Respiratory Care, A.S. (Limited Access Program)

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Exciting news! As of Fall 2023, the A.S. Respiratory Care Program is accelerated, which means you can complete this degree in just 4 semesters!

Respiratory Care practitioners work with patients who may have a variety of lung and/or heart disorders. Although most respiratory care practitioners work in hospitals, other employment opportunities are available. There are also excellent opportunities in home care and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Respiratory care personnel perform a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic and patient management duties. Students are also trained in the management of life support systems and the development of patient care plans for both short term and long-term care. The profession continues to advance towards critical care modalities, patient case management and the role of physician extenders.

Individuals who wish to enter this field must enjoy working with people and must be sensitive to the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient. The respiratory care practitioner must be able to follow instructions, have strong critical thinking skills, and be a good team worker. In addition to a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the cardiopulmonary system, a background in science and mathematics is essential to student success. The operation of highly technical and often computer-assisted medical devices requires mechanical ability and a high degree of manual dexterity. Graduates of this program are eligible for credentialing by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and for licensure in the state of Florida.