How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist?

While the exact length of time it takes to complete any program often can depend on personal factors and preferences, Respiratory Therapy is a medical career that requires less schooling. Carrington’s Respiratory Care program can be completed in as few as 19 months.

What does a Respiratory Therapist do?

Respiratory Therapists work with patients who are struggling with breathing, including those with chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. They may work with all age groups, with whom they will measure breathing capacity and work to administer treatment.

How much schooling do you need to be a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory Therapists typically have an Associate Degree, though some go on to complete a Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy.

What classes do you take to become a Respiratory Therapist?

Some classes required at Carrington College include: Anatomy and Physiology Principles of Mathematics Introduction to Respiratory Care Pharmacology English Writing and Composition Introduction to Psychology Clinical Laboratory Practice Fundamentals of Respiratory Care Respiratory Care Pathophysiology Introduction to Sociology Ventilatory Principles of Respiratory Care Clinical Practice I Clinical Practice II Critical Care Principles of Respiratory Care Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialized Respiratory Care NBRC Review Advanced Respiratory Care Clinical Practice III

What is the career path for a Respiratory Therapist?

Everyone’s career will look different. Respiratory Therapists can begin work after completing an Associate Degree and obtaining state licensure (except in Alaska, where national certification is recommended but not required.)

What certification exams will I be eligible to take upon graduating?

Students who successfully complete the Respiratory Care program at Carrington are eligible for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing exams, such as the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). NOTE: Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

Medical Programs

Respiratory Therapy

Carrington College’s Respiratory Therapy program prepares graduates to work in a variety of medical settings helping patients work on breathing and other respiratory problems.

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Program Details

What Will I learn

Respiratory Therapy

Upon completion of the Respiratory Therapy program, graduates will be able to:

Perform clinically as a competent advanced-level Respiratory Therapist.
Exemplify critical thinking and judgment skills.
Demonstrate personal and professional behavior consistent with a Respiratory Therapist.
Earn Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP) certifications.
Become a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Characterize the philosophies of lifelong learning and professional growth by participating in continued education and community outreach.
Demonstrate the social skills, professional appearance, attitudes, and behavior that employers expect of graduates.
Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior, and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life.

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Cost & Financial Aid

Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, Sas well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.

Academic Cost

For complete information on current tuition costs, please see the Academic Catalog.

Location Availability

Carrington College’s Respiratory Therapy program is available at multiple campuses in three states. To learn more about each location, explore their campus pages.

Accreditation & Approvals

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.

For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.

California Licensing Requirements:

An applicant for licensure in the State of California shall not receive a license without first successfully passing both National Board of Respiratory Care examinations:

Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC), at the high cut score
Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE)

All applicants for licensure shall have completed an education program for respiratory care that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its successor and been awarded a minimum of an associate degree from an institution or university accredited by a regional accreditation agency or association recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Satisfactory evidence as to educational qualifications shall take the form of certified transcripts of the applicant’s college record mailed directly to the board from the educational institution. However, the board may require an evaluation of educational credentials by an evaluation service approved by the board.

Submit completed application and fee to the Respiratory Care Board (RCB) of California.
Undergo fingerprinting and background checks.
Complete a 3-hour Board-approved Law and Professional Ethics course

Note: The RCB has approved two law and professional ethics courses, developed independently by the California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC) and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Only ONE law and professional ethics course are required to be completed prior to licensure (either the CSRC’s or AARC’s course). Submit completed application, including fee and DMV driving history report.

Course Catalog

Program Specific Disclosures

Continuing Education For Graduates

Student Outcomes

REAL-WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

Earn an Associate of Science degree in as few as 18 months.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available at multiple campuses.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

Discover What It’s Like to Train to Become a Respiratory Therapist at Carrington College

The support system in this program was phenomenal…studying something so completely new to me was a shock, but the instructors made it understandable and achievable. I fell in love with it.

Katrina J.

2021 STUDENT RESPIRATORY CARE

Career Opportunities

Respiratory therapists care for those who have trouble breathing. Some of the most common chronic respiratory illnesses are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, occupational lung diseases, and pulmonary hypertension. According to the World Health Organization’s most recent data, more than 262 million people had asthma globally¹ and there were 3.23 million deaths from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) globally in 2019.²

Respiratory therapists work with common respiratory patients like those described above, as well as everyone from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. Respiratory therapists also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock, according to the BLS.³

Some common job duties of a respiratory therapist include:

Interviewing and examining patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders
Consulting with physicians to develop patient treatment plans
Performing diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity
Treating patients by using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications
Monitoring and recording patients’ progress
Teaching patients how to take medications and use equipment, such as ventilators

What Will I Learn?

Anatomy and Physiology

Fundamentals of Respiratory Care

Ventilatory Principles of Respiratory Care

Clinical Practice

Check out our guide on becoming a Respiratory Therapist.

It can be argued that nothing is more important than the ability to breathe. This is why so many are drawn to a career as a Respiratory Therapist. Respiratory Therapists help patients breathe better, taking care of patients suffering from chronic or acute illnesses like asthma or pneumonia. Learn how to become a Respiratory Therapist, what to look for in Respiratory Therapy training, and more about this exciting healthcare career.