Respiratory Care Program

Associate in Science Degree

Program Description

Respiratory Care is a two-year program that awards an Associate in Science degree. Program lecture courses are primarily taught on the Brockton Massasoit Community College campus with assigned clinical training experiences located at healthcare facilities throughout the surrounding area. The Massasoit Community College Respiratory Care Program is accredited by CoARC (Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) as program #200230. View CoARC 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. More information regarding CoARC can be found on the organization’s website. Students who graduate from the Massasoit program are eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care credentialing examinations needed for licensure as a Respiratory Therapist.

In addition to courses in general education, liberal arts, and the theory of respiratory care, carefully selected clinical experiences are provided in area hospitals and health agencies to enable students to develop the skills necessary for the successful completion of the program and future competent practice as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. A minimum grade of 75 must be achieved in all respiratory care courses.

Students contemplating a career as a Respiratory Therapist must be aware that if they have ever been convicted by a court of law, their records will be subject to review by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Respiratory Care upon application for licensure as a Respiratory Therapist. A CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check will be required for all students before participating in any patient-care clinical experiences at area hospitals or healthcare agencies.

Respiratory Care is an allied health profession dedicated to the management and care of patients of all ages, infants to elderly, who are experiencing difficulties with breathing. While working under the direction of a Physician, the scope of a Respiratory Therapist’s expertise includes mechanical ventilator management, artificial airways, oxygen therapy, aerosolized medication administration, acute and chronic pulmonary disease management etc. Employment opportunities can be found in hospitals, home care, sales, education etc. Currently there is a shortage of Respiratory Therapists throughout Massachusetts. Use the following link https://morerts.com to find out more information about a career as a Respiratory Therapist. For specific information regarding the Respiratory Care Program at Massasoit Community College, email the Program Director at kdoten@massasoit.mass.edu.

To be considered for admission into this program, the applicant must possess a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate, complete an acceptable course in Biological Principles or successfully perform on the biology departmental challenge exam, attend a Respiratory Care Program information session, and successfully achieve adequate scores on the ATI TEAS examination.

Student Outcomes

Students will apply all modalities of respiratory care proficiently.
Students will select equipment and troubleshoot in a proficient manner.
Students will demonstrate appropriate respiratory care safety practice.
Students will effectively communicate with the physician.
Students will demonstrate adaptability and flexibility when met with a new circumstance related to the respiratory care emergencies, difficult cases or variations from the routine.
Students will use effective oral communication skills in the clinical and academic settings.
Students will practice written communication skills.
Graduate students will demonstrate involvement in state and national professional organizations.
Students will discuss the importance of keeping current in the profession.
Students/Graduates will participate in professional activities.
Graduates will successfully obtain the National Board of Respiratory Care’s Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.