Code: AAS.HP.RESP

The Respiratory Care Program prepares graduates to perform competently in providing all phases of respiratory care therapies and modalities. The respiratory care curriculum is a challenging one that provides a “hands-on” approach and incorporates a variety of educational experiences and environments from the traditional classroom to the laboratory and clinical settings. The program is a competency-based education and provides a curriculum sequence in order for the students to correlate didactic, lab and clinical skills sufficiently. After graduation, students take the national certification and registry exams administered by the NBRC National Board for Respiratory Care and obtain a license to work in the desired state.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

• Program Length: 24 months
• Application Deadline: January 15
• GPA for Admissions Eligibility: 2.50
• Preadmission Test: Respiratory Care Admission Exam
• High School Prerequisite Courses:  High School students must complete CHM-112 (College Chemistry), BIO-109 (Anatomy & Physiology), and MAT-157 (Intermediate Algebra) or waiver prior to application.  A junior or senior high school student, 16 years of age or older, may apply for Dual Enrollment, the Bergen Experience, or Early College with the permission and endorsement of their guidance counselor or principal. They can register for CHM-112 (College Chemistry) and BIO-109 (Anatomy & Physiology) during the fall semester and successfully complete them before the application deadline.

Prerequisite Courses:

• MAT-157 Intermediate Algebra Part I  or waiver prior to application
• BIO-109 Anatomy and Physiology I  (4 credits; in-person lab required)
• PHY-185 Introduction to Physics  (4 credits; in-person lab required)

Note: Any substitution courses for CHM-112 College Chemistry  must cover content in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry to be considered.

The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1. Identify, verify, and interpret cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
2. Review, collect and interpret data, and recommend appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to evaluate the cardiopulmonary status.
3. Initiate, conduct, and modify the respiratory care plan and determine the appropriateness of the prescribed therapy.
4. Document necessary information in the patient’s medical record and communicate that information to members of the health care team.
5. Obtain, assemble, calibrate, and use problem solving to identify and correct malfunctions of respiratory care equipment.
6. Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills to work productively with patients, families, staff, and co-workers.

Career Pathways

Respiratory Therapist: Hospital, Ambulatory Care, Nursing Home, Rehabilitation Center, Sleep Disorder Center	Patient Transporter	Educator
Respiratory Therapist: Community or Home Health	Medical Device Sales Representative