Respiratory Therapist Career Overview
Respiratory therapists (RTs) are heroes of health care, providing support and treatment to patients with acute and long-term breathing problems. As an RT, you’ll need to understand the anatomy and physiology of the lungs and heart, as well as various disorders and diseases which can affect them. You’ll need to understand therapies and interventions available for RTs and what clinical situations call for them.
North Hollywood Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree Program Overview
With Concorde North Hollywood, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to act as the calm, caring professional patients rely on — all in as few as 17 .
- Gain skills to treat people with asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema and other conditions.
- Curriculum prepares you for the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
- Complete your associate degree program in as few as 17 months of study.
Now Enrolling for the Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree Program
Think a career as a respiratory therapist could be a breath of fresh air? Contact Concorde in North Hollywood today to find out if our associate degree program is right for you!
**Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023-2033 projected job demand https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
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Curriculum
220
Lab Hours
Practice On-Campus
Students will complete on-campus labs including OR simulations and patient prep settings.
The cost for your certification exam as well as pre-certification exam prep coursework is covered by Concorde.
Tuition fee for the program of study includes the cost for an eligible graduate's first attempt to sit for professional certification.
Concorde expects all students to complete pre-certification exam prep training through the campus resources at no additional cost to the student.
Prep does not guarantee certification, employment or subsequent salary.
To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Applied Respiratory Therapeutics
- Clinical Medicine
The respiratory therapy associate degree program teaches a combination of general knowledge, clinical knowledge and practical skills for treating patients with breathing disorders. As part of this 17-month program , students will practice their knowledge in lab simulations and are required to complete clinical rotations to apply knowledge and skills in real-world care settings.
The respiratory therapy associate degree program is delivered in a blended format.
The Blended Learning approach provides a hands-on career focused respiratory therapy program that delivers coursework entirely online, entirely on-ground or with an appropriate blend of both online and on-ground hours in the same course.
- You will complete some coursework and lab assignments conveniently online.
- With support from a dedicated online success coach to help you get accustomed to virtual learning.
Additionally you will visit the campus to apply theory to practice in simulation labs.
- With guidance from instructors with real-world experience you will practice intubation, respiratory care,
The third element of Concorde's blended learning model is practical hands-on application in a health care setting. - the Clinical Experience.
Graduates of the respiratory therapy program may be prepared to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care examinations.
The cost for your certification exam as well as pre-certification exam prep coursework is covered by Concorde.
Tuition fee for the program of study includes the cost for an eligible graduate's first attempt to sit for professional certification.
Concorde expects all students to complete pre-certification exam prep training through the campus resources at no additional cost to the student.
Students are not alone, you'll have access to many resources to help you throughout your program of study. Starting with your Program Director and instructors you'll learn from professionals who have worked in your field and understand the challenges you'll face.
You will also have access to a team of resources from student affairs to career specialists. Additionally key to your success is your dedicated Online Success Coach, who will help you get comfortable with virtual learning, accessing resources and troubleshooting challenges.
Whether you need technical or academic help outside of class time, you have someone to turn to when things get hard and who are there to cheer you on throughout your program.
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
Concorde's Student Learning outcomes are available on the CoARC website at the link below.
Student Learning Outcome Data
Prep does not guarantee certification, employment or subsequent salary.
North Hollywood Respiratory Therapy Program Director
Joseph Curry, MSHA, RRT
I was fresh out of high school and had no idea what to do with my life. With guidance from my family, I came to realize that I needed to a career that would provide for myself and my future family. I liked the idea of helping people. So I looked to the healthcare field and discovered respiratory therapy. I was amazed at what I was able to do when I actually started to care for patients.
My journey has brought me to Concorde - twice. As a student/graduate and now as an educator. I truly enjoy helping students discover the impact they will have as a respiratory therapist.
As the program director, I want students to know that this is going to be a lot of work. They will have a lot of reading, studying, and long hours as part of their clinical rotation. They will need to take the program seriously if they want to succeed. And I will be there encouraging them along the way.
Most importantly, I want students to know that once done, they will be rewarded with an amazing career that is all about helping people.
Being able to help students succeed motivate me to come to work. Going through and graduating from this program is an amazing accomplishment, I know because I did it 20-years ago. The feeling of satisfaction when you reach your goal and graduate is a wonderful feeling, knowing I am helping other people feel that way is very rewarding.
Career Outlook
Respiratory Therapists Continue to be in Demand
Respiratory Therapist jobs are projected to grow nationally at a much-faster-than-average rate.
The spread of respiratory infections caused by the Coronavirus pandemic is one factor driving national employment demand projections. Pre-pandemic the field was forecasted to grow based upon the increasing middle-age and elderly populations where increases in respiratory conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia can increase the need for respiratory care.
What are possible career paths for a Respiratory Therapist?
Address and Hours
North Hollywood Campus
-
12412 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, California 91606
- (818) 850-7623
- (818) 301-2626
Campus Hours of Operation
- Monday - Thursday 8 am - 8 pm
- Friday 8 am - 5 pm
- Saturday By Appointment
- Sunday Closed
Financial Aid
As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.
Financial Aid
Get financial support for your education with our dedicated financial aid team by your side.
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Scholarships
Find the perfect scholarship for your health care goals based on your background, programs or other criteria.
Search ScholarshipsScholarship Opportunities
The Healthcare Demand Grant is designed to assist new, enrolling students who are pursuing education in a healthcare program. No application process. All newly enrolled students are reviewed for eligibility.
Institutional Accreditation and Licensure
Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation.
Visit our Accreditations and Licensure page for more details about our accreditations and licensure.
COARC: Accredited
The Respiratory Therapy program (#200440) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care ; https://www.coarc.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!
At Concorde Career College, you could finish schooling in as few as 17 months or less than 2 years. Contact us to find out when the Respiratory Therapy Program starts at a Concorde campus location near you.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected national respiratory therapist job field from 2022 to 2032 is expected to grow by 13%. As the healthcare industry grows to meet the needs of those affected by respiratory illness including COVID, as well as chronic conditions like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, the need for respiratory therapists is expected to rise.
**Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023-2033 projected job demand https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
The respiratory therapy program can be completed in as few as 17 months, but this varies by location. Please check with an admissions adviser for program length information.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2022 to 2032 the projected national respiratory therapist job field is expected to grow by 13%. As the healthcare industry grows to meet the needs of those affected by COVID, as well as with chronic conditions like bronchitis and emphysema, the need for respiratory therapists is expected to rise.
**Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023-2033 projected job demand https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
