Associate of Science - Respiratory Care

Respiratory Therapists assist in diagnosing and treating patients with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary illnesses. The work of respiratory therapy extends Practitioners into intensive care with patients on mechanical ventilation. Practitioners assist physicians in treatment ranging from bedside surgical procedures to balloon pump management in the operating room. Therapists treat patients with pulmonary diseases ranging from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to COPD patients with chronic lung disease. The primary employer for a credentialed Respiratory Therapist is the acute care hospital. This dynamic profession can lead therapists to different specializations such as pulmonary functions testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, polysomnography, medical sales, management, and education.

Graduates are eligible to obtain the national credential(s) through the National Board for Respiratory Care. Once you complete your A.S. degree in Respiratory Care, you can now continue on and get your Bachelor’s degree from Valencia in Cardiopulmonary Sciences. With additional education at the Bachelor level and professional experience, you will enhance your skills and have more career options available.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Respiratory Care is a limited-access program. Admission to Valencia does not imply acceptance to the Respiratory Care Program; students must apply and be accepted into the program. General admission procedures for this program are found in the Admissions section of this catalog. The Division of Allied Health provides information about specific admission criteria.