Are you passionate about healthcare and eager to make a tangible difference in people’s lives? A career in respiratory care offers a rewarding path, providing vital support to patients of all ages with breathing difficulties and cardiopulmonary disorders. The Respiratory Care program at UCNJ is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies to excel as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). This comprehensive program emphasizes hands-on training and prepares graduates for immediate entry into this growing healthcare field.
Program Overview: Building Competent Respiratory Therapists
The UCNJ Respiratory Care program is a robust 69-credit Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program. Our curriculum is carefully structured to foster cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning – the essential domains for competent respiratory care practice as defined by the profession’s highest standards. Students will develop strong communication abilities, hone technical expertise, sharpen analytical minds, and cultivate critical thinking skills. These are the cornerstones for effective practice as a registered respiratory therapist in today’s complex healthcare environments. Furthermore, for those aiming for advanced studies, our program provides a solid academic foundation for seamless transfer to four-year institutions for bachelor’s degrees in respiratory care or related fields.
Core Learning Outcomes: Your Journey to Professionalism
Upon completion of the Respiratory Care program, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate Professionally: Articulate complex information clearly and effectively through oral, written, and visual communication methods, ensuring seamless patient care and interprofessional collaboration.
- Uphold Ethical Standards: Demonstrate unwavering ethical and professional conduct, adhering to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)’s rigorous code of ethics, ensuring patient well-being and trust.
- Practice as a Registered Respiratory Therapist: Function proficiently and confidently as an entry-level Registered Respiratory Therapist in diverse healthcare settings, providing essential respiratory care services.
- Apply Critical Thinking in Cardiopulmonary Care: Employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiopulmonary conditions, leading to optimal patient outcomes.
- Manage Comprehensive Respiratory Care Plans: Develop and implement effective respiratory care plans for a diverse patient population, including adults, neonates, and pediatrics, addressing a wide spectrum of respiratory needs.
Admission Requirements: Take the First Step
Admission to the Respiratory Care program at UCNJ is competitive and requires meeting specific criteria in addition to general college admission. Prospective students should note the following requirements:
- College Admission: Applicants must first be formally admitted to UCNJ before applying to the Respiratory Care program, ensuring a foundation in general academic standards.
- Prerequisite Coursework: Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is essential. These prerequisites include:
- MAT 113 Math Applications or a higher-level mathematics course, demonstrating quantitative reasoning skills.
- PSY 101 General Psychology, providing a foundational understanding of human behavior and patient interaction.
- BIO 105 Anatomy and Physiology I, with a minimum final grade of C+ (2.5 GPA equivalent), ensuring a strong base in biological sciences relevant to respiratory care.
- AHA CPR certification for Healthcare Providers (BLS), validating essential life-saving skills.
- Application Deadline: Completed applications must be submitted by April 30th for Fall semester admissions, allowing ample time for review and program planning.
- Application Submission: Applications can be submitted while prerequisite coursework is in progress, streamlining the application process for motivated students.
For detailed application instructions and the “Application for Admission” packet, please refer to the bottom of this page. Submit your completed application with unofficial transcripts to [email protected] by April 30th for full consideration. Official transcripts should be sent separately to the UCNJ Admissions Office.
Recommended Course Sequence for the Respiratory Care Program at UCNJ, outlining the semester-by-semester curriculum for aspiring respiratory therapists.
Note: Criminal background checks, student health forms, proof of proliability insurance, and AHA CPR certification are required only after acceptance into the program and prior to orientation.
Nationally Accredited Program: Ensuring Quality Education
The UCNJ Respiratory Care Program (CoARC program #200628) holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) www.coarc.com. CoARC is a respected accrediting body dedicated to ensuring the quality of respiratory therapy education programs across the United States. This accreditation signifies that our program has met rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty, resources, and student outcomes.
Provisional Accreditation status confirms that our program has demonstrated substantial compliance with CoARC standards and is authorized to enroll students. Importantly, this status is recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), ensuring that graduates of our program are eligible to sit for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examinations. Successful completion of these exams leads to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, a crucial professional recognition in the field. Our program is committed to achieving and maintaining Continuing Accreditation, reflecting our ongoing dedication to excellence in respiratory care education.
Career Outlook: A Growing and Vital Profession
Graduating from the UCNJ Respiratory Care program opens doors to a fulfilling and in-demand career as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP). RCPs are integral members of healthcare teams, providing hands-on care to patients with a wide range of respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions. They work in diverse settings, including:
- Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
- Emergency Departments
- Pediatric and Neonatal Units
- Labor and Delivery Rooms
- Homecare Organizations
- Sleep Centers
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Centers
- Physician’s Offices
The job outlook for respiratory therapists is exceptionally promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in employment for respiratory therapists from 2019 to 2029, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population and the increasing prevalence of respiratory illnesses such as COPD and asthma.
Respiratory therapists earn competitive salaries. The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $62,810 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and work setting.
Take the Next Step Towards a Rewarding Career
The Respiratory Care program at UCNJ offers a comprehensive and accredited pathway to a stable and meaningful career in healthcare. If you are seeking a profession where you can apply your scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills, and compassion to improve the lives of others, respiratory care is an excellent choice. We encourage you to explore the application packet and contact us with any questions. Start your journey to becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist at UCNJ today!
Important Links:
- Universal Accessibility Services
- Respiratory Essential Functions (Technical Standards)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
- CoARC Programmatic Outcomes Data
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Respiratory Therapists
