Respiratory Care, Associate in Science

Courses and Requirements

The associate degree program in Respiratory Care prepares graduates for practice at the therapist level. Respiratory therapists participate in the diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases and other breathing disorders. Graduates are prepared for the National Board of Respiratory Care credentialing exams, (CRT and RRT), and for state licensure as a respiratory therapist. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all required courses in order to continue to the next semester and in order to graduate. 74 credit hours are required for graduation.

Starting in the fall of 2014, any student enrolled in an associate degree program who is new to NECC and has no academic history at the college, must take at least one course designated as intensive in each of NECC’s six core academic skills in order to graduate. In most cases, the program’s core required courses include these intensive courses. Plan to see an advisor for more complete information about this graduation requirement.

Accreditation:

The Respiratory Care Program at Northern Essex Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

1248 Harwood Road

Bedford, Texas 76021-4244

(817) 283-2835

Admission Criteria:

Admission Criteria can be found on Health Required Forms.

Information Session Dates:

The dates of Respiratory Care Information Sessions can be found on the Health Information Sessions.

CORI/CHRI/SORI:

Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.

CPR:

Students are required to be CPR Certified at the Health Care Provider Professional Rescuer level prior to the start of clinical courses.

Drug & Alcohol Screening:

Students enrolled in this academic program are required to pass a drug and alcohol screening analysis.

Health:

Students are required to complete a health evaluation, including the Hepatitis B immunization series, prior to final acceptance to the Program.

Student Professional Liability Insurance:

Students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.

Requirements:

Electives

Program Notes

Students considering a career as a respiratory therapist must have good interpersonal skills; a caring and compassionate attitude; the ability to organize time and prioritize tasks; and, an active interest in the field of medicine. Success in this profession requires a solid foundation in the biologic sciences (chemistry, physics, human anatomy and physiology), and basic computer skills.

Helpful Hints

Students who are interested in becoming a respiratory therapist are encouraged to learn more about the profession using such resources as a visit to your local hospital or by visiting the website for the American Association for Respiratory Care. Because of the time required to complete classroom, lab, and clinical assignments, some students find it helpful to complete at least some of the general education courses before entering the career courses in respiratory care.

Required Course Sequence Respiratory Care Associate Degree

Year 1

Fall

Spring

Summer

Year 2

Fall

Spring