The respiratory therapist provides respiratory care to patients in a variety of settings working as part of cardiac and pulmonary emergency teams. WKU community college offers a joint program with the Bowling Green Technical College. The program requires completion of 26 credit hours of general education courses at WKU and completion of the respiratory therapy program at the Bowling Green Technical College. WKU will award 39 block hours of credit for completion of the respiratory care component to complete the degree requirements. Upon completion, the graduate is eligible to take the certification exam. Admission to the Respiratory Care Program at Bowling Green Technical College is competitive. The student is encouraged to take the 26 credit hours of general education prior to starting the discipline specific training. Pre requisites to the respiratory care program at Bowling Green Technical College are Biology 131 and Medical Terminology. The degree is also available to individuals who are certified therapists as a completion program.