Respiratory Therapy
What Respiratory Therapists Do
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema.
Respiratory therapists typically need an associate’s degree, but some have bachelor’s degrees. Respiratory therapists are licensed in all states except Alaska; requirements vary by state.
Training Programs at SLCC
69 Credits
The SLCC Respiratory Therapy Program is committed to providing its students with the education necessary to prepare them for a successful career in respiratory therapy. In order to achieve this goal, changes within the program have been implemented at the direction of the industry representatives on the Program Advisory Committee as well as based on advice from College partners within 4-year academic Respiratory Therapy programs. These changes are designed to better position program graduates to meet their licensure, employment and future academic goals.
Training Programs at UVU
72 credits
An Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy consists of comprehensive classroom and clinical curricula that prepares students for matriculation into the BS Respiratory Therapy program and credentialing exam offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). The NBRC is the credentialing arm of the American Association of Respiratory Care. Successful completion of the curriculum and the credentialing exam certifies students as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and enables them to apply for licensure in their state of residence. Employment opportunities with health care providers range from home health and hospice to neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care units in UVU’s service area and across the country.