In 2025, SCC will begin transitioning competitive program applications to an online format, eventually phasing out paper and PDF application packets. This change aims to simplify and enhance the application process for all program applicants. While this digital transition is underway, please continue to click the 'Special Application Requirements' button to view the most current directions/guidance on how to apply to your program of interest.
The Respiratory Therapist (RT) cares for patients of all ages including infants with premature lungs to adults with breathing disorders. They set up and operate life support devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gases, and aerosolized medications for patients in cardiopulmonary emergencies. They respond to "code blue" calls maintaining the patient's breathing, artificial airway, and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Respiratory therapists are trained on advanced medical equipment to diagnose, treat, and monitor lung and heart function. RTs work closely with patients to provide education and care for the following lung conditions and more, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, sleep apnea, lung cancer, neuromuscular disease, and pneumonia. RTs are an integral part of the healthcare team, working with physicians and nurses in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, air transport, rehabilitation facilities, and even in patients’ homes. Respiratory therapy is a fast paced, rewarding career with excellent job growth opportunities.
Minimum entry requirements to apply to the program include applying to SCC, completing the general education courses (see program map), submitting two letters of recommendation, and applying to the Respiratory Care Program by the deadline. The program is competitive entry based on GPA and letters of recommendation.
Once accepted into the respiratory-specific curriculum portion of the program, your general education courses count as your freshman year and you enter the program as a sophomore, leaving 9 quarters of respiratory-specific content to complete.
Technical Standards
Technical standards for the respiratory care industry talk about the physical, cognitive and behavioral standards expected to perform in the industry.
Additional Application Requirements
Program Start: Fall (competitive entry)
General Education Courses: 45 credits
Respiratory Care Specific Program courses: 135 credits
Number of students each start: 20
Contact:Toni D’Amato 509-533-7307
Application Deadline: Priority deadline is June 30th for fall admission. Applications received after that will be considered for admission based on the program’s capacity or availability and must be received by September 1st.
For more information, please attend our quarterly info sessions where you get to meet our program faculty and they answer all your questions! You are welcome to attend in person or virtually, we look forward to meeting you! Please contact the department for information about specific times, dates, and location for each quarter. If you miss one, our faculty will be more than happy to make an appointment to meet with prospective students.