Respiratory Care Therapist

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Health Manpower Shortage Program

This is a selective admissions program. Click here before continuing for more information.

Program Description:
Respiratory care is a life-supporting, life-enhancing profession practiced under qualified medical direction. Respiratory care services provided to patients with disorders of the cardiopulmonary system such as asthma and heart disease include diagnostic testing, therapeutics, monitoring, and rehabilitation. Patient, family, and public education are central to the mission of the profession. Respiratory care services are provided in all health care facilities and in the home.

Program accreditation is provided by the Committee on Accreditation of Respiratory Care. Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (N.B.R.C.) examinations. The N.B.R.C. has contracted with the State of Maryland to provide state credentialing.

Classroom and laboratory instruction is taught at CCBC Essex. Clinical experience is obtained at a variety of clinical sites in Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard counties and Baltimore City. The program is full time and is generally conducted during daytime hours. Students are strongly encouraged to complete as many of the General Education requirements as possible before enrolling in the program.

The Respiratory Care Therapist program is fully accreditated by the Committee on Accreditation of Respiratory Care. 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244 phone (817) 283-2835 (817) 354-8519 (fax).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL, 33756. Phone: (727) 210-2350. Fax: (727) 210-2354. www.caahep.org.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Respiratory Care Therapist program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate cognitive skills relevant to the role and function of the Registered Respiratory Care Therapist.

2. Demonstrate psychomotor skills necessary for the role and function of the Registered Respiratory Care Therapist.

3. Demonstrate personal and professional behaviors consistent with the role of a Registered Respiratory Care Therapist.

4. Obtain Registered Respiratory Care positions in local and regional health care facilities.

Admission

Admission to this program is a separate process from admission to the college. Admission to the School of Health Professions programs is competitive and selective and is based on published criteria. Information about admissions processes for the programs in the School of health Professions and the Selective Admissions Application form are available in the Office of Selective Admissions in Room J-101 on the Essex Campus or by calling 410-780-6112. This information is also available in the Admissions or Records and Registration office on each campus. Students who are currently enrolled at the college must file an intent form to be considered for the program. Applicants must have grades of “C” or better in high school biology, chemistry, and algebra I. Candidates not meeting this requirement may seek alternatives from the Admissions office. Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in all respiratory care therapist and science courses in order to continue and complete the program.

School of Health Professions Policies: Students in the School of Health Professions are expected to conduct themselves according to an honor code, exhibit professional behavior, communicate effectively in English, provide proof of health insurance and immunizations, and will be required to submit to a criminal background check and random urine drug testing. Students are expected to incur costs associated with these requirements.

Program Coordinator: 

CCBC Essex
Barbara Schenk
410-780-6760
bschenk@ccbcmd.edu