Respiratory Care encompasses the evaluation, treatment, and care of patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists must be proficient in all areas of respiratory care, such as bedside pulmonary care, life-support systems management, diagnostic testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, and long-term care. Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat all types of patients, from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people whose lungs are diseased.

Program graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care exam required to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Additionally, students may apply for a student license to practice respiratory care in the state of Ohio after successful completion of the first year in the program. Upon completion of the associate's degree program, students have the option of continuing their education in the University of Cincinnati’s online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) degree if desired.