Why NCC’s Respiratory Therapy Program?
Jump-start your future in healthcare by obtaining an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Respiratory Care at Northampton Community College (NCC). As a respiratory care major, you’ll study at our Bethlehem campus and engage in a vibrant student community.
The Respiratory Care Program integrates a strong theoretical foundation with clinical practicums in community healthcare settings. Blending traditional coursework with hands-on experience strengthens your practical skills, helps you learn how to engage with patients, and prepares you to sit for the credentialing exam to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT).
Earn an associate degree in as little as two years—half the time it takes to study at a traditional, four-year college or university—and start working as a healthcare professional.
Immersive Clinical Learning Opportunities
Clinical hours are woven into your respiratory care courses, so you’re learning from experienced RRTs with real patients. During clinical rotations, you’ll also cultivate meaningful relationships with potential employers. In total, students complete 240 hours of clinical instruction, so you’re well-prepared for your credentialing exam and professional success.
Streamlined Pathway to Earning Your RRT Credential
The primary goal of NCC’s Respiratory Care Program is to educate the next generation of respiratory therapists to deliver quality care. Our program is accredited by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and qualifies you to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examination. Upon earning a passing grade and obtaining your
RRT credential, which is the basis for licensure in 49 states, you can pursue employment in the healthcare field across the country.
If you are interested in working as an RRT in Pennsylvania, learn more about the state-specific requirements for obtaining your respiratory therapist licensure.
What You’ll Learn in Our Respiratory Care Program
This two-year program includes 34 credits of general education courses, providing you with foundational knowledge in the biopsychosocial sciences and humanities.During your time as a respiratory care major, you engage in classroom, laboratory, and clinical learning experiences to develop your understanding of respiratory therapy, including its foundations in medical science and its modalities and applications. Your coursework covers essential topics, such as:
- cardiopulmonary disease processes
- neonatal and pediatric respiratory therapy
- pharmacology in respiratory care
- respiratory critical care
At the end of the program, you graduate equipped with strong clinical decision-making competencies, the ability to teach patients and their families how to promote and maintain respiratory health, and the expertise to plan, deliver, and evaluate respiratory care modalities.
Program Details
Semesters: 8
Credits: 66
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: BethlehemProgram Overview:
NCC’s Respiratory Care Program equips you with the medical expertise and clinical skills required to assume an entry-level respiratory therapist position. Designed to be an immersive learning experience, our AAS degree in Respiratory Care offers a comprehensive, science-focused curriculum and real-world clinical experience.
This integrative program helps you become a knowledgeable practitioner who can deliver safe, competent respiratory care to patients across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings. At the end of the program, you graduate ready to take the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialing exam to be eligible for licensure to practice.
Applying to the Respiratory Care Program
The Respiratory Care Program is a fall-start clinical program, which means applications must be completed by February 1. To ensure a smooth application process, please carefully review all provided information and requirements.
Please submit all official high school and college (if applicable) transcripts. You also are required to submit a completed Career Assessment Form (CAF) as part of your application.
View Career Assessment Form (CAF)
