Short 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.
Type of Credential
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Contacts and Additional Information
Program Director:
CCBC Essex, Barbara Schenk
443-840-1760 or bschenk@ccbcmd.edu
Additional 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 Commission 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 accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244, phone 817-283-2835, fax 817-354-8519.
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, immunizations, and a tuberculosis (TB) test; and submit to a criminal background check and random drug testing. Students are expected to pay the costs associated with these requirements.
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 ADMN-101 on the Essex Campus, or by calling 443-840-1112. This information is also available on the School of Health Professions website. Students who are currently enrolled at the college must file an intent form and must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.4 to be considered for admission into the program.
In addition, 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.
