What is the basic curriculum for a degree in Respiratory Care?
• Formal training is necessary for entry into this field. Training is offered at the postsecondary level by colleges such as JCC. An associate’s degree is required for entry into the field. • A program awarding the associate’s degree will prepare graduates for jobs as advanced respiratory therapists. • Among the areas of study in respiratory therapy are human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics. • Other courses deal with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the application of clinical practice guidelines, patient care outside of hospitals, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory health promotion and disease prevention, and medical recordkeeping and reimbursement. • The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers certification and registration to graduates of programs accredited by CAAHEP through the Committee on Accreditation for
