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This page is for the Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy (ASRT) program. Already an RRT looking to advance your career? Check out our 100% online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT). |
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VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE Respiratory TherapyAssociate of Science Degree Dr. Prem Reddy School of Health Sciences CoARC Accredited · Program #200207 |
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2 YEARS |
26 STUDENTS/YEAR |
82 UNITS |
~$2,000 EST. COSTS* |
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Apply: Jan 5 – Apr 1 Entry: Summer Format: Associate of Science Selection: Points-based |
01 Accreditation
Our program holds Continuing Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and VVC is accredited by ACCJC/WASC.
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CoARC — PROGRAMMATIC Program #200207 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690 (817) 283-2835 |
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ACCJC/WASC — INSTITUTIONAL Regional Accreditation 10 Commercial Blvd, Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949 (415) 506-0234 |
02 Program Outcomes
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CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. View our outcomes data: coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data |
03 Our Mission
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The Victor Valley College Respiratory Therapy Program is dedicated to building a culture of psychological safety and shared excellence, where students feel supported to reveal their learning needs and faculty are empowered to meet them through reflective teaching and continuous professional development. By investing in both the learner and the educator, we maximize retention, board pass rates, and the employment outcomes that transform the lives of our graduates and the families they work to support — with an unwavering commitment to equity, access, and the healthcare workforce needs of the Inland Empire communities we serve. |
04 Our Vision
To be the Inland Empire’s premier respiratory therapy program — recognized for graduating compassionate, board-certified clinicians who are shaped by a culture of trust, continuous growth, and shared accountability, and who strengthen the health and economic vitality of the communities that need them most.
05 Program Philosophy
We believe that clinical excellence is built on a foundation of psychological safety. When students feel safe enough to say “I don’t know,” and faculty are skilled and humble enough to respond with guidance rather than judgment, real learning happens. The VVC Respiratory Therapy Program holds that the educator’s growth is inseparable from the student’s success — that reflective teaching, honest feedback, and mutual accountability are not ideals to aspire to, but daily practices we commit to. We further believe that earning the RRT credential is not merely an academic achievement — it is a career-defining, family-sustaining milestone that carries real economic consequence for our graduates and the communities they come from. As a program rooted in the Inland Empire, we take seriously our responsibility to develop an equitable, accessible pathway to a profession that transforms lives.
06 Program Values
- Psychological Safety — We create space where students and faculty alike can acknowledge uncertainty, ask hard questions, and grow without fear of judgment.
- Shared Excellence — We hold ourselves to high standards collectively. Student success and faculty development are not separate goals — they are the same goal.
- Reflective Practice — We model what we teach. Faculty continuously examine and improve their instructional methods, just as students are expected to examine and improve their clinical knowledge.
- Equity and Access — We recognize that many of our students carry significant responsibilities outside the classroom. We design our support systems to meet students where they are, remove barriers to completion, and ensure that background never determines outcome.
- Clinical Integrity — We prepare graduates who are not only board-ready but ethically grounded, patient-centered, and prepared to advocate for those in their care.
- Community Impact — We are rooted in the Inland Empire. The success of our graduates directly strengthens the regional healthcare workforce and the families and communities that depend on it.
07 Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
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COGNITIVE DOMAIN Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relative to their role as an advanced-practiced therapist. |
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PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAIN Demonstrate the technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of Registered Respiratory Therapist. |
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AFFECTIVE DOMAIN Demonstrate behaviors consistent with professionalism and meet employer expectations for the Registered Respiratory Therapist. |
08 Apply Now
Applications open each spring for summer entry — here’s how to start.
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APPLICATION PERIOD January 5 – April 1 Submit materials by April 1 at 5:00 PM for summer entry. Apply to both VVC and the RT Program separately. |
09 Selection Process
We use a points-based selection system. Earn points for:
- Completion of Human Anatomy (BIOL 211)
- Completion of Human Physiology (BIOL 231)
- Completion of Microbiology (BIOL 221)
- Completion of all graduation requirements
Tiebreaker: Cumulative GPA
10 Prerequisites
Complete before RSPT 230. Minimum grade: C. High school courses don’t qualify.
