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 71 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 TherapyThe 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
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.
Our clinical sites advisory board members and leaders in respiratory therapy are excited about the potential to hire our graduates!
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2024 Median RT Annual Salary
Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Typical Entry-Level Education
Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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
The program begins Fall semester of each year. All forms must be completed and submitted electronically to [email protected]. Application deadline is March 1. NOTE: All applicants must be current CMU students with a Mavs email before submitting the Respiratory Therapy application. If you are not currently a CMU student, the CMU application and the Respiratory Therapy application are TWO separate processes.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy
Please review the checklist to ensure your Respiratory Therapy application is completed correctly. All Respiratory Therapy application forms must be submitted electronically to [email protected].
Note: In order to properly fill out the application and sign it electronically, please make sure you open the application in Adobe. If you are unable to sign the application electronically, please print it after filling in the rest of the document, then sign it, scan it as a PDF document, and email it.
RT Application ChecklistFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- The RT program at CMU is 6 semesters in length. University-required Essential Learning and prerequisite courses are completed in the first 2 semesters. Students begin RESP courses in the fall of their third semester and continue courses for the duration of the program, including through the summer semester.
- Is there a minimum GPA?
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 in all prerequisite courses is required.
- When is the deadline?
- All application materials must be received by March 1 every year. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
- Is the application different from the CMU application?
- Yes, to be eligible for the RT program, you must already have been admitted to CMU. Our application is separate from the general CMU application process.
- Are interviews required?
- Successful applicants will need to go through an interview process with RT faculty.
- How much time in clinical rotations does the program require?
- Students complete a minimum of 675 clinical hours over the last 3 semesters of the program.
- Will I be able to get licensed as a Respiratory Therapist after completing the program?
- In order to get licensed as a respiratory therapist, you must successfully complete an accredited respiratory therapy program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) board exam. There are two levels to pass the exam: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Some states and most health care organizations require the RRT certification to practice respiratory therapy. We train you to pass the board exam at the RRT level. For more information on the requirements for licensure in a specific state please refer to the Respiratory Therapy State Licensing page.
- Are there a lot of jobs available in the area for graduates?
- Yes! The job outlook on the Western Slope of Colorado and throughout the nation is excellent at this time. There is an expected job rate increase by 12 percent from now until 2035, with a mass exodus of RRTs that will be retiring in 2030. Check out this website for more details on the expected job growth.
St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, is a comprehensive healthcare facility offering critical care, emergency services, surgery, and specialized treatments across various medical fields. It features advanced technology and dedicated units like ICU, CVICU, and NICU to provide high-level care for critically ill patients. The hospital is also deeply committed to community health and educational partnerships, supporting programs that promote wellness and training future healthcare professionals on the western slope.
Community Hospital in Grand Junction is a nonprofit medical facility dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to the local population. It offers a wide range of medical specialties, including emergency care, surgical services, and diagnostic imaging, with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care. Committed to the health and well-being of the community, the hospital focuses on delivering high-quality care in a compassionate and accessible environment.
Dara Legacy, Respiratory Therapy Program Coordinator: [email protected]
Kyle Francis, Respiratory Therapy Director of Clinical Education: [email protected]
Dave Weinzimmer, Professional Staff Assistant: [email protected]
