Respiratory Therapy
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- 78 credits
- 2 Years
- Delivery Method: On-Campus
This program requires a general college application and a program-specific application.
See below for application steps and important dates.
Why Study Respiratory Therapy at 91ɬ?
Lake Superior College’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy is hands-on, career-focused, and designed to prepare students to become skilled respiratory therapists. Through dynamic classroom lectures, interactive lab sessions, and immersive clinical experiences, students learn to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with a variety of breathing problems and chronic lung disease.
After successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the to earn the or credential. This credential is required for licensure in the state of Minnesota and many other states.
Career Information
Below you will find the Career Field and Career Cluster that this program is related to. Learn more about if this career area fits your interests!
Is Health Science right for you?
Health science workers promote health and wellness. They diagnose and treat injuries and disease. As a physician, dentist, or nurse, you could work directly with patients. You could also work in a laboratory to get information used in research or provide administrative support by keeping medical records.
This data is delivered by an API from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Find more information including data update schedules at CareerOneStop's Data Sources (). Full list of datasources.
Median Annual Salary/Wage Earnings for Respiratory Therapists
the United States
$80K
$38/hr
$62K - $109K
$29/hr - $52/hr
Minnesota
$88K
$42/hr
$72K - $101K
$34/hr - $48/hr
Duluth, MN Area
$80K
$38/hr
$68K - $95K
$32/hr - $45/hr
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available.
Salary data are from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program (). Current as of May 2024.
Projected 10-Year Job Growth for Respiratory Therapists
Outlook: Bright
the United States
12%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 8,800
2024 to 2034
Minnesota
14%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 80
2022 to 2032
My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.
Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations () and My Next Move career outlook designations (). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.
Employment Numbers for Respiratory Therapists
the United States
Estimated Employment:
139,600
Minnesota
Estimated Employment:
1,210
My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.
Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations () and My Next Move career outlook designations (). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.
Alternative Job Titles for Respiratory Therapists
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
- Respiratory Therapist (RT)
- Staff Respiratory Therapist
- Staff Therapist
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Job Tasks and Activities for Respiratory Therapists
- Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
- Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
- Clean medical equipment or facilities.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
- Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
- Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
- Determine protocols for medical procedures.
- Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
- Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
- Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
- Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- Gather medical information from patient histories.
- Implement advanced life support techniques.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
- Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
- Maintain medical facility records.
- Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
- Monitor cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as a holter monitor.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Move patients to or from treatment areas.
- Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
- Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
- Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
- Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
- Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
- Repair medical facility equipment.
- Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Supervise patient care personnel.
- Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
- Test patient heart or lung functioning.
- Train medical providers.
- Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.
- Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.
- Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
- Treat medical emergencies.
- Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.
- Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Interests for Respiratory Therapists
- Social
Helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. - Realistic
Designing, building, or repairing equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. - Investigative
Studying and researching scientific subjects and human behavior.
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Skills for Respiratory Therapists
In order of importance
- Monitoring
Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
Importance: 72/100 - Active Listening
Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
Importance: 72/100 - Critical Thinking
Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Importance: 72/100 - Speaking
Talking to others.
Importance: 69/100 - Social Perceptiveness
Understanding people's reactions.
Importance: 66/100 - Service Orientation
Looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 66/100 - Active Learning
Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
Importance: 66/100 - Reading Comprehension
Reading work-related information.
Importance: 66/100 - Judgment and Decision Making
Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Importance: 60/100 - Complex Problem Solving
Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Importance: 60/100 - Coordination
Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
Importance: 60/100 - Instructing
Teaching people how to do something.
Importance: 56/100 - Learning Strategies
Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
Importance: 53/100 - Time Management
Managing your time and the time of other people.
Importance: 53/100 - Writing
Writing things for co-workers or customers.
Importance: 53/100 - Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Importance: 50/100 - Quality Control Analysis
Testing how well a product or service works.
Importance: 50/100 - Science
Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
Importance: 50/100 - Persuasion
Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
Importance: 47/100 - Negotiation
Bringing people together to solve differences.
Importance: 47/100 - Operation and Control
Using equipment or systems.
