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, University of Maryland Medical Center, and Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program of Prince George's Community College, CoARC program number 200228, awards an Associate of Applied Science Degree and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Program Outcomes

Public Information For Programmatic Outcomes Data

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an 'outcomes based' process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.

Mission

The Respiratory Therapy Program of Prince George's Community College offers students an affordable pathway towards the achievement of their educational and professional goals in a high-quality learning environment that prepares them to practice as proficient, multi-skilled health care professionals who contribute to the welfare of the community.

Program Goal

To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRT's).

Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy A.A.S. will be able to:

  • Work in a variety of health care settings
  • Assess and treat patients with acute and chronic respiratory diseases
  • Assist in the treatment of trauma patients
  • Provide life support to critically ill newborn, pediatric, and adult patients
  • Demonstrate behaviors consistent with professional practice and the ethical and moral standards consistent with the American Association for Respiratory Care
Clinical Sites
  • University of Maryland Medical Center
  • University of Maryland Capital Regional Health
  • Medstar Washington Hospital Center
  • Children's National Medical Center
  • Anne Arundel Medical Center
  • MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Johns Hopkins Hospital
Helpful Links

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

National Board for Respiratory Care

American Association for Respiratory Care

The National Honor Society for the Profession of Respiratory Care
Lambda Beta Society

Frequently Asked Questions

Are classes offered in the evening?

All respiratory therapy classes are offered Monday through Friday during the day. There are no evening or weekend classes. All clinical rotations to our clinical affiliates are day rotations. 

When a student graduates from the Respiratory Therapy program, what degree do they receive?

The graduate will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.). In addition, the graduate is "registry eligible" which means they are eligible take the National Board for Respiratory Care certification and advanced level exam. Graduates must also obtain a state license to work.  

When does the program start?

The new class for the Respiratory Therapy program starts in the fall semester (August) of each academic year. Twenty-four students are accepted for each cohort. The program takes 22 months to complete. Clinical rotations begin the second semester.

Is it possible for students to continue working while going through this program?

It is possible to work part-time but the program faculty recommends a maximum of 12-16 hours or per week in order for the student to be able to give the program their best effort for success.

What is required of a Respiratory Therapy student in the clinical setting?

Students will work alongside a clinical instructor learning to perform all modalities of respiratory care that therapists provide to neonatal critical care patients and adult patients in general and critical care.

Can I pick the one closest to my home?

The Director of Clinical Education makes all clinical assignments. Students cannot choose their clinical sites. Each hospital has something different to offer and students will rotate through our various clinical sites for a well-rounded clinical experience. This is so that they will be well prepared for the postgraduate work environment.