The Respiratory Therapy program prepares students to work in a variety of health care settings, to care for patients with acute and chronic respiratory disease, to assist in the treatment of trauma patients and to provide life support to critically ill newborn, pediatric and adult patients. Students receive a solid foundation in principles of cardiopulmonary physiology and respiratory care practices prior to providing hands-on care within actual clinical settings. Clinical experiences begin with basic general care and progress to extensive experience in adult medical and surgical intensive care and neonatal/pediatric intensive care units. Throughout the curriculum, students are expected to develop a caring commitment to the patient along with safe and effective respiratory care. Students rotate through renowned and respected clinical sites, including Prince George's Hospital Center, Washington Hospital Center, Children's National Medical Center, Washington Adventist Hospital, and Anne Arundel Medical Center. The Respiratory Therapy Program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC); 1248 Harwood Road; Bedford, Texas 76021-4244;telephone: 817-283-2835; fax: 817-354-8519. Upon graduation, students are awarded an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and are eligible to take both the entry-level and advanced practitioner exams and to use the credential CRT entry-level exam) and RRT (advanced practitioner exam) upon successful completion of the respective exam.