Respiratory Therapy

Overview of Program

Thank you for your interest in the field of Respiratory Care. Northwestern Michigan College is pleased to be a partner with Muskegon Community College and Munson Medical Center to offer a collaborative program leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy. This program is now offered in Traverse City. All liberal arts and science courses can be taken through NMC, while all respiratory classes will be offered at Munson Medical Center via live interactive television from Muskegon Community College. This program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education.

The respiratory therapy program begins each fall semester. Enrollment in the program is based on the student meeting the following criteria: overall GPA of 2.0 and proficiency testing in beginning Algebra and English. Depending on placement test results and high school and/or college transcript evaluation, some prerequisite classes may be required.
Class sizes generally begin with 6-10 students in the Munson interactive classroom.

After completing more than two years of instruction, the therapist student receives the Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) from Muskegon Community College. The student must pass the advanced practical examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Therapy in order to receive credentials.

Respiratory Therapy Overview

Respiratory Therapists are in demand. Job and career opportunities exist in Traverse City and surrounding areas. Respiratory Therapists trained through the NMC, MMC and MCC program are well prepared for employment. For more information on Respiratory Therapy visit the Muskegon Community College website at http://muskegon.cc.mi.us/~devriesd/resp-home.htm

NMC Course Comparison and Transferability

MCC/NMC Equivalent Courses (Acrobat file; 14 KB)

Application and Registration Procedures for NMC Students

Students interested in pursuing a degree in Traverse City for Respiratory Therapy from Muskegon Community College would follow these guidelines for application to and registration in the program.

Submit an application to Northwestern Michigan College (NMC). Applications are available by calling Admissions at 231-995-1054 or by visiting www.nmc.edu/admissions
Meet with the Respiratory Therapy Advisor, Laura Schmidt to complete your Educational Development plan for completing your Liberal Arts and Sciences at NMC.
Complete the basic criteria for admission to the Respiratory Therapy program including: overall GPA of 2.0 and proficiency testing in beginning Algebra and English.
Apply for Admission to Muskegon Community College and the Respiratory Therapy Program at http://muskegon.cc.mi.us/~devriesd/resp-home.htm. Applications are also available by contacting the Office Manager for Health Occupations at NMC.
If interested, contact Karen Kain at Munson Medical Center for the opportunity to job shadow a Respiratory Therapist.

Important Links for the NMC/MMC/MCC program:

Northwestern Michigan College

Laura Schmidt, APRN, BC; Respiratory Therapy Advisor; lschmidt@nmc.edu
Margaret Fox; NMC Health Occ. Office Manager; mfox@nmc.edu

Munson Medical Center

Karen Kain, MS, RRT MMC; Pulmonary Education Spec.; kkain@mhc.net

Muskegon Community College

Daniel Knue, MM, RRT MCC; Program Director; knued@muskegoncc.edu
Vicki Henderson; Department Secretary; hendersv@muskegoncc.edu