Program website

Program Manager: Jessica Missavage, MS, RT
Email: jmissavage@frederick.edu
Phone: 301.846.2528

Program Description

Prepares students to assume responsible positions as part of the Health Care Team. Focuses on the use of objective scientific data as well as theory to guide students to solve complex problems in the clinical setting. Students receive specialized education in the areas of diagnosis, treatment, management, and preventative care for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory Care students participate in various classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences. The laboratory experience provides the opportunity for hands on experience in preparation for clinical practice in diverse clinical settings. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all courses. Upon completion of the program, the student is eligible to sit for the National Registry Examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (N.B.R.C.). The program is accredited by:

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
264 Precision Blvd.
Telford, TN 37690
817.283.2835

See the Respiratory Care section under Special Programs of Study for application information

Program Learning Outcomes

• 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 their professional competence and credentials.
• Provide care without discrimination on any basis, with respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals.
• Obtain the RRT professional credential in order to practice Respiratory Care.
• Participate as an active member of the American Association for Respiratory Care.

Program Requirements

• Students must complete their credit English and Mathematics within the first 24 credits.
• One course must meet the cultural competence graduation requirement.
• CORE: The General Education CORE is that foundation of the higher education curriculum providing a coherent intellectual experience for all students. Students should check with an advisor or the transfer institution (ARTSYS) before selecting General Education CORE requirements. http://artsys.usmd.edu/
• In some General Education categories (Mathematics, Biological & Physical Sciences), a 4-credit course selected from the GenEd course list will satisfy the requirement in place of a 3-credit course. Students should check with an advisor before selecting these courses.
• For the Physical Education, Health, or Nutrition requirement, a 3-credit PHED, HLTH, or NUTR course may satisfy the requirement in place of a 1-credit course. Students should check with an advisor before selecting this course.
• Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in ENGL 101 English Composition.

• Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses in the Respiratory Care program.

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COMM 102 and COMM 105 satisfy the Cultural Competence requirement. Please select one.

Transfer Note

For more information on careers and transfer, contact the Career and Academic Planning Services office at 301.846.2471 or visit Transfer Services.

Guided Pathway to Success (GPS)

Suggested schedules map your path to degree completion.

Students should meet with an advisor each semester to carefully select and sequence courses based on their specific academic goals and interests. Visit Jefferson Hall or call 301.846.2471 for advising.

The Respiratory Care program at FCC is a selective admissions program. This pathway is for students who have been accepted into the FCC Respiratory Care program only. Students who have not yet been accepted into the Respiratory Care program should begin the Pre-Health Professions Pre-Respiratory Care pathway and apply to the Respiratory Care program after all selective admissions courses have been completed.

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The first two recommended semesters consist of pre-admission courses to be completed prior to acceptance into the selective admission Respiratory Care A.A.S. degree program. In consultation with an advisor, students should follow the Pre-Health Professions: Pre-Respiratory Care pathway prior to acceptance into the Respiratory Care A.A.S. program. Upon acceptance into the Respiratory Care A.A.S. program, students should then follow this Respiratory Care A.A.S. pathway, also in consultation with an advisor.

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Take this course within the first 24 credits.

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Complete prerequisite for BSCI 201 Anatomy and Physiology I.

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Consult with advisor to select appropriate course or to select an elective.

Part-time Students

Part-time students should complete courses in the order listed on the pathway. Please contact program manager for questions about part-time status.

Students who take fewer than 15 credits each semester or who require developmental English or Math coursework will need additional semesters to complete their degrees. Summer term and January session classes may help students to make faster progress.

Pathway Legend

Milestone - courses with the Milestone notation should be taken within the recommend credit range to stay on track for program completion.

Fall, Spring, Summer - courses with a Fall, Spring, or Summer notation indicate the course is offered in the specified semester only.