Degree in Respiratory Care
Degree & Certificate Programs
Program Details
Respiratory Care is a two-year program that awards an Associate in Science degree. Program lecture courses are primarily taught on the Brockton Massasoit Community College campus with assigned clinical training experiences located at healthcare facilities throughout the surrounding area. The Massasoit Community College Respiratory Care Program is accredited by CoARC (Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) as program #200230. View CoARC Programmatic Outcomes Data. CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. Students who graduate from the Massasoit program are eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care credentialing examinations needed for licensure as a Respiratory Therapist.
In addition to courses in general education, liberal arts, and the theory of respiratory care, carefully selected clinical experiences are provided in area hospitals and health agencies to enable students to develop the skills necessary for the successful completion of the program and future competent practice as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. A minimum grade of 75 must be achieved in all respiratory care courses.
Students contemplating a career as a Respiratory Therapist must be aware that if they have ever been convicted by a court of law, their records will be subject to review by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Respiratory Care upon application for licensure as a Respiratory Therapist. A CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check will be required for all students before participating in any patient-care clinical experiences at area hospitals or healthcare agencies.
Respiratory Care is an allied health profession dedicated to the management and care of patients of all ages, infants to elderly, who are experiencing difficulties with breathing. While working under the direction of a Physician, the scope of a Respiratory Therapist’s expertise includes mechanical ventilator management, artificial airways, oxygen therapy, aerosolized medication administration, acute and chronic pulmonary disease management etc. Employment opportunities can be found in hospitals, home care, sales, education etc. Currently there is a shortage of Respiratory Therapists throughout Massachusetts. For specific information regarding the Respiratory Care Program at Massasoit Community College, email the Program Director at kdoten@massasoit.mass.edu.
To be considered for admission into this program, the applicant must possess a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate, complete an acceptable course in Biological Principles or successfully perform on the biology departmental challenge exam, attend a Respiratory Care Program information session, and successfully achieve adequate scores on the ATI TEAS examination.
Program Outcomes
- Students will apply all modalities of respiratory care proficiently.
- Students will select equipment and troubleshoot in a proficient manner.
- Students will demonstrate appropriate respiratory care safety practice.
- Students will effectively communicate with the physician.
- Students will demonstrate adaptability and flexibility when met with a new circumstance related to the respiratory care emergencies, difficult cases or variations from the routine.
- Students will use effective oral communication skills in the clinical and academic settings.
- Students will practice written communication skills.
- Graduate students will demonstrate involvement in state and national professional organizations.
- Students will discuss the importance of keeping current in the profession.
- Students/Graduates will participate in professional activities.
- Graduates will successfully obtain the National Board of Respiratory Care’s Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Academic Map
Degree in Respiratory Care
A minimum of 19 classes and 70 credits is required. A minimum of 18 credits at Massasoit. Note: Each course completed and passed can only fulfill one program requirement. The same course cannot be used to satisfy multiple program requirements. A minimum grade of C is required for respiratory courses.
Semester 1
7 Credits in RESP 101
Fundamentals of Respiratory Care I
2 Credits in RESP 113
Respiratory Care Seminar I
2 Credits in RESP 115
Respiratory Care Equipment
4 Credits in BIOL 201
Anatomy and Physiology I
3 Credits in either CHEM 131 or CHEM 151
(Survey of Chemistry or General Chemistry I)
Semester 2
7 Credits in RESP 102
Fundamentals of Respiratory Care II
2 Credits in RESP 112
Introduction to Pharmacology
4 Credits in BIOL 202
Anatomy and Physiology II
3 Credits in ENGL 101
English Composition I
3 Credits in Math elective - Introduction to Statistics or higher
Semester 3
7 Credits in RESP 103
Fundamentals of Respiratory Care III
2 Credits in RESP 111
Introduction to Pathology
3 Credits in RESP 121
Respiratory Care Clinical Cardio Anatomy and Physiology
3 Credits in ENGL 102
English Composition II
Semester 4
7 Credits in RESP 104
Fundamentals of Respiratory Care IV
3 Credits in RESP 116
Respiratory Care Seminar II
1 Credit in RESP 117
Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Evaluation
4 Credits in BIOL 231
Microbiology
3 Credits in PSYC 101
General Psychology
This academic map is a suggested semester-by-semester guide to keep you on a clear path to program completion. Please note that some classes are offered only in certain semesters, have prerequisites, or minimum passing grades. Winter and/or Summer Session classes may be available for some classes. Your academic advisor will provide you with clear direction needed to stay on course and discuss scheduling options with you. Taking courses not reflected on this map may result in courses not counting toward the completion of your requirements.
Advisory Committee
This committee is composed of respiratory therapists, healthcare professionals, educators, and clinical partners who work collaboratively to ensure the program remains aligned with current clinical standards, licensure requirements, and the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. By providing expert input on curriculum development, clinical training, and emerging trends in respiratory care, the committee plays a vital role in preparing students to become skilled, compassionate, and credentialed respiratory therapists. Together, we are committed to advancing respiratory care education and improving patient outcomes in our communities.
-
Alycia Canha, RRT
Clinical Instructor
Boston Medical Center-South
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Catherine Powers Ozyurt EdD, GCPH, LSW
Dean of Nursing and Allied Health
Massasoit Community College -
Cheryl Manning, RRT
Simulation Laboratory Instructor
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Denise Logan M.Ed., B.S., R.R.T.-ACCS
Director of Clinical Education
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Donna Sullivan, RRT
Alumni, Past Faculty Member
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Brian Bloom, MD, MBA
Medical Director
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Elizabeth Bucha, RRT
Clinical Instructor
South Shore Hospital -
Emmanuel Berthil, RRT
Vibra Hospital of Southeastern Massachusetts -
Jack Keating
Professor, Massasoit Community College - Joseph Higgins, RRT
Manager of Respiratory Therapy Services
Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital -
Kevin Doten, MS, RRT
Program Director
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Khamsouk Touy, RRT
Massasoit Community College - Laura Lusky, RRT
Advisory Committee Chair, Alumni
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program - Martha DeSilva, RRT
Program Director Emerita
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Melissa LaRose, RRT
Clinical Instructor
Franciscan Children’s Hospital
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Michelle M. DuBois
Massachusetts State Representative – 10th Plymouth District - Nancy Rec, RRT
Clinical Instructor
Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Patricia Harron, RRT
Clinical Instructor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Massasoit Respiratory Care Program -
Susan E. Clover, M.S., R.N., A.C.M.
Associate Dean of Nursing Education
Massasoit Community College -
1st Year Student – TBA
- 2nd Year Student – TBA