Best Respiratory Therapist Programs 2021

The associate of science in respiratory care at PBSC qualifies graduates to take the National Board for Respiratory Care Registry Exam. Recognized by the American Medical Association and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, the limited-access program trains students in core respiratory care skills. Enrollees study pediatric and cardiac life support, neonatal resuscitation, pulmonary function technology, and electrocardiography.

The two-year, full-time program begins in August. Students complete 27 prerequisite credits and 49 required credits for a total of 76 credits. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA in all prerequisite courses and a minimum 2.6 cumulative GPA. Applicants must submit official transcripts and placement test scores (unless exempt).

PBSC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A public community college in Winterville, North Carolina, PCC provides an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy that cultivates effective collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The program also emphasizes professionalism, ethics, and quality patient care.

Enrollees can complete the program's 72 credits over six semesters, including two summer terms. Coursework covers core respiratory care topics such as pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, and critical care. The curriculum also incorporates writing, research, psychology, and ethics or critical thinking courses.

Candidates need a minimum 2.5 GPA in general education and recommended courses. Applicants must complete prerequisite courses in English, biology, and math.

PCC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A state college located in Panama City, Florida, GCSC offers an associate of science in respiratory care that trains students to care for patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, disorders, and breathing problems.

The two-year program teaches enrollees how to provide life support and critical care, as well as diagnostic testing and various therapeutic and rehabilitative treatments. The curriculum prepares graduates for the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination, making GCSC's program one of the best respiratory therapy programs. Graduates who pass the exam usually earn the certified respiratory therapist credential and pursue related employment.

Candidates must undergo a program evaluation from an academic advisor. Applicants submit official transcripts and evidence of a high school diploma. Accepted students complete an orientation.

GCSC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, HutchCC offers an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy that begins each August and admits 15 applicants per year.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, the 71-credit respiratory therapist program requires four semesters and one summer session to complete. The curriculum covers topics like cardiopulmonary pathology, assessment, pediatric and neonatal care, and pharmacology. The program also includes several clinical training experiences and therapeutic modalities courses.

Candidates must complete prerequisites in human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and intermediate algebra before entering the program. Students must also take prerequisites in math, communications or public speaking, and English composition. Enrollees may transfer these credits if completed elsewhere.

HutchCC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

HFC in Dearborn, Michigan, offers two respiratory therapist programs: a respiratory therapist associate of applied science (AAS) and a pre-respiratory therapist associate of science (AS). The 49.5-credit AAS program includes a clinical practicum, respiratory care courses, and therapeutics courses. The 60-credit AS program includes additional general education courses and prepares graduates for bachelor's degree programs.

Both AS and AAS program applicants need a minimum 2.7 GPA in at least 12 credits of 200-400-level courses; a 255 minimum Accuplacer Next Gen Reading score; eligibility for English and math prerequisites; and successful completion of chemistry, medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology courses.

The program boasts a 100% job placement rate among employment-seeking graduates. Respiratory therapy students can access networking opportunities by participating in the annual Michigan Society for Respiratory Care Conference.

HFC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

In collaboration with the Munson Medical Center and Northwestern Michigan College, MCC offers an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy. Enrollees complete nonprofessional degree requirements at Northwestern and professional courses at MCC. Clinical education occurs at the Munson Medical Center and at West Michigan hospitals.

MCC students can apply to the program after completing entry-level requirements, including high school graduation (or equivalent), placement tests, and prerequisite coursework. Candidates must complete prerequisites in composition, intermediate algebra, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry.

Enrollees take natural and social science courses and respiratory care-related courses. MCC may accept equivalent, recent coursework taken at similarly accredited schools, but students must complete at least 15 respiratory care credits at MCC to graduate.

MCC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Based in Waycross, Georgia, CPTC offers an associate of applied science in respiratory care. The degree provides specialized training in areas like medical gases, humidity/aerosol therapy, ventilation, and incentive spirometry.

The 78-credit program consists of 50 occupational course credits, 16 general education credits, and 12 science prerequisites. Occupational coursework covers topics like pharmacology, pulmonary disease, and ventilation and airway management. Enrollees also participate in six clinical practice components. Graduates qualify to take the National Board for Respiratory Care's Entry Level Certification Examination. Candidates who pass the test may take the two-part registry exam to obtain licensure.

Applicants must satisfy placement testing requirements and submit official transcripts. They must also complete general education prerequisites in composition, social or behavioral science, natural science or math, and humanities or fine arts. Additional prerequisites include 12 credits in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.

CPTC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A public community college in Farmington, New Mexico, SJC offers an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy that prepares graduates to take the Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist Examinations. Some students use the degree to transfer to bachelor's programs. Graduates may complete their bachelor of science in respiratory therapy online through SJC's articulation agreement with the University of Cincinnati.

