Respiratory Care

Associate Degree Program

The program prepares students to become advanced practitioners in the fast-growing field of cardiopulmonary science. Respiratory Care is the allied health profession that cares for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. As one of the most dynamic allied health fields, respiratory care provides excellent career opportunities and salaries competitive with other allied health professions. As a respiratory therapist, you will be a respected member of a health care team. You will care for a diverse group of patients ranging from newborn and pediatric patients to adults and the elderly.

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care's (NBRC) Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) and Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) exams. The TMC examination is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of entry-level respiratory therapists. It is used by most states, including Delaware, as part of the process to apply for a license to practice as a Respiratory Therapist. The CSE examination objectively measures essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of advanced-level respiratory therapists and sets uniform standards for measuring such knowledge. Program graduates who have successfully completed both TMC and CSE exams will obtain the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

Academically ready students can apply to the program following the guidelines of the Allied Health competitive admission process. Interested applicants should review the information provided here and contact their program advisor for application requirements.

Offered at the Georgetown and Wilmington campuses.

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to prepare you for positions such as:

• Respiratory therapist
• Pulmonary function technologist
•  Cardiopulmonary educator
• Polysomnographer

What You Will Earn

Competitive starting salary as much as $50,000 per year or higher. 

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

1. Apply theoretical information that leads to an appropriate action in the application or delivery of respiratory care procedures.
2. Perform technical skills in the implementation of respiratory care procedures within a plan of care.
3. Practice behaviors that are consistent with professional and employer expectations/requirements of their employees.

Core Curriculum Competencies

The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you will be able to do as a graduate, regardless of your program of study. You will acquire these core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. You will be expected to use relevant technology to achieve these outcomes:

1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree?

This is a Connected Degree program that enables you to complete your associate degree and then transfer to a four-year degree program as a junior. See a program advisor for details!