Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year.

Program Title: 	Respiratory Care
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

Associate in Science	
CIP Number	1351090800	
Program Type	College Credit	
Program Length	76 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program trains students for the occupation of Respiratory Therapist or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.  The respiratory therapist specializes in the application of scientific knowledge and theory to practical, clinical problems of respiratory care.

The content includes but is not limited to quality control of all units, intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB); humidity/aerosol therapy; medical gas administration; broncho-pulmonary drainage; mechanical ventilation; airway management; emergency care; pulmonary function testing; cardiopulmonary rehabilitation; measurement and reporting of cardiopulmonary sampling, infection control; cardiopulmonary drug administration, physiologic monitoring, and special advanced procedures.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 76 credit hours.
When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Meet the general education core course requirements of Rule 6A-14.0303, Florida Administrative Code.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related CCC and ATD credentials.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Regulated Programs

Graduates of this program are eligible to take the NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care) examination(s) and become licensed with the State of Florida Department of Health, Division of Quality Assurance.

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
02.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
03.0	Select, review, obtain, and interpret data.
04.0	Select, assemble, and check equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness.
05.0	Initiate, conduct, and modify prescribed therapeutic procedures.
06.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system, and maintain records and communications.
07.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
08.0	Demonstrate knowledge of employment requirements as a respiratory care professional.
09.0	Perform advanced respiratory care procedures.
10.0	Administer cardiopulmonary drugs.
11.0	Assist the physician with special respiratory therapy procedures.
12.0	Initiate and conduct patient and family education.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Respiratory Care
CIP Number: 		1351090800
Program Length: 	76 credit hours

