Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree Program

Start a career helping patients breathe, recover, and live better.
Real-world training. Clinical experience. A future in respiratory care.
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CoARC Accredited

ABHES Accredited

On Campus | Hybrid*

At a Glance

~24 Months

Course length

85-88

Total credits**

260

Lab hours**

1,000-1,045

Class hours**

696

Externship hours**

*Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
**Credit totals and hours vary by location

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About the Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree Program

Pima Medical Institute’s Respiratory Therapy associate degree program gives you the clinical and professional skills needed to begin your career as an entry-level registered respiratory therapist. The program prepares graduates with demonstrated competence across the cognitive, psychomotor and behavioral learning domains of respiratory care practice.

Through a curriculum that balances classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, you will learn advanced respiratory care techniques, pharmacology, cardiopulmonary disease, patient assessment, therapeutic interventions and emergency care, including neonatal, pediatric and adult special care. You will also develop the professional traits needed to thrive in this role and care for patients across a wide range of clinical environments. Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC). Following successful performance on the TMC, graduates are then eligible to sit for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) for credentialing as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Where the Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree Program Can Take You

Certification

Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Students take RES 275, built to prepare for the certification exam.*

Entry-level roles

Respiratory therapist, educator, sleep disorder specialist, or pulmonary function technologist.

Career advancement

Graduates who score high enough on the TMC exam are also eligible to complete the NBRC's Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, which is a more advanced credential often required for higher-acuity roles. Experienced RTs can also move into supervisory, specialty (such as neonatal/pediatric or sleep medicine) or educator positions.

*Certification and state registration requirements vary.

Core Skills You’ll Develop

View full curriculum →

VENTILATION

Managing mechanical ventilation and advanced airway support

PHARMACOLOGY

Applying medication knowledge to respiratory treatment plans

DIAGNOSTICS

Interpreting cardiopulmonary diagnostic tests and assessments

EMERGENCY CARE

Responding to critical, life-threatening respiratory situations

PEDIATRICS

Providing specialized respiratory care for neonatal and pediatric patients

PATIENT ASSESSMENT

Evaluating patient conditions to guide therapeutic decisions

Program Objective

To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level respiratory therapists through didactic instruction and hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are skills in advanced respiratory care techniques including neonatal, pediatric, and adult special care procedures, general and advanced pharmacology, cardiopulmonary disease, patient assessment, and therapeutics. Graduates of the program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree and are eligible to apply to take the National Board for Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. Those who meet the threshold on the TMC exam are eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to obtain the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

Hybrid Learning Options

For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.

*Not all programs offer hybrid learning options; Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
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Find a Campus Near You

Pima Medical Institute has campuses across the West, each offering hands-on Respiratory Therapy training built for immediate workforce entry.
Mesa, AZ Tucson, AZ San Marcos, CA Denver, CO Las Vegas, NV Albuquerque, NM Houston, TX Renton, WA

Clinical Externships

At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.

In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.

Learn More About Externships→

Continuing Education

Graduating with an associate degree is a vital pathway toward pursuing higher education later on. At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. This degree gives working respiratory therapy professionals the skills needed to move up within their field, with the flexibility of virtual instruction.

If you are interested in health care leadership or administration, Pima Medical Institute also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. Both programs offer the flexibility of online instruction so you can work toward your degree on your own schedule.

Job Outlook

9% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $82,280 per year.*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Respiratory Therapists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm (visited August 27, 2026).

What careers can you pursue with a Respiratory Therapy associate degree? 

The Respiratory Therapy associate degree program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities, including:

  • Respiratory therapist
  • Sleep disorder specialist
  • Pulmonary function technologist
  • Respiratory therapy educator

These careers exist in a variety of environments, including but not limited to hospitals; specialty clinics, including those focused on asthma and cystic fibrosis; long-term care facilities; pulmonologists’ offices; sleep labs; and air and ground ambulance transport companies.

Career Services

When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.

View Career Services→

Student Services

Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.

View Student Services→

Application Process

  1. Submit the form below

    A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
  2. Chat with our team

    They’ll ask about your goals, your background, and what’s drawing you to healthcare. From there, they’ll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
  3. Attend your campus tour

    Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We’ll walk you through programs and what to expect.
  4. We help you complete your application

    Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.

Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree Program Eligibility Requirements

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Tuition & financial aid

Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and payment plans are available for those who qualify to help make your education affordable.

