Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy

The Respiratory Therapy program prepares students for employment as respiratory care practitioners. It is full-time and sequential, consisting of seven instructional quarters during daytime hours. Students complete classroom and laboratory coursework on campus and gain clinical experience at affiliated clinical sites.

Graduates of the Respiratory program are eligible to take the Respiratory Therapy Examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The exam has two cut scores that determine whether passing candidates receive credentials as a CRT or an RRT. Individuals achieving the low cut score earn the CRT credential, and those who achieve the high cut score earn the RRT credential. Currently, the CRT is the minimum credential required for licensure in 40 of the 49 states (Alaska does not require licensure). The remaining 9 states, including Washington, require the RRT credential. Graduates are encouraged to earn their advanced credential (RRT) as more states move to RRT as the minimum licensure requirement.

To practice, respiratory therapists must be licensed by the state as respiratory care practitioners. Licensure typically requires completing an accredited training program, passing a background check, and obtaining the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and/or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).