Program Director: Dr. Amy Ceconi
Room: HP-237
Phone: (201) 493-3558
Program Coordinator: Irene Erazo MS,RRT,RRT-NPS
Room: HP-237
Phone: (201) 612-5337
Program Secretary: Amanda Sanzari
Room: HP-312
Phone: (201) 879-7878
Department Chair: Amy Diaz MBA,RT(R)(T)ARRT
Department Secretary: Esmeralda Armendariz
Our Mission
The mission of the respiratory care program at Bergen Community College is to provide students with a professional education in respiratory care. The respiratory care program prepares graduates to perform competently in providing all phases of respiratory care therapies and modalities. The program incorporates didactic, clinical, technological, and laboratory teaching approaches throughout the curriculum. The respiratory care curriculum is a challenging one that provides a “hands-on” approach and incorporates a variety of educational experiences and environments from the traditional classroom to the laboratory and clinical settings. The program is a competency-based education and provides a curriculum sequence in order for the students to correlate didactic, lab and clinical skills sufficiently. After graduation, students will take the national certification and registry exams administered by the NBRC National Board for Respiratory Care and will obtain a license to work in the desired state. The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
Career Paths
The Health Professions Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in respiratory care is designed to provide students with the coursework and training needed to enter into the field as a certified respiratory therapist. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to careers in respiratory care. Once students complete the program, they are prepared to take the respiratory care licensure exam. Once students pass the licensure exam and requirements, they become a registered respiratory therapist. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Bergen Community College faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options.
Transfer Opportunities
Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in respiratory care may consider transfer opportunities into other allied health and science majors. Students are encouraged to work closely with Bergen Community College faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer https://njtransfer.org.