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
| BIOL 101 | General Biology | 4 |
| | OR | |
| BIOL 107 | Fundamentals of Microbiology | 4 |
| | OR | |
| BIOL 141 | Foundations of Biology I: Cells, Energy, and Organisms | 4 |
Suggested Semester 1
| ENGL 121 | College Composition | 3 |
| BIOL 203 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| MATH 132 | Topics in Mathematical Literacy | 3 |
| | or higher core course | |
| HEED/LFIT | Health or Life Fitness Course | 1 |
Suggested Semester 2
Courses offered at Frederick Community College
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 "Mid-Maryland Allied Health Care Consortium" and also meet with an allied health advisor in the office of admissions and advising.
A graduate should be able to
- Demonstrate behavior that reflects integrity, supports objectivity, and fosters trust in the respiratory care profession and its professionals as identified by employer survey.
- Recommend and perform procedures to maintain the airway, remove secretions, and assure ventilation and tissue oxygenation.
- 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.
- Promote disease prevention and wellness by educating patients on the proper use and care of respiratory equipment.
- Identify educational opportunities to improve and maintain professional competence and credentials.
- Provide care without discrimination on any basis, with respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals.
- Obtain the CRT and RRT professional credentials in order to practice respiratory care.
- Participate as an active member of the American Association for Respiratory Care.