Respiratory Therapy - Associate's Degree

Respiratory Therapy
The Respiratory Therapy associate degree program prepares students to assess and treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences, students learn to administer respiratory treatments, operate therapeutic equipment, monitor patient responses, and assist physicians in the care of patients with respiratory conditions in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

Sample of reported job titles:

  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Respiratory Care Practitioner
  • CPAP Technician
  • Home Health Respiratory Therapist

Wages & Employment Trends:

  • Median Wages (2024): $80,450
  • Employment (2024): 139,600 jobs
  • Projected Growth (2024-20234): 12% (much faster than average)
  • Projected Job Openings (2024-2034): 16,800

Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm

Program Information for Students and Parents

  • Will this pathway require an additional year of college after high school graduation?  TBD
  • Will this pathway exceed their 30 hours of Georgia Student Finance Commission (Dual Enrollment) funding? TBD
  • Dual Enrollment (DE) Hours Required for the Pathway: TBD
  • Age Requirements for the Pathway: 16 at the start of clinicals
  • Class Size: 20 students 
  • How many students will be admitted per high school in Houston County? 4
  • Number of Clinical Hours Earned: 810
  • Are prerequisites required? Yes. Students must take DE Biology 2113 and 2114 as a junior to be eligible for this program.
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