Respiratory Care Technology

Program Overview

The Respiratory Care Technology program at Community College of Philadelphia prepares students to become respiratory therapists, providing them with the skills and knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat lung and breathing issues. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory training, and supervised clinical experience, and prepares students for national board exams and various credentials. Graduates are in high demand and can work in a variety of healthcare settings, with a median annual salary of $61,820.

Program Outline

Outline:

The Respiratory Care Technology program at Community College of Philadelphia trains students to become respiratory therapists. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess a patient's condition, develop an appropriate care plan, handle technical equipment, make scientific calculations, and work independently to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients with lung and breathing issues and disorders. The program's curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory training, and supervised clinical experience in hospitals and health care settings. The coursework covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
• Respiratory pharmacology
• Cardiopulmonary pathophysiology
• Respiratory care techniques
• Advanced respiratory care procedures
• Critical care
The program is accredited by the Committee for Accreditation of Respiratory Care and prepares students to take the national board exams for licensure required to fill a job in this field. Upon completing the program, students will be eligible to take the entry-level Certified Respiratory Therapist exam, as well as additional credentials, including Registered Respiratory Therapist, Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist, Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist, and Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist.

Careers:

Graduates of the Respiratory Care Technology program can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies. They may be responsible for providing respiratory care to patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. Respiratory therapists are in high demand, and the job outlook for this profession is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for respiratory therapists was $61,820 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,950.