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COURSE |
UNITS |
GRADE |
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MATH 103 or 105 or 120 or 226 or STAT C1000 (College Algebra or Statistics) |
4 |
C |
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BIOL 100 or 107 or 201 (Biology) |
4 |
C |
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CHEM 100 OR 201 (Introductory Chemistry) |
4 |
C |
11 After Acceptance
Complete by end of July:
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• Physical exam with TB test • Immunizations & titers • COVID-19 vaccination + boosters |
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• Drug screening & background check • AHA BLS certification |
12 Transfer Students
Transfers from other RT programs are considered individually. Prior RT courses must be equivalent for credit.
13 Advanced Placement
Not offered. Prior RT education or work experience cannot substitute for required coursework.
14 Technical Standards
Students must meet these essential functions (with or without reasonable accommodation):
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PHYSICAL • Stand/walk 6-12 hours • Lift and transfer patients • Fine motor skills • Handle stressful situations |
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SENSORY • Visual acuity & color vision • Identify clinical odors • Respond to auditory signals • Distinguish sound variances |
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COGNITIVE • Calculate dosages • Medical terminology • Emergency decision-making • Build patient rapport |
15 Curriculum
Eighty-two units across respiratory therapy courses, required sciences, and general education.
Respiratory Therapy Courses
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COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
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RSPT 230 |
Introduction to Respiratory Therapy |
3 |
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RSPT 231 |
Basic Fundamentals of Respiratory Therapy |
10 |
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RSPT 221 |
Basic Cardiopulmonary Clinical Practicum |
3 |
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RSPT 232 |
Patient Assessment and Clinical Application |
10 |
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RSPT 239 |
Introduction to Mechanical Ventilation |
2 |
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RSPT 50 |
Introduction to Polysomnography |
4 |
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RSPT 233 |
Intensive Respiratory Care |
13 |
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RSPT 222 |
Advanced Cardiopulmonary Clinical Practicum |
3 |
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RSPT 234 |
Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care |
13 |
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RSPT 243 |
RT Seminar/Board Prep |
1 |
Required Sciences
BIOL 211 Human Anatomy (5) • BIOL 231 Human Physiology (5) • BIOL 221 Microbiology (5)
General Education
ENGL 101 (3) • PSYC 101 (3) • Humanities (3) • American Institutions (3) • Communication (3) • Kinesiology (0.5-1)
Course Sequence
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RSPT 230 → 231 → 221 → 232 → 239 → 50 → 233 → 222 → 234 → 243 Note: A&P required before RSPT 233. Microbiology required before RSPT 234. |
16 Graduation
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ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS • All RSPT & science courses: C or better • Complete A.S. Degree requirements • Maintain 2.0 GPA minimum |
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CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS • Complete all clinical objectives • Max one unsatisfactory evaluation • Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP |
17 Grading Scale
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A 90-100% |
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B 80-89% |
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C 70-79% |
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D 60-69% |
18 Program Costs
Estimated expenses (excludes tuition):
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ITEM |
COST |
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Textbooks |
$600 |
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Licensure & Exam Fees |
$200 |
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Physical/Labs/Immunizations |
$350 |
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BLS/ACLS/PALS/NRP Certifications |
$350 |
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Supplies, Uniforms, Equipment |
$350 |
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Parking, Insurance, Fees |
$150 |
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Estimated Total |
~$2,000 |
Tuition info: vvc.edu/fees-refunds
19 Policies
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Promotion • Pass all RT courses with C or higher • Satisfactory clinical evaluations • Courses taken consecutively • Maintain 2.0 GPA |
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Withdrawal & Dismissal • One RT course may be repeated (once) • Exit interview for withdrawals • Re-entry: apply 6 months in advance |
Refunds: vvc.edu/fees-refunds
Grievances: vvc.edu/vvc-complaint-process (file within 5 days)
20 Student Employment
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Full-time work is not recommended Due to demanding coursework and clinical schedules (24-36 hours/week at various sites). Students provide their own transportation. |
21 Non-Discrimination
VVC and the RT Program do not discriminate based on race, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
22 Academic Calendar
23 Contact Us
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PROGRAM DIRECTOR Nicholas Morris M.Ed, BSRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS Faculty Chair Building 32, Room 03C (760) 245-4271 ext. 2509 |
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DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL EDUCATION Thomas M. Seaton BS, RRT Building 32 (760) 245-4271 ext. 2507 |
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MEDICAL DIRECTOR Mufaddal Hasan, MD Critical Care • Pulmonary • Internal Medicine |
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MAILING ADDRESS Victor Valley College Respiratory Therapy Program 18422 Bear Valley Road Victorville, CA 92395 |
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VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE Victor Valley College · 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92395 (760) 245-4271 · vvc.edu |