About Respiratory Therapy

What do we do?

The practice of Respiratory Care is an ever-expanding professional medical specialty treating patients from premature newborn babies to geriatric patients; from critically-ill patients in the intensive care unit to treatment and evaluation of patients with chronic lung diseases like Bronchitis, Emphysema, Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis. The scope of practice can lead from the hospital to the home care setting.

Respiratory Care Practitioners work closely with nurses and physicians in devising and implementing patient care plans.

The demands are great and the rewards of patient care are even greater.

How Can I Find Out More About The Respiratory Care Profession?

The following websites offer more information about the career of Respiratory Therapy:

• AARC: What Do We Do?
• Bureau of Labor: Respiratory Therapy

The faculty strongly suggest that you make an appointment with them to ask ANY questions you may have concerning your career choice. They are in the best position to offer you information and advice.

In addition to a discussion with college program faculty, you should also: View the VHS tape presentation on Respiratory Care. "Life and Breath" - Available from Counseling, the Library or the Program Faculty. Call your local hospital and make arrangements to observe a Respiratory Care Practitioner actually working in the clinical setting. If they are not able to allow you to do this, contact the program faculty and we can arrange to have you spend some time with our students in the clinical setting.

For appointments with faculty, contact:

James Courtwright, Program Director (301)322-0860

Statement of Mission and Philosophy

The program is a two-year integrated course of study. General education and supporting math and science courses are designed to complement and enhance the professional respiratory care course work throughout the curriculum. The respiratory care courses are implemented in classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to take the credentialing examinations of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) at both the Entry and Advanced Practitioner levels. The strong curriculum is designed to prepare the student to be a safe and competent practitioner and achieve success on board examinations.

The faculty are committed to helping the student achieve success. Your commitment is your time, seriousness and enthusiasm for the career you have carefully chosen.

Program Goals

To prepare students as competent and safe advanced respiratory therapists capable of functioning in a variety of health care settings.

This major goal is assessed by various standards and measured by valid and reliable evaluation systems approved by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

The clear intent of the Program is to provide safe and effective practitioners who will: Achieve success on the National Board for Respiratory Care Examination system. Demonstrate satisfaction with the preparation provided by the program at Prince George's Community College. Maintain behaviors consistent with professional practice and the ethical and moral standards consistent with the American Association for Respiratory Care.

Accreditation

Job Overview

Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home care agencies. Some of our graduates have moved quickly into higher-level administrative positions at health facilities throughout the U.S. Others have transferred to four-year colleges and universities for further studies. Respiratory Therapy is rated among the fastest growing fields of employment over the next ten years by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Job opportunities in our immediate are are very good. Our most recent graduating class all found employment as quickly as they wanted it and nearly all had several job offers from which to choose.

Articulation