Respiratory Care
Associate Degree

Back To Program Search

Why Study Respiratory Care at NCC?

Are you looking for a high-paced, high-energy setting where you can focus on a health care specialty? Respiratory Therapy (RT) is a health care specialty where practitioners specialize in pulmonary medicine. The profession is committed to providing quality care for patients of all age groups and situations. Northampton is an excellent option for those looking to save money and pursue a Respiratory Care degree with an AAS (Associates of Applied Sciences) degree.

 

The Northampton Community College Respiratory Care Program, CoARC program number #200676, Associate Degree awarded, Fowler Southside Campus, holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). Accreditation Review date: July 19, 2024.

 

This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self-Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.

 

What You'll Learn

The program is designed to include 34 credits of general education courses offering students foundational knowledge in the biopsychosocial sciences and humanities. Respiratory program courses, which total 32 credits, include classroom, laboratory and clinical learning experiences to develop, with increasing complexity, the students' knowledge, skills and abilities in the respiratory care field. Clinical simulation will be included in the respiratory program courses where applicable.

 

Students will develop theoretical knowledge and psychomotor skills in on-campus classrooms and laboratory and then apply those skills and knowledge in clinical learning experiences in a variety of settings in the healthcare community. Class, lab and clinical are scheduled typically during the day, however the college reserves the right to schedule clinical experiences in the evening/weekend if necessary.

 

This is a selective program, please carefully review all provided information and requirements.

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

View Career Assessment Form (PDF)



Program Details

Semesters: 8

Credits: 66

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Bethlehem

Program Overview:

The Associate Degree Respiratory Care Program at NCC prepares graduates to assume entry level positions as respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists are specialized healthcare practitioners responsible for the care of patients to help patients breathe better through a variety of methods that may include administrating oxygen, performing tests, managing equipment, and making respiratory-related recommendations in collaboration with the healthcare team. The program is designed so that students develop their knowledge, skills and abilities in the discipline over the course of the program, resulting in a graduate practitioner who can deliver safe, competent respiratory care to patients across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates will be prepared to take the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialling exam and be eligible for licensure to practice.



Future Career Paths

NCC's Respiratory Care degree will lead you to the following career options:

  • Registered Respiratory Therapist, RRT
  • Adult Critical Care Specialty, ACCS
  • Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist, NPS
  • Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist, RPFT
  • Sleep Disorders Testing and Therapeutic Intervention Respiratory Care Specialists, SDS

Need Help Deciding?

Not sure if this is the right program for you? Take advantage of the resources we have available for students to help hone in on what path to pursue.


Connect with an Academic Advisor Contact a Career Counselor

Explore Related Programs

placeholder
Nursing

Play a vital role in the healthcare system as an advocate for patients and a liaison between doctors and specialists. Choose between two different track options and join a challenging but rewarding career.

Learn More
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant

Become a valuable member of a professional health care professional team, helping physicians respond successfully to a rapidly changing environment.

Learn More
placeholder
Cardiac Invasive Technology

Gain the knowledge and skills to work in cardiac catheterization laboratories performing diagnostic and interventional procedures on patients with heart disease. Receive hands-on experience in affiliated healthcare facilities for real-life application.

Learn More

Next Steps

With 120+ high-quality programs at a highly affordable cost, you can build specialized skills to advance in your career path — fast. And with flexible class formats and convenient locations, it's never been easier to join us.