The Respiratory Therapy Program is a two-year academic program leading to the Associate in Applied Science Degree. The objective of the program is to prepare students for entry level respiratory therapist positions in departments of respiratory care; fulfillment of this objective is attained through didactic instruction, college laboratory practice and experimentation, and practical application of skills at clinical affiliates of the Respiratory Therapy Program. Prerequisite and co-requisite courses are required to provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for comprehension of theoretical principles and application of the same in the performance of the duties of a respiratory therapist.

Emphasis during the respiratory program of study is placed upon the scientific-rational knowledge requisite to the delivery of competent respiratory care, mastery of fundamental respiratory therapy clinical skills, a fundamental knowledge base in cardiopulmonary disorders, and mastery of advanced cardiopulmonary therapeutic and monitoring skills. The extensive clinical practicum experience is necessary for the development of procedural competencies.