Respiratory Care/Respiratory Therapy


Program Details
What Will I learn
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 Care / 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/.
The Respiratory Care Associate of Science degree programs at the Las Vegas (#200536), Phoenix (#200390) and Pleasant Hill campuses (#200542) are accredited by the: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690: http://www.coarc.com. 817 283 2835.
The Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science degree programs at the Bakersfield (#200425), Ontario (#200495), Rancho Cordova (#20015), Temecula (#20067) and Visalia campuses (#200839) are accredited by the: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690: http://www.coarc.com. 817 283 2835.
Outcomes Data
“CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.”
Program Outcomes Data Link: CoARC website (https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/) which provides outcomes data for all its accredited programs.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690
Course Catalog
Program Specific Disclosures
Continuing Education For Graduates
Student Outcomes
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Discover What It’s Like to Train to Become a Respiratory Therapist at Carrington College
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.
Respiratory Care/Respiratory Therapy FAQ
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How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist?
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.3
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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.3
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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.4
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What classes do you take to become a Respiratory Therapist?
Some classes required at Carrington College include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Respiratory Care
- Pharmacology
- Ventilatory Principles of Respiratory Care
- Clinical Practice
- Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
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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.)4
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What certification exams will I be eligible to take upon graduating?
Students who successfully complete the Respiratory Care or Respiratory Therapy programs at Carrington College 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.