Launch Your Healthcare Career with the County College of Morris Respiratory Therapy Program

The field of respiratory therapy offers a fulfilling and dynamic professional environment, with competitive salaries and continuous learning opportunities, all while making a significant impact on people's lives. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Respiratory Therapy at the County College of Morris (CCM) provides a strong foundation for students to earn a Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) credential and directly enter this high-demand workforce.

A Growing Field with High Demand

The job outlook in healthcare is exceptionally promising, with a projected growth of 1.8 million openings each year. This surge is fueled by an aging population, advancements in medical technology, and the increasing number of healthcare professionals retiring from the field. Respiratory therapists are integral to this growth, providing specialized care for patients with breathing difficulties.

The CCM Respiratory Therapy Program: An Overview

The Respiratory Therapy program at CCM is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, professional attitudes, and behaviors necessary to obtain state licensing and national credentialing for a successful career in respiratory therapy. The program is divided into two phases:

Pre-professional Phase: This phase consists of general education foundation courses and science prerequisites that can be taken on a part-time or full-time basis, during the day or evening.
Professional Phase: This phase begins each fall semester and is typically completed in three semesters (fall, spring, summer). Full-time day attendance is required for this phase.

Admission Requirements and Program Standards

Students seeking admission into the Respiratory Therapy program must meet specific requirements to ensure they are prepared for the rigorous curriculum:

A GPA of 2.5 or better.
A grade of C or better in all pre-professional phase courses.
A statewide criminal record search through the New Jersey State Police and a National Criminal History Database Search is performed on all students upon initial acceptance into the professional phase of the program and annually thereafter. If a record is found as a result of the criminal record searches, admission into the professional phase of the program may be denied.
Students accepted into the program are responsible for obtaining malpractice insurance and must have health clearance through the college’s Health Services.
The Respiratory Therapy program maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding substance abuse. Respiratory Therapy students must be free of chemical impairment during participation in all parts of the Respiratory Therapy program including classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. A urine drug screening test is performed on all students upon initial acceptance into the professional phase of the program. If the test is positive for illegal substances, admission into the professional phase of the program is denied.
Science courses completed by students prior to entering a Respiratory Therapy course must be less than seven years old.

These standards ensure that students entering the professional phase are prepared for the challenges and responsibilities of a career in respiratory therapy. When a graduate applies for licensure as a respiratory care practitioner in New Jersey, the New Jersey Board of Respiratory Care requires a Criminal History Background Check.

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State-of-the-Art Facilities for Hands-On Training

CCM is committed to providing students with the best possible learning environment. The new Paragano Family Foundation Healthcare Simulation Center, a 13,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility on campus, opened its doors, providing real-world, hands-on training for students.

Through the generosity of Eileen Paragano and the Paragano Family Foundation, the college can bring together nursing, respiratory therapy, radiography, drug counseling and additional healthcare programs in an enhanced clinical teaching space replicating a real medical center. This facility allows students to hone their skills in a realistic setting, preparing them for the challenges they will face in their future careers.

Core Coursework: Building a Foundation of Knowledge

The Respiratory Therapy program at CCM covers a comprehensive range of topics, ensuring that students develop a strong foundation in the principles and practices of respiratory care. Some of the core courses include:

RTH-199 Respiratory Therapeutics: An introduction to respiratory care, including the history of the profession, ethical and legal responsibilities of the respiratory therapist, medical terminology, basic respiratory care procedures including the physics, physiology and administration of medical gas therapy, basic patient communication and assessment skills. Basic respiratory care procedures, humidity and aerosol therapy, hyperinflation therapy, chest physiotherapy and bronchial hygiene; an overview of microbiology as applied to respiratory care; infection control; and equipment sterilization procedures.
RTH-202 Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology: This course is an overview of general pharmacology, including routes of administration, federal regulations, dosages and calculations, and safety precautions.
RTH-203 Cardiopulmonary Physiology.
RTH-204 Cardiopulmonary Evaluation: This course covers the techniques of patient assessment and diagnostic evaluation of the cardiopulmonary system.
RTH-205 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology.
RTH-206 Mechanical Ventilation.
RTH-207 Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care.
RTH-208 Advanced Respiratory Care: A survey of current events and state-of-the-art modalities in respiratory care; includes respiratory care in non-traditional settings, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, controversies in clinical practice, and changes in health care affecting the respiratory care profession.

Clinical Practice: Applying Knowledge in Real-World Settings

A crucial component of the Respiratory Therapy program is the clinical practice experience. Students participate in a series of clinical rotations that allow them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world healthcare settings. These rotations include:

RTH-210 Clinical Practice I.
RTH-211 Clinical Practice II: Continued refinement of the skills covered in Clinical Practice I, in a general care environment, with an emphasis on clinical competence in providing basic respiratory care; followed by an introduction to the critical care environment and to respiratory care of the critically ill patient, with an emphasis on patient assessment and monitoring skills, and patient safety.
RTH-212 Clinical Practice III: Continued refinement of the skills needed to function in a critical care environment with an emphasis on clinical competence in hemodynamic and advanced monitoring and management of the patient on mechanical ventilation. An emphasis is placed on interaction with other members of the healthcare team, patient care planning, clinical decision making and independent practice. Includes specialty rotations in neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, post open heart recovery and home care.

These clinical experiences provide students with invaluable hands-on training and prepare them for the challenges and rewards of a career in respiratory therapy.

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Accreditation: Ensuring Program Quality

The Respiratory Therapy program at CCM is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) www.CoARC.com. CoArc accredits respiratory therapy programs in the United States on an outcome-based process. Programmatic outcomes are the reflections that the program is meeting the educational goals and effectiveness of the program. This accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous standards of quality and prepares graduates for success in the field. 264 Precision Blvd.

A Vibrant Campus Life

CCM offers a vibrant and engaging campus life, with numerous opportunities for students to connect with their peers, explore their interests, and develop their leadership skills. The college is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

Connecting Learning with Real-World Applications

CCM professors are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education that is relevant to the real world. "CCM professors take time to work with students individually to ensure they understand the material." The college emphasizes connecting learning with real-world applications, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of their chosen profession.

Success Stories: CCM Alumni Making a Difference

CCM has a long history of producing successful graduates who are making a difference in their communities. "CCM played a huge role in my life and put me on a path to success. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without the support I received there. The faculty and staff gave me all the tools I needed to be challenged academically and succeed. My experiences there also taught me self-discipline.

Your Goals are Within Reach

Earning a degree in respiratory therapy is a powerful investment that is a springboard to both increased earnings and job satisfaction. There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! At CCM, you’ll discover new talents, engage with employers, and connect with new people. Your goals are within reach. Confidence breeds success. The Virtual Campus is committed to a high-quality and a “learning without borders” experience for all without the need to access a physical campus to engage in.

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