Respiratory Therapy AAS

Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing disorders, supervise therapy technicians, and conduct life-saving procedures. They also maintain patient records and operate respiratory equipment to ensure optimal care.

In MCC’s Respiratory Therapy AAS program, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional respiratory therapist in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. This Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, preparing you to assess patients, choose effective treatments, and monitor their progress.

Accreditation

 

The McHenry County College Respiratory Therapy Program is currently in the process of seeking Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accreditation for a respiratory care program. However, McHenry County College can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC.

CoARC contact information: 264 Precision Boulevard, Telford, Tennessee 37690, USA. Telephone: (817) 283-2835. Fax: (817) 354-8519. Email the CoARC webmaster.

Requirements and Guidelines

(in-district) Total Amount: $9,906.25

Credit Hours to Complete: 65

Weeks to Complete: 80


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Sample Semester 1 4 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: BIO-157*#4 hrs
*This course is not required for graduation

Career Outlook

Related Programs

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  • Nursing, AAS Prepare to function as a professional nurse in a variety of healthcare settings.
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS Explore MCC's Occupational Therapy Assistant program, offering hands-on training to prepare you for a rewarding career in various healthcare settings.
  • Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS Learn how to help patients improve mobility and relieve pain, and how to prevent or limit physical disability through the use of therapeutic techniques.
  • Radiologic Technology, AAS Become a Radiologic Technologist in two years.

What you need to know about getting your Respiratory Therapy AAS (CIP 51.0908)

Total Respiratory Therapy AAS Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $7,897.5 $21,394.75 $30,077.45 $30,077.45
Additional Costs $2,008.75 $2,008.75 $2,008.75 $2,008.75
Program Total $9,906.25 $23,403.5 $32,086.2 $32,086.2

What makes MCC's Respiratory Therapy AAS program better than, or distinct from, similar programs at other institutions?

Are you seeking a rewarding allied health career that makes a difference? Respiratory Care involves helping patients breathe more easily, from newborns to seniors with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As a respiratory therapist, you care for people across the lifespan, working alongside doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. MCC's program prepares you to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through classroom study, labs, and clinical rotations, equipping you with the confidence and readiness to provide safe, compassionate care.

Respiratory therapists are essential in hospitals, labs, rehab centers, nursing homes, transport teams, and home health. With strong job growth nationwide, you'll have excellent career opportunities and a chance to impact your community and beyond.

How will MCC's Respiratory Therapy AAS program prepare me for my career or connect me to opportunities?

The MCC Respiratory Therapy AAS program is specifically designed to prepare you for the national credentialing exams required to launch your career. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to take the necessary exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful completion of these exams earns you the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. This is the nationally recognized standard of professional expertise in respiratory care.

To earn the RRT credential, you need to pass two NBRC exams:

  1. Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam: This exam assesses your fundamental knowledge.
  2. Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE): This exam tests your critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills in simulated scenarios.

Our program is structured to prepare you to pass both exams, allowing you to secure the RRT credential and begin working as a qualified professional.

Outside of the Classroom

Through clinical placements, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings, participating in patient care, clinical decision-making, and patient education. The program’s comprehensive approach ensures that you’ll graduate ready to enter the field and start a rewarding career in respiratory therapy.

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester.

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.