Mercer County Community College

What you'll study

This diploma combines foundational science with specialised respiratory care coursework and extensive clinical experience. Core topics include human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on cardiopulmonary systems, cardiopulmonary pathophysiology, respiratory pharmacology, airway management, mechanical ventilation and ventilator strategies, pulmonary diagnostics and blood gas analysis, neonatal and paediatric respiratory care, patient assessment and monitoring, and professional ethics and communication.

Instruction is delivered through lectures, skills laboratories using simulation equipment, and supervised clinical rotations in acute and outpatient settings. Students also complete coursework in medical terminology, infection control, and basic life support. The programme is designed to prepare graduates to sit for national credentialing examinations and to function safely and effectively in hospital, critical care and community respiratory care environments.

Entry requirements

• High school diploma or recognised equivalent (GED).
• Successful completion of prerequisite coursework, typically including college-level biology (with lab) and introductory chemistry or equivalent foundational science. Exact prerequisite requirements should be confirmed with the college.
• A minimum cumulative GPA as specified by the programme; applicants with varying academic backgrounds may be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Completion of any programme-specific placement testing or entrance assessments as required by the college.
• Documentation of immunisations, TB testing and current basic life support (BLS/CPR) certification prior to clinical placements.
• Background check and drug screening may be required by clinical partners for placement eligibility.
• Some programmes require an interview or demonstration of readiness for clinical study; check with admissions for details.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy diploma typically work as respiratory therapists in hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments and neonatal/pediatric units. Other employment settings include pulmonary function and diagnostic laboratories, sleep disorder centres, home care and durable medical equipment providers, and outpatient respiratory clinics.

Common roles and pathways include providing ventilator management and airway support, administering aerosolised medications, performing arterial blood gas analysis, running pulmonary function tests, and participating in patient and family education programmes. Graduates often pursue national credentialing to become Certified Respiratory Therapists and may continue to seek advanced credentials or a bachelor’s degree to expand clinical, management or educational opportunities.

Why study at Mercer County Community College

• Focused, career-oriented curriculum that balances theory, hands-on laboratory training and clinical experience to prepare students for practice and credentialing.
• Small class sizes that allow personalised instruction and close mentorship from faculty with clinical experience in respiratory care.
• Access to simulation and skills labs where students practise airway management, ventilator strategies and patient monitoring before entering clinical settings.
• Clinical placements with regional healthcare providers that give students supervised, real-world experience across acute and outpatient care settings.
• Student support services including academic advising, tutoring and pathways for transfer to four-year institutions for students who wish to continue their education.