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Why choose Colorado Mesa University's Associates of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy (RT) program?

  • first RT program on the Western Slope of Colorado!
  • state-of-the-art laboratory for hands-on learning of respiratory care
  • classrooms set up for student success
  • clinical site affiliations allow for a variety of patient and respiratory therapy experiences during the program

Colorado Mesa University’s respiratory therapy program requires 73 credit hours for completion. This degree prepares graduates to sit for the TMC Exam and earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) license.

Academic Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT):

  • provides advanced-level respiratory care to patients designed to diagnose, evaluate, treat, manage, and control deficiencies or abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system within the prescription of the ordering physician
  • helps people to breathe
  • works with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, in all areas of health care

Our clinical sites advisory board members and leaders in respiratory therapy are excited about the potential to hire our graduates!

Respiratory Therapist Areas of Employment:

  • Critical Care Units: Respiratory therapists (RTs) are actively involved in managing ventilator support and airway management in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Cardiovascular Care Unit (CVICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
  • Emergency Room: RTs provide immediate respiratory care during emergencies, including intubation, ventilation support, and airway management in trauma or respiratory distress situations.
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation: RTs assist with pulmonary rehabilitation programs, working with patients to improve lung function, manage chronic respiratory diseases, and enhance quality of life.
  • Neonatal/Pediatric Care: RTs are involved in managing respiratory therapy for neonates and pediatric patients, including non-invasive ventilation and respiratory assessments.
  • Clinical Consultations: RTs collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assess and provide recommendations for patients with complex respiratory conditions, such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other respiratory related conditions.
  • Inpatient and Outpatient Services: RTs offer ongoing care for patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic respiratory conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

RT week FHW

$77,960

2023 Median RT Annual Salary

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

AAS degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

13%

Job Growth Outlook, 2023-33

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Respiratory Therapy Program Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program, #200666, Associate of Applied Science, and Colorado Mesa University Main Campus location holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self-Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

264 Precision Blvd., Telford, TN 37690

Phone: 817.283.2835 | Fax: 817.354.8519 | Email: [email protected] | Website: COARC.com