Respiratory Therapy Program
Respiratory Therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders, from infants whose lungs are not fully developed to the elderly whose lungs are diseased.
"I completed four years of college and graduated as a History major, but I couldn't seem to find a job that was secure. I knew the medical profession was so I researched a few places and picked American Career College. It was the best fit."
Because this is an Associate's Degree program, our curriculum includes in-depth instruction and training on a wide range of subjects that pertain to this discipline. You'll study written communication, biology, and basic science as well as in-depth training in Respiratory Therapy.
When you've completed your degree, you'll be prepared for a rewarding career as a Respiratory Therapist. You'll also be eligible to take the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exams as offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to become licensed by the state.
The Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy program, Orange County & Ontario campuses, holds a Letter of Review from the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedfor, Texas 76021-4244, (817) 283-2835.
Click here to contact an Admissions Advisor to learn more or call 877-832-0790
What will I be trained to do in this field?
The short answer is that Respiratory Therapists help people breathe. Of course, it's a bit more complicated than that. The patients you'll work with will have a variety of ailments and conditions that prohibit their cardiopulmonary system from working correctly. Respiratory Therapists interview patients, perform limited physical examinations, and conduct diagnostic tests.
You will be responsible for executing effective plans and protocols to assist patients so they can breathe comfortably.
What will I learn?
When you complete the Respiratory Therapy program, you will have earned an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy. To earn this degree you will study topics like:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Critical Care Monitoring
- Medical Gas Therapy
- Respiratory Procedures
- Mechanical Ventilation
You'll learn these topics through a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical studies. You'll get hands-on experience with equipment you’ll use as a Respiratory Therapist such as:
- Crash Carts
- Tracheotomy Trays
- Gait Belts
- Mechanical Ventilators
- Airway Heart and Lung Models
- Pediatric Practice Manikins
Respiratory Therapy is one of those specialties that most people don't think about until they need therapy themselves. But this is critical work that people absolutely depend on.
What are some career opportunities?
There are a number of different types of facilities that employ Respiratory Therapists. Your skills will be in demand at places such as:
- Hospitals
- Sleep Disorder Clinics
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Rehabilitation Centers
- In-home Care Providers
- Consumer-goods Rental Firms
- Physicians' Offices
- Retirement Centers
- Critical Care Transport
There are many options for well-trained Respiratory Therapists to grow and develop in their careers. Respiratory Therapists have more flexibility than many other professions.
What's the career outlook?
Employment for this vital career is expected to grow by as much as 25% between 2008 and 2018.*
The Respiratory Therapy program is available at the following campus:
Program Information Disclosure
Holds a Letter of Review from the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC). Licensure to work as a Respiratory Therapist is required by the state of CA. Click here for license examination pass rate information.
| O*Net Occupation Titles | Soc Code | Links to Occupational Profiles on O*Net |
| Respiratory Therapists: Respiratory Therapist (RT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Therapy, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services, Respiratory Therapy Director, Staff Respiratory Therapist | 29-1126.00 | http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1126.00 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technicians: Respiratory Therapy Technician, Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT), Respiratory Technician, Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist | 29-2054.00 | http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2054.00 |
| On-time Completion Rate (2010/2011 Award Year) |
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| Los Angeles | Orange County | Ontario | Consolidated Rate |
| N/A | 90% | 83% | 87% |
| Placement Rate Reported to ABHES (2010/2011 Award Year) |
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| Los Angeles | Orange County | Ontario |
| N/A | 51% | 62% |
| Median Loan Debt (2010/2011 Award Year) |
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| Los Angeles | Orange County | Ontario | Consolidated Median Loan Debt | |
| Title IV HEA Programs: | N/A | $18,323.06 | $22,790.00 | $22,790.00 |
| Private Loans/Institutional Financing Plan: |
N/A | $90.50 | $1,071.00 | $761.00 |
Current Estimated Tuition and Fees: $45,137.50
To review the terms and definitions for the chart above, or to see the outcome information for ACC's other programs, and to view state disclosure information, visit: americancareercollege.edu/disclosures.
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11
Not all programs are offered at all locations.
Career Fact
Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow faster than the average of all occupations in the 2008-2018 period.*
