Respiratory Care
Respiratory Care
Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) from Brookdale Community College
Math, Science, and
Health Professions Division

609.570.3383

The Respiratory Care program is offered in cooperation with Brookdale Community College. Students can complete their first two semesters at Mercer and their final four at Brookdale. Respiratory Care courses at Brookdale are only offered once a year in the four-semester course sequence. For more information on the arrangement, including admissions, coursework, and testing requirements, contact the Respiratory Care program coordinator at Mercer immediately to review conditions.

This program prepares students for entry-level positions in respiratory care. Students work with patients in the treatment, management, and control of problems and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system.

Graduates work closely with patients, doctors, and nurses to provide diagnostic testing, therapeutics, education, rehabilitation, monitoring, life support, and other specialized methods of treatment. Clinical learning experiences are required of all students.

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Examination. After successful completion of this examination and application to the Respiratory Care Board, the graduate is also eligible for state licensure as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. Once licensed, graduates are eligible to take the Advanced Practitioner Examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoArc), 1701 West Euless Blvd., Suite 300, Euless, TX 76040, (817) 283-2835.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES
  • Assess, analyze, implement, and evaluate respiratory care;
  • Perform respiratory quality control activities;
  • Apply basic principles of management in the care of groups of patients;
  • Exhibit therapeutic communication skills;
  • Incorporate ethical/legal considerations into the respiratory action plan;
  • Practice as a member of a diverse interdisciplinary healthcare team;
  • Continue personal and professional growth;
  • Incorporate principles from the social sciences, biologic sciences, and humanities into their practice;
  • Practice within the limits and scope of a licensed respiratory therapist.
DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
RESP.THPY.AAS
CIP 510908

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Mercer County Community College
Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
FIRST SEMESTER
BIO 103 Anatomy and Physiology I (3/3) 4
CSH 100 College Success for Health Professions (1/1)
  • Some exemptions apply. Consult academic advisor for details.
2
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
MAT 125 Elementary Statistics I (3/0)
  • Recommended, not required.
3
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3/0) 3
SECOND SEMESTER
BIO 104 Anatomy and Physiology II (3/3) 4
HPE 113 Medical Terminology (3/0) 3
  —    — General Education elective
  • Recommended, not required.
3
  —    — General Education elective
  • Recommended, not required.
3
Credits Subtotal: 28

NOTE: Students must register for MCCC courses in consultation with Respiratory Care program coordinator and earn a minimum grade of C in all. Consult program coordinator immediately to discuss application requirements; assume these need to be completed during the Fall semester. Brookdale reserves the right to admit or reject a student, even if minimum application requirements are met.

Brookdale Community College
Code Course Credits
THIRD SEMESTER
BIOL 213 Microbiology
  • May be taken earlier. Consult program coordinator for details.
4
RESP 161 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology 3
RESP 162 Fundamental Skills in Respiratory Care 7
FOURTH SEMESTER
RESP 163 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology 4
RESP 164 Patient Assessment and Diagnosis 6
RESP 165 Advanced Life Support and Emergency Care 2
FIFTH SEMESTER
RESP 261 Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory Care 2
RESP 262 Adult Critical Care 7
SPCH 115 Public Speaking
  • May be taken earlier. Consult program coordinator for details.
3
SIXTH SEMESTER
RESP 263 Subacute Respiratory Care 2
RESP 264 Respiratory Care Practice 7
RESP 265 Issues in Respiratory Care 2
  —    — Humanities general education elective
  • May be taken earlier. Consult program coordinator for details.
3
Credits Subtotal: 52

NOTE: Respiratory (RESP) courses are offered once a year during the designated semesters; must be taken semester by semester in the given order. Consult Brookdale Respiratory Care program director for details and to schedule an opportunity to shadow a respiratory care therapist.