered Nurses, Lab Technicians, and Histo Technicians.

I am interested in becoming a RT. Does anyone have positive/negative feedback regarding Concorde Career College in San Diego? Also they said they place 90% of the students. Does anyone know that to be true? Thanks!

MST in Chula Vista, California said: I am interested in becoming a RT. Does anyone have positive/negative feedback regarding Concorde Career College in San Diego? Also they said they place 90% of the students. Does anyone know that to be true? Thanks!

The RT program at Concorde in San Diego is an good and aggerssive program. They do stay true to their goal of gradutating quality RRT's ( not CRT's). They do have excellent clinical sites and are strict on the qualifications (i.e. prereq. classes)However they are NOT fully accredited by Coarc yet (they are still under Letter of review) . So keep an eye on them. Until then Grossmont also has an excellent Rt program with excellent clinicals,labs, and they are fully accredited.

Thank you very much for the information. I met with the counselor there and have not yet toured the school. I will reply again when I have more information for others that may be interested.

rtp id like to talk to you in more detail.. email is ogterry1985@yahoo.com... im an advocate for just going to a commnity college... cheaper and more applicable to a UNIVERSITY... im not sure but later on if you were to ever get tired of RT u can be an RN and im sure ull get a higher pay raise ... im an EMT... CNA.. aa Degree.. and now im going for RT.. i hope to start higher than a regular RRT... GL..

MST in Chula Vista, California said: Thank you very much for the information. I met with the counselor there and have not yet toured the school. I will reply again when I have more information for others that may be interested.

COOL!

Goose23 in Valencia, California said: rtp id like to talk to you in more detail.. email is ogterry1985@yahoo.com... im an advocate for just going to a commnity college... cheaper and more applicable to a UNIVERSITY... im not sure but later on if you were to ever get tired of RT u can be an RN and im sure ull get a higher pay raise ... im an EMT... CNA.. aa Degree.. and now im going for RT.. i hope to start higher than a regular RRT... GL..

I started out as an EMT to!
As for community vs private school each has its pros and cons.... alos like you i am also an advocate for community colleg but yes i will shoot you an email.......

RTPBALLER in San Diego, California said: I started out as an EMT to!
As for community vs private school each has its pros and cons.... alos like you i am also an advocate for community colleg but yes i will shoot you an email.......

Does anyone have any feedback as to whether a Bachelor's Degree is of any benefit in the RT field? I'm attending CCSD, and they (of course) are hard-selling the Bachelor's of RT as "the only way to take your RT career to the next level.' However, I have recieved different info from RTs in the field--that an overpriced BS is NOT necessary and will not be applicable unless you want to go into management. What does any currently working RRT have to share? Thank you so much!!

ANNIE in Oceanside, California said: Does anyone have any feedback as to whether a Bachelor's Degree is of any benefit in the RT field? I'm attending CCSD, and they (of course) are hard-selling the Bachelor's of RT as "the only way to take your RT career to the next level.' However, I have recieved different info from RTs in the field--that an overpriced BS is NOT necessary and will not be applicable unless you want to go into management. What does any currently working RRT have to share? Thank you so much!!

The Rt's that you spoke to are correct. There is no to little pay difference between a RRT and a BS RRT. Bs in Rt is usefull if you want to move up into a management position, it does look good on your resume, and if you plan to move higher up the chain (i.e. NP or Anesthesologist it will be a requirement). But either than that, their is no big difference between and RRT and a BS RRT.

Ex loan guy in Vancouver, Washington said: Hi, new guy here. I live in Vancouver Washington and really want to become an RRT. Are there any trade schools around here that teach it? If not, what are the thoughts of doing it online with a distance learning school? Will it be recognized by a potential employer? I'm a single full time dad, so all these questions have a foundation. Thanks for any help!

Seattle Central Community college has a RT program. Hey, I was a nursing student and in the third quarter of nursing program we had the RT professors come in and teach a lab sequence. Man, he was great! We all (nursing students) thought gee, why can't our lab instructors teach like him. Anyway, it is a wait list program. Check out their website. I got out of the nursing program there and made it on to their list immediately after showing them I already did prerequisites. Plus, this program, the prerequisites don't have a time where they expire and you have to redo them. ..It's a good program I've heard...much, much better than their nursing program. Talk to Scott Mahoney..he is accessible and very nice. Good luck!

RTPBALLER in San Diego, California said: The Rt's that you spoke to are correct. There is no to little pay difference between a RRT and a BS RRT. Bs in Rt is usefull if you want to move up into a management position, it does look good on your resume, and if you plan to move higher up the chain (i.e. NP or Anesthesologist it will be a requirement). But either than that, their is no big difference between and RRT and a BS RRT.

Thank you! Due to the ever-increasing tuition that CCSD charges its students (tuition increases twice a year--and EVERYONE is charged for the ENTIRE 'new amount', regardless of the alleged 'contract' they signed when they started), I couldn't possibly afford the now $72K Bachelor's they are trying to hard-sell. My tuition bill has increased $14,000 since starting, and will be hit again at least once more before I'm able to finish.... I urge everyone considering CCSD to PLEASE CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FINANCIAL RAMIFICATIONS of attending that institution!!! It's completely unethical--and verbally denied--but, your financial-aide statements and final bill will be FULLY explained to you in these 'sliding scale' terms... and lawyers say the slippery verbage used in the original agreements allows for this.