Importance: 47/100 - Systems Evaluation
Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
Importance: 47/100 - Systems Analysis
Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
Importance: 47/100 - Management of Personnel Resources
Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
Importance: 47/100 - Mathematics
Using math to solve problems.
Importance: 44/100 - Equipment Selection
Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
Importance: 35/100 - Troubleshooting
Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
Importance: 35/100 - Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
Importance: 31/100 - Equipment Maintenance
Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
Importance: 31/100 - Technology Design
Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
Importance: 28/100 - Operations Analysis
Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
Importance: 28/100 - Management of Material Resources
Managing equipment and materials.
Importance: 25/100 - Management of Financial Resources
Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
Importance: 22/100 - Programming
Writing computer programs.
Importance: 13/100
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Knowledge for Respiratory Therapists
In order of importance
- Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 83/100 - Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Importance: 82/100 - English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 73/100 - Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 68/100 - Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Importance: 61/100 - Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 56/100 - Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Importance: 56/100 - Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Importance: 53/100 - Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 52/100 - Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Importance: 48/100 - Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Importance: 47/100 - Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Importance: 43/100 - Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Importance: 40/100 - Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 39/100 - Philosophy and Theology
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Importance: 34/100 - Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 33/100 - Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Importance: 33/100 - Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 33/100 - Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 30/100 - Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 29/100 - Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Importance: 26/100 - Foreign Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Importance: 25/100 - Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 24/100 - Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 15/100 - Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Importance: 14/100 - Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Importance: 13/100 - Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Importance: 12/100 - Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Importance: 8/100 - Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Importance: 7/100 - History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Importance: 5/100 - Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 5/100 - Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Importance: 2/100 - Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Importance: 2/100
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Physical Abilities for Respiratory Therapists
In order of importance
- Inductive Reasoning
Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Importance: 75/100 - Problem Sensitivity
Noticing when problems happen.
Importance: 75/100 - Oral Expression
Communicating by speaking.
Importance: 75/100 - Deductive Reasoning
Using rules to solve problems.
Importance: 72/100 - Information Ordering
Ordering or arranging things.
Importance: 72/100 - Oral Comprehension
Listening and understanding what people say.
Importance: 72/100 - Near Vision
Seeing details up close.
Importance: 69/100 - Written Comprehension
Reading and understanding what is written.
Importance: 69/100 - Written Expression
Communicating by writing.
Importance: 63/100 - Speech Clarity
Speaking clearly.
Importance: 63/100 - Speech Recognition
Recognizing spoken words.
Importance: 56/100 - Perceptual Speed
Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Importance: 56/100 - Finger Dexterity
Putting together small parts with your fingers.
Importance: 53/100 - Selective Attention
Paying attention to something without being distracted.
Importance: 53/100 - Manual Dexterity
Holding or moving items with your hands.
Importance: 53/100 - Flexibility of Closure
Seeing hidden patterns.
Importance: 50/100 - Far Vision
Seeing details that are far away.
Importance: 50/100 - Arm-Hand Steadiness
Keeping your arm or hand steady.
Importance: 50/100 - Control Precision
Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
Importance: 50/100 - Category Flexibility
Grouping things in different ways.
Importance: 50/100 - Multilimb Coordination
Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Importance: 50/100 - Originality
Creating new and original ideas.
Importance: 47/100 - Mathematical Reasoning
Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Importance: 47/100 - Number Facility
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
Importance: 47/100 - Fluency of Ideas
Coming up with lots of ideas.
Importance: 47/100 - Extent Flexibility
Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Importance: 47/100 - Hearing Sensitivity
Telling the difference between sounds.
Importance: 47/100 - Time Sharing
Doing two or more things at the same time.
Importance: 47/100 - Visual Color Discrimination
Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
Importance: 47/100 - Trunk Strength
Using your lower back and stomach.
Importance: 44/100 - Auditory Attention
Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
Importance: 44/100 - Memorization
Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
Importance: 41/100 - Depth Perception
Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
Importance: 41/100 - Speed of Closure
Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
Importance: 35/100 - Visualization
Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
Importance: 35/100 - Stamina
Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
Importance: 35/100 - Static Strength
Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
Importance: 31/100 - Wrist-Finger Speed
Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Importance: 28/100 - Dynamic Strength
Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
Importance: 28/100 - Reaction Time
Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
Importance: 28/100 - Response Orientation
Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
Importance: 28/100 - Gross Body Coordination
Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
Importance: 28/100 - Speed of Limb Movement
Quickly moving your arms and legs.