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures. The student will be able to:	
01.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards.	
01.02	Identify and describe methods for medical error reduction and prevention in the various healthcare settings.	
01.03	Demonstrate personal safety procedures based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations, including standard precautions.	
01.04	Recognize Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and comply with safety signs, symbols, and labels.	
01.05	Demonstrate proper body mechanics and ergonomics.	
01.06	Demonstrate the procedure for properly identifying patients.	
01.07	Demonstrate procedures for the safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
01.08	Describe fire, safety, disaster, and evacuation procedures. 	
02.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures. The student will be able to:	
02.01	Define principles of infection control, including standard and transmission-based precautions.	
02.02	Demonstrate knowledge of medical asepsis and practice procedures such as handwashing and isolation. 	
02.03	Demonstrate knowledge of surgical asepsis. 	
02.04	Describe how to dispose correctly of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines, such as OSHA. 	
02.05	Apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by airborne and blood-borne pathogens to the care of all patients following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
02.06	Protect patient from nosocomial infection by adherence to infection control policies and procedures (standard precautions, blood and body fluid precautions, etc.)	
03.0	Select, review, obtain, and interpret data. The student will be able to:	
03.01	Review existing data in the patient record, and recommend diagnostic procedures based on all available patient information.
•	Review existing data in the patient record, including imaging and laboratory studies.
•	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information.	
03.02	Perform procedures and interpret results.
•	Assess the patient's overall cardiopulmonary status by inspection, percussion, palpation, and auscultation. 
•	Participate in the development of the respiratory care plan.	
03.03	Determine the appropriateness of the prescribed respiratory care plan, recommend modifications where indicated, and participate in the development of the respiratory care plan with established guidelines. 
•	Review planned therapy to establish therapeutic goals.
•	Determine the appropriateness of prescribed therapy and goals for identified pathophysiological state.
•	Recommend changes in the therapeutic plan (based on data) if indicated.	
04.0	Select, assemble, and check equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness. The student will be able to:	
04.01	Select and obtain equipment, assure cleanliness of equipment, assemble, check for proper function, identify malfunctions of equipment, and take action to correct malfunctions of equipment appropriate to the respiratory care plan, which includes the following:
•	Medical gas delivery devices.
•	Humidifiers and aerosol-generating devices.
•	Non-invasive/invasive mechanical ventilation equipment and components.
•	Artificial airways.
•	Suctioning devices.
•	Gas delivery, metering, and clinical analyzing devices.
•	Resuscitation devices.
•	Hyperinflation/lung expansion devices.
•	Airway clearance/bronchial hygiene equipment
•	Airway Clearance devices/ bronchial hygiene equipment.
•	Pleural drainage devices.
•	Bronchoscopy equipment.
•	Noninvasive/invasive monitoring equipment.
•	Pulmonary Function Testing equipment.	
04.02	Describe the physiologic effects, indications, and contraindications:
•	     Medical gas delivery. 
•	     Humidification and aerosol-generating devices. 
•	     Noninvasive/invasive mechanical ventilation and its components.
•	     Artificial airways. 
•	     Suctioning procedures. 
•	     Analyzing and metering of gas delivery. 
•	     Resuscitation techniques. 
•	     Hyperinflation/lung expansion methods.
•	     Airway clearance/bronchial hygiene methods. 
•	     Noninvasive/invasive monitoring procedures. 
•	     Pulmonary Function Testing methods. 	
05.0	Initiate, conduct, and modify prescribed therapeutic procedures. The student will be able to:	
05.01	Adapt appropriate respiratory care procedures in the patient settings to include, but not limited to, acute care, home care, sub-acute care, outpatient care, and long-term care facilities.	
05.02	Conduct therapeutic procedures to stabilize and maintain a patent airway, including the care of artificial airways, and removal of bronchopulmonary secretions.
•	Establish and maintain a patient’s airway.
o	Utilize acceptable methods to maintain and secure airways.
o	Perform tracheostomy care and/or replacement.     
•	Perform removal of bronchopulmonary secretions.
•	Application of speaking valves.	
05.03	Conduct therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate spontaneous and artificial ventilation.
•	Instruct in proper breathing techniques.
•	Instruct and monitor techniques of Hyperinflation/lung expansion.
•	Instruct and monitor techniques of airway clearance devices.
•	Administer/assist with directed cough (quad cough/huff cough). 
•	Administer prescribed aerosolized medications.
•	Select the appropriate ventilator, including conventional and non-conventional (i.e., high-frequency ventilation).
•	Select, initiate, and adjust invasive ventilation device and properly manipulate settings based on patient response and data.
•	Select, initiate, and adjust a non-invasive ventilation device and properly manipulate settings based on patient response and data.
•	Manage and facilitate liberation from mechanical ventilation. 
•	Manage withdrawal of life support. 
•	Interpret invasive ventilator graphics and manipulate settings accordingly. 
•	Interpret non-invasive ventilator graphics and manipulate settings accordingly.
•	Assist with the transport of a mechanically ventilated patient. 	
05.04	Conduct therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate arterial and tissue oxygenation.
•	Position the patient to minimize hypoxia.
•	Administer oxygen, with or without positive pressure.
•	Prevent procedure-associated hypoxia (e.g., oxygenate before and after suctioning and equipment change, etc.).
•	Initiate and adjust CPAP/PEEP therapy.
•	Initiate and adjust high-flow oxygen devices.
•	Initiate lung recruitment maneuvers.	
05.05	Evaluate and monitor the patient’s response to respiratory care through accurate interpretation of monitored data. 
•	Measure and record vital signs.
•	Monitor cardiac rhythm.
•	Non-Invasive monitors 
o	Monitor pulse oximetry.
o	Monitor capnography.
o	Monitor Transcutaneous gas exchange.
o	Monitor hemodynamic values.
•	Auscultate, inspect, palpate, and percuss the chest and record changes.
•	Observe changes in sputum production and consistency.
•	Note the patient’s subjective response to therapy.
•	Measure FIO2 and or liter flow.
•	Perform Pulmonary Function Testing.
o	Bedside spirometry
o	Peak flow
o	6-minute walk
o	FeNO measurement
o	DLCO measurement
o	Nitrogen washout
o	Lung volumes and capacities
o	MEP and MIP
•	Perform arterial puncture.
•	Interpret results of arterial blood gas analysis and co-oximetry.
•	Adjust and check alarm systems.
•	Note the patient’s response to mechanical ventilation.
•	Measure appropriate mechanical ventilation parameters.
•	Monitor endotracheal or tracheostomy tube cuff pressure.	
05.06	Make necessary modifications in therapeutic procedures and recommend respiratory care plan modifications based on patient response.
