Respiratory Care Program
Faculty | Program of Study | Clinical Affiliates
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Most people take breathing for granted. But for the thousands of Americans who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. These people include patients with chronic lung problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, but they also include heart attack and accident victims; premature infants and people with cystic fibrosis or lung cancer.
In each case, the person will most likely receive treatment from a respiratory therapist under the direction of a physician. Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patient with breathing disorders.
Respiratory therapists perform procedures that are both diagnostic and therapeutic. Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, patient’s homes, physician offices and educational institutions.
At Reading Area Community College, the student completes a two year course of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS program 069) and is eligible to take the entry level examination (certified respiratory therapist or CRT credential). Upon the completion of the certificate of respiratory care (program 101), the student is qualified to take exams leading to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. All exams are offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). A minimum of entry level credential (CRT) is required for licensure by the Board of Medicine in the state of Pennsylvania. The AAS degree and successful completion of the CRT exam is a prerequisite to enter into the certificate program (101).