Respiratory Care (A.A.S.)

Respiratory Care (A.A.S.) - Respiratory Care is an allied health specialty concerned with the performance of diagnostic cardiopulmonary evaluation and respiratory therapy treatment applied to patients with deficiency and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. It includes related education of the patient, family, and public. Cardiopulmonary evaluation includes the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data obtained from physiologic specimens, performance of diagnostic tests, studies and research of the cardiopulmonary system, as well as neurophysiologic studies related to respiratory care. Specific testing techniques are employed in respiratory care to assist in diagnosis, monitoring treatment and research. This is understood to include measurement of ventilatory volumes, pressures, flows, blood gas analysis and other related physiologic monitoring. Respiratory therapy techniques include the application and monitoring of medical gases and related administration apparatus, environmental control systems, humidification systems, aerosols, inhaled medications, ventilatory support, bronchopulmonary drainage, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway management.

The Respiratory Care program is designed to train the student for a career as a respiratory therapist. It is a two-year course of study leading to the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. In addition, graduates are eligible for nationally recognize certification and registration through the National Board for Respiratory Care, and for licensure by the New York State Education Department. To be eligible for admission to the Respiratory Care Program candidates must meet academic requirements, must be legally eligible for employment and licensure in the United States at the time of application, and must be of "good moral character" as defined in the New York State Education Law as applicable to the profession of the Respiratory Care, and must pass a criminal background check. The Respiratory Care curriculum is a balance of courses in the liberal arts and basic sciences as well as more specialized technical and clinical courses. Clinical, laboratory, and classroom training is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern respiratory care techniques.

Graduates are trained in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for adult, pediatric and neonatal patients, and upon graduation are prepared to work in all areas of the field including intensive-critical-emergency care, general respiratory care, and rehabilitation and home care for cardiopulmonary patients. This program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Course Descriptions: Online or PDF

Respiratory Care
A.A.S. Program
Hegis Code: 5215

Total Credits: 69

1. Depending on placement