Respiratory Care

Liberty Campus

School of Allied Health and Nursing

Nursing, Allied Health, and Health and Life Fitness Department

410-462-7746

Want to know what you will learn from this program? Here is the list of learning outcomes, and this same list is also available using the navigation menu sidebar. (Printable PDF file here.)

Respiratory Care Degree (220)
A respiratory care practitioner provides quality healthcare by delivering medical gases, aerosol and humidity therapies, pulmonary hyperinflation care, patient education, health promotion, mechanical ventilation, and care for artificial airways. In addition, the respiratory care practitioner provides diagnostic and rehabilitation services to the cardiopulmonary patient. Graduates of the respiratory care program are academically qualified to provide respiratory care under the direction of a licensed physician to patients in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care centers, physicians’ offices, and home care agencies.

Program graduates are eligible to take the NBRC Entry-Level Examination and earn the credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), a requirement for State licensure and the practice of respiratory care in the State of Maryland. Those who are successful on the Entry-Level exam are eligible to take the Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner Examination sequence to earn the credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) as awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Graduates of the Respiratory Care Program must be eligible for Maryland State Licensure as Respiratory Care practitioners in order to seek employment in the State of Maryland. The Physician Board of Quality Assurance is the State agency responsible for issuing the respiratory care license. An applicant for State licensure must disclose his/her arrest record or a record of convictions to the licensing board. Any student with a history of criminal activity should seek clarification from the Physician’s Board of Quality Assurance concerning eligibility for licensure.

Admission Requirements:
The program has a selective admission process. Prospective applicants should contact the Selective Admissions Counselor at the College’s Admissions, Recruitment and Orientation Office for detailed information on the special academic requirements that are required. A minimum 2.5 GPA with a “C” in the required prerequisite courses; completion of all prerequisites within the last five years before admission to the program; current American Heart Association, CPR Course C for healthcare providers; a score of 213 or higher on the TOEFL, if English is the applicant’s second language; completion of eight hours of Respiratory Care observation is also required.

Other Requirements:
Upon acceptance into the Program, students:

Must complete an American Heart Association or American Red Cross Health Care Provider CPR course. A copy of both sides of the card must be provided on the first day of class.
Are required to carry health insurance as long as they are in the program or sign a medical waiver accepting responsibility for their own health and safety in the classrooms and clinical areas to which they are assigned.
Must show proof of current health status by physical exam less than a year old (form may be obtained through the Health and Wellness Center).
Have up-to-date immunization/titres:
- The Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) must be done annually
- Rubella, Rubeola and Mumps titre and immunization, if necessary
- Varicella (chicken pox) titre and immunization, if necessary
- Hepatitis B screening, vaccine if necessary, or written waiver
- Seasonal flu and other immunizations may be required by the assigned clinical health care facility.
Are required to have a criminal background check and a drug screen at their own expense. Information on how to obtain a criminal background check will be provided. Criminal background check is required by the clinical placement site.
Must maintain a minimum of “C” in each course to progress through the course and semester sequence.

In addition, students:

• Will incur expenses for books, tuition, etc.
• Are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical practicums.

Student should consult the Office of Admissions, Recruitment and Orientation for detailed information about the special academic, insurance, and medical requirements for admission to, and continued enrollment in this program.