Respiratory Care, AAS

Respiratory Care Degree

A respiratory care practitioner provides quality healthcare by delivering medical gases, aerosol and humidity therapies, pulmonary hyperinflation care, patient education, health promotion, mechanical ventilation, and care for artificial airways. In addition, the respiratory care practitioner provides diagnostic and rehabilitation services to the cardiopulmonary patient. Graduates of the respiratory care program are academically qualified to provide respiratory care under the direction of a licensed physician, to patients in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care centers, physicians’ offices, and home care agencies.

Program graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing examinations. Graduates who score at or above the Low-Cut value on the Therapist Multiple-Choice examination earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, a requirement for licensure by the Maryland Board of Physicians and the practice of Respiratory Care in the state of Maryland. Graduates who achieve the High-Cut score on the Therapist Multiple-Choice examination are eligible to take the NBRC’s Clinical Simulation Examination. Graduates who successfully complete the Clinical Simulation Examination earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. The Maryland Board of Physicians is the State agency responsible for issuing the Respiratory Care license. An applicant for State licensure must disclose any arrest records, or a record of convictions to the licensing board. Any student with a history of criminal activity should seek clarification from the Physician’s Board of Quality Assurance concerning eligibility for licensure.

Admission Requirements: The program has a selective admission process. Prospective applicants should contact the Respiratory Care Department for detailed information on the special academic requirements that are required. Students must carry a minimum 2.5 GPA, with a “C” grade in all the required prerequisite courses. Students who have not earned a college degree must have completed all science prerequisite courses within the last five years before admission into the Program.

Upon acceptance into the Program, students:

1. Must complete an American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR course. A copy of both sides of the card must be provided on the first day of class.
2. Are required to carry health insurance as long as they are in the program.
3. Must show proof of currrent health status by physical exam less than a year old.
4. Have up-to-date immunization/titres:
   1. The Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) must be done annually
   2. Rubella, Rubeola and Mumps titer and immunization, if necessary
   3. Varicella (chicken pox) titer and immunization, if necessary
   4. Hepatitis B screening, vaccine if necessary, or written waiver
   5. Seasonal flu and other immunizations may be required by the assigned clinical health care facility.
5. Are required to have a criminal background check and a drug screen at their own expense. Information on how to obtain a criminal background check will be provided. Criminal background check is required by the clinical placement site.
6. Must maintain a minimum of “C” in each RC and science course to progress through the course and semester sequence.

In addition students:

1. Will incur expenses for books, tuition, etc.
2. Are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical practicums.

Students should consult the Respiratory Care Department for detailed information about the special academic, insurance, and medical requirements for admission to, and continued enrollment in this program.

Suggested Sequence of Courses

** All BCCC students must meet the College’s Computer Literacy requirements as a prerequisite to the Program. All first-time, full- and part-time degree and certificate seeking students are required to complete the PRE 100  course within the first six credits.