•	Terminate treatment based on the patient’s adverse reaction to therapy being administered.
•	Modify bronchial hygiene/airway clearance therapy.
•	Modify management of artificial airways.
•	Modify Hyperinflation/lung expansion therapy.
•	Modify aerosol therapy.
•	Modify oxygen therapy.
•	Modify suctioning.
•	Modify mechanical ventilation.
•	Recommend modifications in the respiratory care plan based on the patient’s response.	
05.07	Initiate, conduct, or modify respiratory care techniques in an emergency setting as prescribed by the American Heart Association guidelines (www.heart.org).	
05.08	Evaluate and respond to an emergent loss of artificial airway. 	
05.09	Demonstrate an understanding of special airway management situations, such as surgical alterations of the airway, and adjust response as appropriate.	
05.10	Utilize Evidence-Based Practice when classification of disease severity and implementing treatment plan.
•	Lung protective strategies
•	NAEPP
•	GOLD	
06.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system, and maintain records and communications. The student will be able to:	
06.01	Describe the various types of healthcare providers and settings.	
06.02	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the individual members of the healthcare team.	
06.03	Use the computer system to access and input patient data, when appropriate.	
06.04	Document on medical record; record therapy and results using conventional terminology as required by hospital policy and regulatory agencies.	
06.05	Be familiar with and use the departmental policy and procedure manual; actively participate in recommending updates.	
06.06	Consistently display a professional and positive attitude in all communications, recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other healthcare workers, and maintain good interpersonal relationships.	
06.07	Participate and communicate as part of the interdisciplinary team.
•	Demonstrate appropriate oral and written communication skills.
•	Coordinate with the interdisciplinary team in arranging life support and monitoring (I.e., mechanical ventilation, apnea monitoring, nasal CPAP).	
06.08	Display respect for patients regardless of ethnicity, religion, culture, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, or diagnosis.	
06.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation, including ethnicity, religion, culture, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, diagnosis, and preferred learning style. 	
06.10	Maintain confidentiality of all patient records and information.	
07.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities. The student will be able to:	
07.01	Explain practices that could result in malpractice, liability, negligence, abandonment, false imprisonment, and fraud.	
07.02	Explain the “Patient’s Bill of Rights”.	
07.03	Identify the standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).	
07.04	Describe advance directives. 	
07.05	Describe different forms of consent, including implied, informed, and expressed. 	
07.06	Recognize and report illegal and/or unethical practices of healthcare workers.	
07.07	Understand the proper laws and procedures for reporting suspected abuse and neglect in Florida.	
08.0	Demonstrate knowledge of employment requirements as a respiratory care professional. The student will be able to:	
08.01	Identify the requirements to become licensed in Florida and the maintenance of the license. 	
08.02	Identify National Board of Respiratory Care credential maintenance and membership requirements to maintain credentials.	
08.03	Identify the Laws and Rules related to the Florida Respiratory Care Practice Act. 	
08.04	Discuss patient safety goals and any other applicable accrediting/regulatory agency guidelines.	
09.0	Perform advanced respiratory care procedures. The student will be able to:	
09.01	Assume primary clinical responsibility for all respiratory care modalities.	
09.02	Verify physicians’ orders or consult with physicians.	
09.03	Design and implement a respiratory care plan as appropriate.	
09.04	Perform noninvasive monitoring techniques as appropriate.	
09.05	Remove, clean, and/or replace inner cannula tube and/or replace tracheostomy tube, as indicated.	
09.06	Perform various mathematical computations dealing with cardiopulmonary assessment.	
09.07	Evaluate and apply hemodynamic monitoring to enhance care of the patient.	
09.08	Perform intubation. 	
09.09	Initiate mechanical ventilation with appropriate ventilator settings and parameters. 	
09.10	Monitor return to normal physiology; reestablish airway/ventilation if necessary.	
09.11	Perform extubation and/or ventilator liberation. 	
09.12	Monitor and assist in procedural sedation. 	
10.0	Administer cardiopulmonary drugs. The student will be able to:	
10.01	Demonstrate knowledge of drug classifications, actions and uses, route of administration and usual adult doses, mathematics needed to calculate divided or children’s dosage, contraindications, drug interactions, adverse reactions, how supplied, mixing instructions, storage, and laboratory test interferences.	
10.02	Perform administration of medication and medical gases following appropriate protocol and safe guidelines.	
10.03	Recommendations for pharmacologic interventions using bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, mucolytics and proteolytic, aerosolized antibiotics, inhaled pulmonary vasodilators, cardiovascular, antimicrobials, sedatives and hypnotics, analgesics, narcotic antagonists, benzodiazepine antagonists, neuromuscular blocking agents, diuretics, and surfactants.	
11.0	Assist the physician with special respiratory therapy procedures. The student will have the knowledge of:	
11.01	Insertion and maintenance of an indwelling arterial or venous catheter.	
11.02	Thoracentesis, chest tube insertion, tracheostomy, intubation, and cardioversion.	
11.03	Cardiopulmonary stress testing.	
12.0	Initiate and conduct patient and family education. The student will be able to: 	
12.01	Demonstrate knowledge of smoking cessation products, techniques, and programs.  	
12.02	Educate the patient and family in relevant safety and infection control procedures and techniques. 	
12.03	Educate the patient and family on the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation and their role. 	
12.04	Educate the patient and family in disease management techniques for cardiopulmonary diseases.	
12.05	Educate the patient, family, and other healthcare workers on the appropriate use, operation, cleaning, and maintenance of respiratory care equipment.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, simulated learning activities, tools and equipment, as well as experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data within an interprofessional learning environment. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The respiratory therapist may be required to exercise considerable independent, clinical judgment in the respiratory care of patients under the direct or indirect supervision of a physician.  Further, the therapist is capable of serving as a technical resource person to the physician with regard to current practices in respiratory care, and to the hospital staff as to effective and safe methods for administering respiratory therapy.

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program.  The CORE should be taken first in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(4), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded) The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication. 
•	Humanities.
•	Mathematics. 
•	Natural Sciences.
•	Social Sciences.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.