Why Choose the Respiratory Therapy Program

Career Opportunities

students practicing respiratory therapy techniques Respiratory therapists usually work in hospital intensive care units, caring for patients on life support and making decisions that directly impact the patient’s outcome. In addition to working in hospitals, many respiratory therapists work in physician offices, outpatient clinics and home health agencies. Some specialize in specific areas such as adult critical care, newborn or pediatric care, laboratory diagnostic testing, clinical research, patient transport, pulmonary rehabilitation or home care.

Income Projections

According to the 2009 American Association for Respiratory Care Human Resources Study, the projected average annual earnings of respiratory therapists in the U.S. was $62,223. 

Additional Reasons to Choose This Program:

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for respiratory therapists will increase by 19% during the period 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all other professions.
  • The primary site for clinical training is nationally recognized Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital.
  • In the last 5 years, 100% of this program's graduates have been employed as respiratory therapists within 6 months after graduation
  • In the last 5 years, the pass rate for program graduates on the National Board Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam and the National Board Registered Respiratory Therapist Exams has been 100%. Three-year outcomes data is available at www.coarc.com.
  • Employer and graduate surveys report 100% satisfaction with graduate preparation to begin work
  • Respiratory Therapy classes are small in size, typically 10-12 students
  • Clinical rotations provide students with closely supervised, hands-on practice with a student/faculty ratio of 2:1 or 1:1
  • Classrooms and laboratories are newly renovated and outfitted with the latest up-to-date teaching equipment
  • Program faculty are registered respiratory therapists and board-certified pulmonary physicians with extensive experience in respiratory care education
  • In 2020, this program was honored, for the fourth year in a row, with the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award from the professional accrediting agency, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)