Top Schools for Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapy is a critical field in healthcare, focusing on the assessment and treatment of patients with breathing disorders, including conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses. Respiratory therapists (RTs) play an essential role in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with chronic respiratory diseases, as well as providing life-saving care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress. As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, accredited respiratory therapy programs offer students the necessary skills, certifications, and clinical training to enter this vital field.

In the United States, several universities and colleges are recognized for offering accredited respiratory therapy programs, ensuring that students receive high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers. Notable among these are the University of Missouri, Stony Brook University, Prince George's Community College, Ohlone College, and Foothill College. These institutions provide comprehensive respiratory therapy programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), the body responsible for accrediting respiratory care education programs in the U.S. Each of these schools offers unique opportunities for students to gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to become certified respiratory therapists.

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri (MU), located in Columbia, Missouri, is home to one of the nation’s most established respiratory therapy programs. The university’s respiratory therapy program was established in 1967 and is recognized as one of the first baccalaureate degree programs in respiratory therapy in the country. Over the decades, MU has built a strong reputation for its comprehensive education and training in respiratory care.

MU offers both a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy and an advanced program at its St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), ensuring that the program meets the high educational standards required to prepare students for a successful career in respiratory therapy. Students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical training, allowing them to develop a well-rounded understanding of the skills required to become proficient respiratory therapists. The program at MU is particularly well-regarded for its emphasis on evidence-based practices and the integration of the latest advancements in respiratory technology and treatment methods.

Graduates of the University of Missouri’s respiratory therapy program are well-equipped to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams and obtain certification as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT). The University’s long-standing reputation in the field ensures that graduates are highly sought after by hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Stony Brook University

Located on Long Island, New York, Stony Brook University offers a renowned Respiratory Care Program through its School of Health Technology and Management. The program is housed in the university’s Health Sciences Center, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, clinical training opportunities, and exposure to a wide range of respiratory care treatments and technologies.

The respiratory care program at Stony Brook is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), ensuring that the curriculum adheres to the rigorous standards set for the education and training of respiratory therapists. Students enrolled in this program receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree upon graduation, as well as a certificate of completion in respiratory care. The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, respiratory therapy techniques, and patient assessment, providing students with a solid foundation in the science and practice of respiratory care.

Stony Brook University offers a hands-on approach to learning, with clinical rotations and practical training opportunities at hospitals and medical centers throughout the region. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams and earn certification as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT), making them highly competitive candidates in the job market. The program’s strong focus on patient-centered care and its collaboration with a variety of healthcare institutions make Stony Brook University a top choice for aspiring respiratory therapists.

Prince George's Community College

Located in Largo, Maryland, Prince George's Community College (PGCC) offers a well-established Respiratory Therapy Program that prepares students to care for patients with chronic respiratory diseases and manage complex clinical situations. The program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare environments.

PGCC’s respiratory therapy program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and is also accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education. The program provides a mix of theoretical learning and clinical experiences, with students gaining hands-on training in patient assessment, respiratory treatment techniques, mechanical ventilation, and other essential areas of respiratory care. Students also receive training in trauma management and critical care, equipping them to handle the most challenging patient scenarios.

Graduates of Prince George’s Community College’s respiratory therapy program are prepared to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams to obtain certification as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT). The program’s robust curriculum and clinical training ensure that students are well-prepared for a career in respiratory therapy, with many graduates finding employment in top healthcare facilities across the region. PGCC is known for providing a supportive learning environment, with dedicated faculty members offering guidance and mentorship to students throughout their education.

Ohlone College

Located in Fremont, California, Ohlone College offers a Respiratory Therapist Program that prepares students for licensure as Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP) in California. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in respiratory therapy and meet the requirements for licensure in the state of California. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the California State License Examination for Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP).

In addition to licensure, Ohlone College’s respiratory therapy program also prepares students for the Advanced Level Practitioner Examinations (RRT), administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This certification is required for many positions in respiratory care and is recognized nationally as the standard for respiratory therapy professionals.

The program at Ohlone College includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, ensuring that students develop the practical skills necessary for success in the field. Graduates are well-equipped to work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings where respiratory therapy services are needed. Ohlone College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, which guarantees that the respiratory therapy program meets high academic standards.

Foothill College

Foothill College, located in Los Altos Hills, California, offers a two-year Associate in Science (AS) Degree in Respiratory Therapy that prepares students for employment in the fast-paced and technologically advanced field of respiratory care. The program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of respiratory therapy concepts, as well as the clinical skills required to treat patients with respiratory disorders.

Foothill College’s respiratory therapy program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and meets the accreditation standards of the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Students in the program undergo clinical rotations at hospitals and medical centers, gaining real-world experience in patient care and respiratory treatments. The program prepares graduates to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams and become certified as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).

Foothill College is known for its strong commitment to student success, with dedicated faculty and staff providing individualized support to students throughout their educational journey. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce as skilled respiratory therapists, with the training and certifications needed to work in various healthcare settings.

Conclusion

The respiratory therapy programs offered by the University of Missouri, Stony Brook University, Prince George's Community College, Ohlone College, and Foothill College represent some of the top accredited options for students interested in pursuing a career in respiratory care. These programs provide students with a comprehensive education in respiratory therapy, including both classroom learning and clinical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for licensure and certification exams.

Respiratory therapists are in high demand across the U.S., and the quality of training provided by these accredited programs is a key factor in the success of their graduates. By choosing one of these top institutions, students can pursue a rewarding career in a vital healthcare profession that helps improve the lives of patients with respiratory conditions.