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Respiratory Care - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

APPLICATION CODE 153

For curriculum information, contact the Health Sciences Division—Room HS-236—443-518-1560.

Mid-Maryland Allied Healthcare Education Consortium
Frederick Community College Degree

The respiratory care area of study focuses on objective scientific data as well as theory to train students to solve complex problems in a clinical setting. Students receive specialized training in the following areas: diagnosis, treatment, management, and preventative care of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. This area of study includes coursework in the classroom as well as practical experiences in diverse clinical settings. Graduates will be qualified to take the entry-level and advanced practitioner board examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. This degree is offered to Howard Community College students through the Mid-Maryland Allied Healthcare Education Consortium. Students will typically complete most of the general education core and other courses related to the major at Howard and then matriculate to Frederick Community College to complete the Respiratory Care courses. Students participating in Consortium programs pay in-county rates at the institution(s) to which they matriculate.

Suggested Summer Term

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIOL 107Fundamentals of Microbiology

4

Suggested Semester 1

Course NumberTitleCredits
ENGL 121College Composition

3
BIOL 203Anatomy and Physiology I

4
MATH 132Topics in Mathematical Literacy

3
or higher core course
HEED/LFIT Health or Life Fitness Elective

1-3

Suggested Semester 2

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIOL 204Anatomy and Physiology II

4
PSYC 101General Psychology

3
SPCH 105Fundamentals of Public Speaking

3
OR
SPCH 110Interpersonal Communication

3

Courses offered at Frederick Community College

Course NumberTitleCredits
RESP 100Introduction to Respiratory Care

2
RESP 101Gas Exchange Physiology

2
RESP 102Fundamentals of Respiratory Care

4
RESP 103Pharmacology

3
RESP 105Cardiopulmonary and Renal Anatomy and Physiology

3
RESP 107Principles of Mechanical Ventilation

4
RESP 109Clinical Practicum I

2
RESP 110Clinical Practicum II

2
RESP 200Pulmonary Diagnostics

2
RESP 201Cardiac Monitoring and Diagnostics

4
RESP 202Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care

3
RESP 203Clinical Practicum III

2
RESP 204Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Home Care

2
RESP 205Professional Seminar

2
RESP 207Cardiopulmonary and Renal Pathophysiology

3
RESP 209Clinical Practicum IV

2

A graduate should be able to

  1. Demonstrate behavior that reflects integrity, supports objectivity, and fosters trust in the respiratory care profession and its professionals as identified by employer survey.
  2. Recommend and perform procedures to maintain the airway, remove secretions, and assure ventilation and tissue oxygenation.
  3. Perform a full physical assessment and provide safe respiratory care by modifying therapy or making recommendations for changes in therapy based on the patient’s response to their current therapeutic regimen.
  4. Promote disease prevention and wellness by educating patients on the proper use and care of respiratory equipment.
  5. Identify educational opportunities to improve and maintain professional competence and credentials.
  6. Provide care without discrimination on any basis, with respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals.
  7. Obtain the CRT and RRT professional credentials in order to practice respiratory care.
  8. Participate as an active member of the American Association for Respiratory Care.

Total Credit Hours: 67

A grade of “C” or better is required in all prerequisite courses applied toward the respiratory care program requirements. 

Students interested in pursuing a degree at HCC in addition to preparing for this area of study should see "Allied Health Programs" or "Mid-Maryland Allied Health Care Consortium" and also meet with an allied health advisor in the office of admissions and advising.