Respiratory Care

Prerequisite coursework

Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better before applying:

• Biology: BIOL 20, BIOL 21, and BIOL 15 (human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology).
• Chemistry: CHEM 51 or higher.
• Mathematics: MATH 26 / 26s, MATH 18 / 18s, or higher.

The following courses are corequisites — complete them before or during the program: a communication studies course (CMST), PSY 1, ENGL 2 or ENGL 3, ALH 6, and the Humanities and Ethnic Studies general-education requirements.

Other eligibility

• Be at least 17 years old.
• There is no minimum GPA and no TEAS entrance exam — qualified applicants are admitted by computer lottery (see Application).

Health clearances

Students admitted to the program must complete a set of health and safety clearances before beginning clinical coursework, including a physical examination, a two-step tuberculosis (TB) test, a drug screening, and a background check. Some clinical sites require additional site-specific drug testing. The required clearances and their costs are listed in the program cost sheet, available from the Health Occupations Office.

How the lottery application works

The Respiratory Care program admits one cohort each year with a fall start. Applications are accepted during a winter application window (approximately December through February); confirm the current dates with the Health Occupations Office before applying.

1. Apply to Butte College and complete (or be in progress on) the prerequisite coursework above.
2. Submit the Respiratory Care program application during the application window. Prior-year applicants who did not receive a seat submit the reapplication form instead. Both forms are available from the Health Occupations Office (AHPS 251) during the window.
3. Deliver your completed application to the Health Occupations Office, AHPS 251.
4. Qualified applications go into a computer lottery held in March. Selected applicants are notified in early April.

Reapplication priority: qualified applicants who applied the previous year and were not selected receive priority in the following year’s lottery.

Apply to Butte College

Approximate cost

Total program cost is approximately $5,200 spread across the six terms of the program. This includes tuition and college fees, books, uniforms, clinical supplies, health clearances, and the credentialing costs below. Figures are approximate and subject to change; living expenses are not included.

• NBRC credentialing exams: approximately $390.
• California state licensure: approximately $300.

A full itemized breakdown by term is available from the Health Occupations Office.

Paying for the program

Financial Aid Office Set Up a Payment Plan

Grants, loans, and the California College Promise Grant may apply. Financial Aid: (530) 895-2311.

Where

Classes are held on the Butte College main campus at 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965. The Respiratory Care department is in the Allied Health / Public Service (AHPS) Building; the Health Occupations Office is in AHPS 251. Clinical rotations take place at partner hospitals and health-care sites in the region.

When and how much time

• The program runs two years across six terms, beginning each fall.
• It includes a heavy clinical sequence — expect substantial time at off-campus clinical sites in addition to lecture and lab.
• Some clinical sites require site-specific drug testing before placement.

For the current program of study, unit count, and term-by-term sequence, see the Academic Programs listing.