Respiratory Therapy, AAS

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(offered through articulation agreement with Prince George’s Community College)

No. of Credits: 69
Contact: Dr. Laura Polk, Dean, School of Science and Health

Respiratory therapy is an allied health career specialty that treats patients with breathing problems such as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, and bronchitis. As an expert in cardiopulmonary systems, the respiratory therapist is involved in a variety of life-saving and life-supporting situations using sophisticated medical equipment. Providing around-the-clock care to individuals who need respiratory support while ill or convalescing permits the respiratory therapist to have flexible working hours. The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Students will be required to undergo a criminal background check before beginning the program at Prince George’s Community College.

The graduate of the respiratory therapy program is eligible to take the Maryland Licensure Examination and the National Certification/Registry Examination.

This is a competitive admission program and has been designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program. First consideration will be given to residents of CSM’s service area (Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties). For more information contact the Admissions Department.

Transfer Options:

A complete list of all transfer opportunities can be found on the Transfer Services page.

Career Opportunities:

respiratory therapist

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will…

Work in a variety of health care settings.
Assess and treat patients with acute and chronic respiratory diseases.
Assist in the treatment of trauma patients.
Provide life support to critically ill newborn, pediatric, and adult patients.
Meet eligibility requirements for the National Board for Respiratory Care Examination system.
Demonstrate behaviors consistent with professional practice and the ethical and moral standards consistent with the American Association for Respiratory Care.

Health Pathway

Learn more about the Health Pathway.

Visit Career Coach for more information on this program, related programs, and job opportunities in Southern Maryland and the Washington D.C. Metropolitan region.

Required Courses and Recommended Sequence:

The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program. College Prep and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Course availability within the program sequences is specifically intended for full-time students who begin their course work with the fall semester. Students should always consult their online program evaluation or an academic advisor to better understand typical course availability and individual program planning.

Pre-Respiratory Therapy Required Courses at College of Southern Maryland:

First Semester

BIO-2170 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab* (S) (4)
ENG-1010 - Composition and Rhetoric* (E) (3)
ENG 1010 completed with a minimum grade of “C”
HEA-1100 - Medical Terminology (1)
MTH-1120 - College Algebra* (M) (3)
PSY-1010 - General Psychology* (B) (3)

Second Semester

Continue with Occupational Requirements at Prince George’s Community College.

Notes:

* Courses requiring a prerequisite or co-requisite

**** Pending MHEC approval

Course Indicators: English Composition (E), Arts (A), Cultural and Global Awareness (C), Humanities (H), Biological/Physical Sciences (S), Social/Behavioral Sciences (B), Mathematics (M)