Stage One

Sandhills Community College Application Form is included in the Respiratory Therapy Program application packet. This packet can be sent to you upon request. You should apply to Sandhills Community College at the same time as you apply to the Respiratory Therapy Program. However, you should understand that admission to the college does not guarantee admission into the Respiratory Therapy Program.

Respiratory Therapy Program Application for Admission is included in the Respiratory Therapy Program application packet. This packet can be sent to you upon request. Students must apply to the Respiratory Therapy Program by March 1 to be considered for the following summer class. All applications received will be considered on a space available basis.

Transcript Request Forms are included in the application packet. Yes, you must send in transcripts even if you graduated 40-50 years ago. The SCC Office of Records and Registration will need official transcripts to award your degree when you have completed school. Transcripts can be requested by contacting the appropriate institution. You must meet all educational courses outlined in the checklist provided. Because of federal law, your school will need your social security number and your signature, along with your permission to release transcripts to us.

Placement Test information is included in the application packet. You must schedule your test with the SCC Testing Center as soon as possible. This is required for placement into the appropriate courses.

Sandhills Community College Orientation is scheduled periodically. You need to attend at the earliest possible time. This is a mandatory requirement. You will meet with your advisor and respiratory faculty. You will also begin your checklist. If all things are in order, you may be already qualified, so make sure you attend as soon as possible.

Stage Two

Drug Screen and Background Checks are required to stay in compliance with the policy of Sandhills Community College Health Sciences Department. Our contractual agreements with our clinical affiliates require adherence to all policies of governing each clinical facility.  Most of our clinical facilities require drug testing and criminal background screening of all students. The Department of Health Sciences abides by the Standards for Drug Testing and Background Screening recommended by JACHO.  This policy may affect Health Sciences program admissions and/or program continuance; however, it does not affect general college admission or the right of a student to pursue other college programs at Sandhills Community College.

Respiratory Care Orientation is scheduled during the summer in order to complete the admission requirements. This is a mandatory requirement. Failure to attend the orientation will result in your seat being given to the next person on the waiting list; therefore, it is important that you attend in order for you to receive vital information regarding the program.

Hospital Shadow Experience
Each applicant is required to visit a Respiratory Therapy Department in a hospital. Hospital visitations give the student an opportunity to ask questions and observe the job duties of a respiratory therapist. Visitation is scheduled during the program orientation.

Respiratory Therapy Program Essay should be written once you have completed the shadow experience. It should reflect your experience as well as your professional goals after completing the program.

Volunteer Experience
Once applicants have completed the Stage Two requirements, they are required to complete the volunteer program at a local nursing home, hospital, or hospice care for 40 hours prior to entering the second semester of the program. This experience gives students an opportunity to observe first hand the difficulties and rewards of dealing with patients on a day-to-day basis. This is student driven experience, so each student must seek his or her own volunteer location. It must involve some level of patient interaction and must be approved by the respiratory faculty.

Final Placement Procedure