Respiratory Care (A.S.) (2244)

The respiratory care profession is one of the fastest growing allied health specialties. Respiratory care professionals help in the assessment, treatment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the heart and lungs. As members of the healthcare team, respiratory therapists work with sophisticated equipment such as mechanical ventilators, computerized monitoring devices, and resuscitation equipment. Respiratory therapists also provide delivery of medical gases, aerosol, humidity, and bronchial hygiene therapies. Respiratory therapists work with a variety of patients, from newborn infants to geriatrics.

For additional information on the profession, contact the American Association for Respiratory Care, 11030 Ables Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229.

An aging population heightens the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease and care. There is a shortfall of 5000 candidates in respiratory care nationwide; and the need is expected to rise 30% annually. Experienced Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) can rapidly advance to specialty care of critically ill patients, become a supervisor or director, or move into education and marketing.

Upon completion of coursework, Florida State College at Jacksonville does not guarantee employment or salary in a given field of study. Any jobs or salaries mentioned are given as examples of potential employment not a representation of guaranteed income. Graduates may need to seek employment outside the local area.

Your degree qualifies you to take the national Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful completion of the exam will lead to certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Passing the TMC Examination at the high-cut score will allow you to take the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful completion of the CSE examination will lead to certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Your Florida State College at Jacksonville degree in Respiratory Care and nationally recognized credentials (CRT and/or RRT) also make you eligible for additional specialty credentials such as neonatal/pediatrics specialist (NPS), adult critical care specialist (ACCS), pulmonary function technologist (CPFT/RPFT), and certified asthma educator (AE-C). For information on certifications and credentialing please visit the National Board for Respiratory Care website.

If you are considering employment in a state other than Florida, click here to ensure the program curriculum meets the requirements to sit for licensure or certification testing in that state.