Explore financial aid options→

Contact a Financial Services Representative→

FAQs About our Respiratory Therapy associate degree program

A respiratory therapist is a licensed health care professional who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists are valuable members of the medical care team, working with patients across the lifespan in hospitals, specialty clinics and other clinical settings.
As a respiratory therapist, you will evaluate and treat patients with breathing difficulties and cardiopulmonary conditions. Day-to-day responsibilities may include performing patient assessments, administering respiratory treatments and medications, managing mechanical ventilators, providing emergency care, conducting pulmonary diagnostics, working with neonatal, pediatric and adult patients in critical care settings.
A respiratory therapist is the general term for a licensed professional in this field. A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is a respiratory therapist who has earned the highest level of credentialing from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Pima Medical’s Respiratory Therapy associate degree program prepares you to pursue this credential by sitting for the National Board for Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) and, following successful performance, the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).
In the Respiratory Therapy associate degree program, you will learn the clinical and professional skills needed to work confidently as an entry-level respiratory therapist. Coursework covers cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, cardiopulmonary disease and diagnostics, patient assessment, respiratory therapeutics, emergency care, critical care techniques, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary rehabilitation and neonatal, pediatric and adult special care. You will also complete hands-on clinical externships in a real respiratory care environment before graduation.
The Respiratory Therapy associate degree program takes approximately 24 months to complete. The total number of program hours is 1,956 at all campuses, except the Las Vegas campus which totals 2,001 program hours.
After graduating from the Respiratory Therapy associate degree program, you will be eligible to apply to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC). Following successful performance on the TMC, you will then be eligible to sit for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). Passing both examinations earns you credentialing as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Licensing and credentialing requirements may vary by state, so we recommend contacting your local campus for details specific to your location.

For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available for the Respiratory Therapy program at select campuses. This format combines in-person instruction with online coursework, allowing you to complete academic coursework at times and in environments that fit your schedule. Clinical externship hours, however, must be completed entirely in person, since hands-on clinical experience is essential to developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.

*Hybrid learning is not offered at every campus; contact your local Pima Medical campus to confirm availability for the Respiratory Therapy program.
Applicants should have a high school diploma or recognized GED equivalent. A high school transcript or evidence of satisfactory GED completion will be requested prior to starting classes. Applicants must complete an entrance exam and pass with a minimum score, though this requirement may be waived in some cases. All applicants must be interviewed prior to acceptance. Applicants who are under legal age must have written approval from a parent or legal guardian. Visit our Admissions Requirements page for full details.
Eligible students may be able to fund their education through federal financial aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants, federal student loans and scholarships. Speak with our financial services team or visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about the options available to you.

Program Outline

Learn more about the courses in this program.

Semester I

MT 103
Math Applications
BIO 127
Anatomy & Physiology
RES 116
Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology
RES 118
Pulmonary Anatomy & Physiology
CHP 111
Respiratory Sciences

Semester II

HST 205
Nevada History and US Constitution*
RX 151
Pharmacology
RES 131
Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics
RES 141
Cardiopulmonary Diseases
RES 180
Respiratory Therapeutics I
PC 122
Patient Assessment
MB 120
Microbiology

Semester III

RES 185
Respiratory Therapeutics II
RES 242
Emergency Care
RES 211
Critical Care Techniques
RES 160
Respiratory Pediatrics
RES 201
Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Wellness
CCM 102
Healthcare Communications

Semester IV

RES 281
Introduction to Mechanical Ventilation
RES 222
Advanced Patient Assessment
RES 190
Respiratory Care Practicum I

Semester V

RES 290
Respiratory Care Practicum II
RES 251
Advanced Pharmacology
RES 260
Respiratory Perinatology
RES 231
Advanced Pulmonary Diagnostics

Semester VI

RES 270
Cardiovascular Diagnostics
RES 287
Advanced Mechanical Ventilation
RES 295
Respiratory Care Practicum III
RES 275
NBRC Review Course

*The total number of program hours is 1,956 at all campuses except Las Vegas, which has 2,001 hours. The Las Vegas program includes one additional 3 credit class (HST 205 Nevada History and US Constitution). Graduates of the program receive an Occupational Associate degree. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Board for Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple- Choice Examination (TMC). Following successful performance on the TMC, the graduate is then eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) for credentialing as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

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Read our reviews from students and alumni to find out for yourself…

Pima Medical Blog

Check out our blog posts on Respiratory Therapy. We provide insights, information, alumni spotlights, news and other valuable articles to keep you updated.
Respiratory Therapy Blog Posts

Accreditations and Disclosures

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. 

Outcomes data from the latest Annual Report of Current Status has been posted on the CoARC website. Follow this link directly to the Programmatic Outcomes Data page: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
Website: http://www.coarc.com
264 Precision Blvd
Telford, TN 37690
(817)283-2835

View accreditation information for all programs by campus

Program Personnel by Campus

View program costs, additional disclosures and outcomes for this program (if applicable)

The Respiratory Therapy program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington, and meets applicable licensure requirements in those states. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.

In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.

State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Associate Degree

Start Your Future in Respiratory Therapy

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