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Respiratory Therapy

A.A.S.

Respiratory therapists treat a range of patients, from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. They evaluate, monitor, and treat breathing disorders and cardiovascular problems, such as asthma and emphysema. They give patients oxygen, manage ventilators, and administer drugs to the lungs.

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TCC's Respiratory Therapy program prepares students for employment as respiratory care practitioners and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is full time and sequential, consisting of seven instructional quarters offered during daytime hours. Students complete classroom and laboratory course work on campus and gain clinical experience in affiliated clinical sites.
Length

2 Years*

100-104 Credits

Cost

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Program Costs

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
Application Process

Steps to Apply:

If you are new to TCC and wish to enroll, you need to first become a TCC student. Review TCC Admissions Information here.

Complete the Self-Paced Virtual Information Session

The application window is from May 1 – June 30. Please review the application process in full (via the “Apply Now” button at the top of the page) and work closely with an academic advisor to prepare for entry into the program.
Application Workshop

(Note: this is not a program information session. This will be to assist students in submitting their applications only.)

Date: Thursday, May 1st

Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Location: TCC Campus (in-person), Building 13, Room 227
Things to Know

Review essential details on the Respiratory Therapy program, such as:

Accreditation

Licensing

Program Requirements and Documentation
Employers

Are you an employer interested in TCC Respiratory Students? Contact us and review our Preceptor Training Modules
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.

TCC's respiratory therapy program prepares graduates to take the national certification examination to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist. From there, they can enter the workforce or continue their education.

Top Transfer Options

Tacoma Community College

HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE

SPOKANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Industries

Acute/critical care hospitals
Extended care facilities
Outpatient clinics

Private physicians' offices
Pulmonary function testing
Community health service providers

The Careers

Respiratory Therapist

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders

Pulmonary Technologist

Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients.

Acute Care Nurse

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock.

Physician Assistant

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician.

Career Explorer

From Our Students

TCC gave me the skills, the knowledge base... to make a difference in the lives of our community.

Jay Trine
Respiratory Therapy AAS Graduate

Students in graduation regalia walk across the Japanese bridge on campus

Tuition & Payment

TCC is typically 1/3 the cost of a state university. Find out about how much college costs so you can plan for your finances.

Financial Aid

Nearly 60 percent of all TCC students receive some kind of financial aid to help pay for school. We can help you make an investment in your education.