Are you passionate about making a difference in healthcare and helping people breathe easier? The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) offers a comprehensive Respiratory Care Program designed to prepare you for a rewarding career as a respiratory therapist. This intensive, 22-consecutive-month Associate’s degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this vital healthcare field.
The Ccp Respiratory Care Program curriculum is meticulously structured to cover both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures essential for pulmonary care. Students gain hands-on experience in administering oxygen and medical gases, managing aerosol drug delivery, and setting up and maintaining mechanical ventilators – life-support equipment for patients unable to breathe independently. The program also includes training in chest physical therapy and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for emergency situations.
Diagnostic skills are a crucial component of the CCP Respiratory Care Program. Students learn to conduct pulmonary function studies, which assess lung health and identify respiratory problems. They also become proficient in arterial blood gas analysis, a critical diagnostic test that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the importance of patient rehabilitation, equipping graduates to support patients in their recovery from cardiopulmonary conditions.
Accreditation is a hallmark of the CCP Respiratory Care Program, holding full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). This accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous national standards for respiratory therapy education, reflecting a commitment to high-quality, outcomes-based education. CCP’s CoARC program number is 200168, a testament to its established and recognized standing in respiratory care education.
Graduates of the CCP Respiratory Care Program are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing examinations. This includes the entry-level examination, the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) written and clinical simulation examinations, and specialty exams in areas like pulmonary function technology and neonatal/pediatric respiratory care. Achieving these credentials significantly enhances career prospects and demonstrates a high level of professional competence. Moreover, program graduates meet the requirements for Pennsylvania state licensure and are eligible for licensure in all other states, opening up nationwide career opportunities. Students also benefit from student membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), providing valuable networking and professional development resources.
Clinical experience is integral to the CCP Respiratory Care Program. Students participate in clinical rotations at various area hospitals and healthcare facilities, gaining real-world experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. This clinical phase requires students to be present at hospitals for approximately eight hours a day, up to five days a week, often starting as early as 7 a.m. Prior to commencing the clinical phase, students must provide proof of medical insurance, CPR certification, and comprehensive physical examination results, including blood work and TB testing. Immunization records for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella, T-dap, and Hepatitis B are also mandatory.
In conclusion, the CCP Respiratory Care Program offers a robust and accredited pathway to a fulfilling career in respiratory care. With a comprehensive curriculum, emphasis on both diagnostic and therapeutic skills, and extensive clinical experience, graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to meet the demands of this growing healthcare field and make a positive impact on patients’ lives. If you are seeking a challenging and rewarding healthcare profession, consider the CCP Respiratory Care Program as your starting point.