The 73- to 77-credit respiratory therapist program admits 18 students per cohort. Learners study topics including community health and infection control, cardiopulmonary pathophysiology and pharmacology, and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

To enter the program, enrollees need to complete 11 prerequisite credits in biology, chemistry, and business microcomputer applications. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, a resume, and recommendation letters. Candidates lacking a prior associate degree also submit Test of Essential Academic Skills scores.

SJC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A public college based in Weston, Florida, BC offers an associate of science in respiratory care program at its North Campus in Coconut Creek, Florida. Students participate in internships and receive hands-on training with cutting-edge equipment.

One of the most affordable respiratory therapy programs in Florida, the 76-credit, full-time program takes two years (six terms) to finish. Participants complete supervised clinical rotations that train them for work in emergency rooms, intensive care units, and long-term care facilities.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Applicants must hold a minimum 2.8 GPA and complete prerequisites in chemistry, biology, composition, and math.

BC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

MCC in Flint, Michigan, runs an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy that prepares graduates to diagnose and treat cardiopulmonary patients of all ages. The 73-credit program covers topics like respiratory principles, assessment, physiology, and pharmacology. MCC's program also features a course on multicultural healthcare, as well as several respiratory lab and clinical practice requirements.

Applicants must hold a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrate college-level math and reading ability, complete four hours of a job shadowing experience at approved sites, and hold a grade of "C" or better in prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses include human anatomy, microbiology, and medical terminology. Students may transfer equivalent prerequisites from similarly accredited schools but must earn at least 15 credits at MCC to graduate.

MCC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The associate of applied science in respiratory care at SWIC in Belleville, Illinois, qualifies graduates to take the National Board for Respiratory Care's credentialing examinations. The curriculum features general education courses, respiratory care courses, and clinical education experiences at regional facilities.

SWIC students can complete general education courses at the school's Belleville, Red Bud, Granite CIty, or online campuses. However, respiratory care courses only run on campus in Belleville. The program admits 30 students each fall semester. Applicants must submit official transcripts demonstrating completion of chemistry, biology, and algebra coursework. Candidates must also complete a course placement assessment test in English and math.

SWIC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

GNTC offers an associate of applied science in respiratory care at its Floyd County campus in Rome, Georgia. Most graduates take the Registered Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination and pursue jobs in the field.

The 78-credit program consists of 28 pre-occupational and 50 occupational course credits. Pre-occupational coursework covers general education topics such as composition, math, and humanities. Students also take relevant science courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. The occupational curriculum covers topics like pharmacology, respiratory therapy, pulmonary disease, and pediatric respiratory care.

GNTC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Based in Tarboro, North Carolina, ECC offers an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy. Enrollees learn about diagnostic tests, medications, and treatments for heart and lung disease patients. The program emphasizes problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, and professionalism. Graduates qualify to take both entry-level and advanced respiratory care credentialing examinations.

The 76-credit associate degree in respiratory therapy takes under two years (four full semesters and one intervening summer session) to complete. The core curriculum covers respiratory pharmacology, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pathophysiology. Learners also complete clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities.

Applicants must score at least 62% on the Test of Essential Academic Skills, meet health standards, pass background and drug screenings, and hold a minimum 2.5 GPA.

ECC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A community college in Durham, North Carolina, Durham Tech runs an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy focused on teamwork, cultural awareness, and problem-solving. Graduates qualify to take national respiratory therapy licensure examinations.

The 73-credit program requires 18-19 months to finish and boasts small class sizes averaging 16 students. Professional courses cover topics such as cardiopulmonary pathophysiology, therapeutics and diagnostics, and advanced monitoring and procedures. Enrollees also complete two college and career preparation courses, two special practice labs, a patient management course, and five clinical practice courses.

Applicants need a minimum 2.8 high school GPA or successful scores on standardized tests. Enrollees must complete or transfer in several prerequisites, including chemistry, psychology, anatomy and physiology, and writing.

Durham Tech is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The respiratory care associate degree at DuPage prepares graduates for certified or registered respiratory therapist examinations and licensure. Graduates can also pursue a bachelor's degree in healthcare management or health sciences through DuPage's articulation agreements with Concordia University and Northern Illinois University.

The full-time, two-year program incorporates key respiratory care courses such as advanced life support, monitoring, and trends. Other courses include science for respiratory care, neonatal and pediatric intensive respiratory care, and advanced clinical assessment and protocol. Enrollees spend two days per week practicing their skills in clinical settings. Learners complete 64-68 credits, including 18-22 general education credits in communication, physical and life sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.

Applicants must attend a mandatory respiratory care advising session and score satisfactorily on reading and math placement tests. They must also demonstrate a minimum 2.75 GPA on prerequisites in math and science. In-district applicants receive admission priority.

DuPage is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.