So you want to become a respiratory therapist! Congratulations. You’ve made an excellent career choice.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that respiratory therapy is an occupation that will grow faster than average in the coming decade. But before you can participate in this in-demand occupation, you must be trained by one of the many respiratory schools around the country.

About Respiratory Therapy Schools

Finding a good respiratory therapy school should not be too difficult. According to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, there were a total of 379 such accredited programs in the United States (as of 2006).

The minimum training that you need to enter this career field is a 2-year associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. But to advance beyond an entry-level position, you will likely need a 4-year bachelor’s or a master’s degree. Many colleges, universities, technical schools, and medical schools offer respiratory therapy programs. You can even find such programs in the Armed Forces.

A good place to start your search for the best respiratory schools is to visit the Committees on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs’ website. They have the listings for over 350 accredited respiratory therapy programs. With so many respiratory programs to choose from, you are sure to find one that meets all of your needs.

Choosing the Right Respiratory Therapy School

A good indication of the quality of a respiratory therapy program lies in its accreditation. In order for a school to maintain its accreditation status, it has to demonstrate a certain level of academic excellence. It has to prove, for instance, that its courses meet industry standards. By attending an accredited respiratory therapy program, you can be sure that you are receiving the quality of education that you need to enter this demanding field.

Before registering for classes, therefore, make sure that the respiratory therapy program is accredited by one of these two agencies—the Committees on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). .

But accreditation does more than just assure you a quality education. It will determine your ability to work in this profession. To work as a respiratory therapist in any state of the United States—except in Alaska and in Hawaii—you must be licensed. To be eligible to take the licensing exam (called the Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam or CRT), you must have graduated from a respiratory therapy program that has been accredited by the either CAAHEP or the CoARC.

So…

NOT attending a school that has been accredited by one of these two agencies will prevent you from working as a respiratory therapist.

Training for Respiratory Therapist

But whatever respiratory therapy school you choose to attend, you can be sure to receive intensive training in all aspects of respiratory care.

You will take such medical/scientific courses as:

• Microbiology
• Anatomy
• Physics
• Pharmacology
• Chemistry
• Human Anatomy
• Mathematics

…and such respiratory therapy specific courses as:

• Medical recordkeeping and reimbursement
• Diagnostic procedures and tests
• Clinical practice procedures
• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation
• Patient Assessment
• Medical equipment usage

Top Respiratory Therapist Schools

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  Concorde Career College

  With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

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  American Career College

  American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC“s programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree. All ACC programs include access to trained faculty, a full student services department committed to helping students succeed, and career guidance and services after graduation. ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; some programs also hold programmatic accreditation or approvals.

  Programs vary by campus. Program lengths vary by session and schedule. Financial aid available to those who qualify. ACC cannot guarantee employment. American Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

• 

  Platt College

  Find out where the future can take you with an outstanding college education. At Platt College, you’ll find the career-specific programs and training for the careers you really want. Come explore a variety of career paths that fit your lifestyle in a positive learning environment that combines real-world experience with small, private college instruction.

• 

  Carrington College

  Carrington College®, a recognized leader in private education, opened in 1976 and currently provides practical, real-world education to more than 4,000 students annually. Carrington College® offers small classes with hands-on learning taught by experienced faculty.

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  American Institute College of Health Professions

  A career in Respiratory Therapy is an excellent career choice for people who want a career in the growing field of healthcare and prefer a fast paced diversified environment.

  American Institute College of Health Professions offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree using a blended online format that includes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities as well as on-ground laboratory and clinical experiences.

  Our Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy program is 80 weeks in length (20 months) and focuses on the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and behaviors suitable to obtain an entry-level position in Respiratory Therapy.

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  Carrington College California

  Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.

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  Kaplan Career Institute

  At Kaplan Career Institute, we provide affordable, career-focused programs that not only meet the demands of the market, but also the demands of your busy life. We offer day and evening classes to accommodate your busy schedule. Our accelerated curricula give you the opportunity to earn a diploma in as little as 9 to 15 months or an associate’s degree in less than 2 years. Our instructors have professional experience and provide an inside look into some of today’s hottest careers.

  Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.

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  YTI Career Institute

  Why YTI Career Institute? We offer fast and affordable hands-on training that will prepare you for a rewarding career in the fields of trades and technical, computer, medical, business, criminal justice or culinary arts. At YTI Career Institute, getting the training you need to succeed doesn’t have to take four years of your life. With our accelerated programs, we make it possible for you to be career-ready in as few as 12 months*.

  *Program lengths vary.

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  Kaplan College

  A college education is important in today’s workforce. Kaplan College gives you the right mix of professional experience and classroom instruction in our accelerated programs to help you succeed in your new career!

  Kaplan College can help you train for a new career with diploma programs ranging in just a few months.. Take advantage of all the benefits Kaplan College offers today!

  Kaplan College is pleased to offer discounts on tuition for qualifying active military personnel, veterans and military spouses. Please ask for more information on these discount opportunities.

  Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.

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  New England Institute of Technology

  New England Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit, co-educational technical college offering over 30 Associate in Science, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree programs. As a leader in Technical Career Education in southern New England, New England Tech is committed to providing hands-on technological programs that prepare graduates for positions of leadership in the technical, industrial, business, and allied health communities. Most of our associate degree programs can be completed in as little as 18 months, and bachelor’s degree programs in as little as three years. Every year over 2,000 students choose New England Tech for the hands-on laboratory and classroom training that provides the necessary skills to begin their technical careers.