Importance: 25/100 - Rate Control
Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
Importance: 25/100 - Gross Body Equilibrium
Keeping your balance or staying upright.
Importance: 25/100 - Peripheral Vision
Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
Importance: 22/100 - Sound Localization
Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
Importance: 19/100 - Night Vision
Seeing at night or under low light.
Importance: 16/100 - Glare Sensitivity
Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
Importance: 16/100 - Spatial Orientation
Knowing where things are around you.
Importance: 13/100
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Tools and Technology used by Respiratory Therapists
- Spirometers
- Nebulizers
- Medical oxygen masks or parts
- Arterial blood gas monitors
- Flow sensors or regulators or components
- Medical nasal cannulas
- Intermittent positive pressure breathing IPPB machines
- Medical gas cylinders or related devices
- Respiratory humidifiers or vaporizers
- Pulse oximeter units
- Medical head hoods
- Respiratory manometer kits
- Chest cuirass products
- Non invasive continuous positive air pressure machines
- Electronic blood pressure units
- Intraaortic balloon pumps
- Clinical incubators or infant warmers
- Medical aerosol tents
- Perfusion oxygen or hematocrit saturation monitors
- Medical or surgical suction or vacuum appliances
- Medical acoustic stethoscopes
- Non invasive bi level machines
- Resuscitation masks
- Bedside pulmonary function screeners
- Mercury blood pressure units
- Autotransfusion units
- Endotracheal tubes
- Cardiac output CO monitoring units
- Treadmill exercisers for rehabilitation or therapy
- Sputum collection apparatus or containers
- Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
- Intensive care ventilators
- Respiratory monitoring kits
- Oxygen delivery connectors or adapters
- Respiratory monitoring kit accessories
- Respiratory therapy compressors
- Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers
- High frequency ventilators
- Pulmonary functioning tubing
- Surgical isolation suit or helmet or shield
- Chest percussors
- Tablet computers
- Apnea monitors
- Electrocardiography EKG units
- Oxygen concentrators
- Notebook computers
- Tourniquets
- Tracheostomy tubes
- Bronchoscopes
- Blood collection syringes
- Personal computers
- Medical software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- HMS
- MEDITECH software
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
- Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Calendar and scheduling software
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Employment Industries for Respiratory Therapists
- General medical and surgical hospitals; private
87,200 employed - General medical and surgical hospitals; local
10,800 employed - Specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals; private
9,000 employed - Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
5,400 employed - General medical and surgical hospitals; state
4,400 employed - Offices of all other health practitioners
3,700 employed - Offices of physicians
3,200 employed
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.
Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.
Career Information Datasources for Respiratory Therapists
- Wages by occupation
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available. Current as of May 2024. - Education and training assignments
BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. In the education and training system, each of the occupations for which the office publishes projections data is assigned separate categories for education, work experience, and on-the-job training. Current as of September 2024. - Occupation data
The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements. Current as of October 2024. - Occupation outlook
My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations. Current as of November 2024. - Career videos
Explore our collection of videos on hundreds of different careers. Career videos are organized into 16 clusters, or related types of work. Select a category to view a list of videos related to that cluster. Videos include career details such as tasks, work settings, education needed, and more. Current as of rolling. - Educational attainment, typical education of current workers
BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. Educational attainment data for each occupation show the level of education achieved by current workers. Current as of September 2024.
Plan Your Education
The Respiratory Therapy Program Guide is a tool to help you map out how to successfully get your degree at 91ɬ
View approximate total tuition and fees for MN residents to complete this degree.
This program may be completed in 2 years if prerequisites are complete.
This program has additional entry requirements.
The Respiratory Therapy Program Application Window is Open February 1, 2026 - Until Filled.
You must first be admitted as an 91ɬ student and declare Respiratory Therapy as your major before applying to this program.
Not an accepted 91ɬ student yet? Be sure to Apply FOR FREE to 91ɬ and gain admission before applying to this program.
Program Participation Requirements
Pre-program Requirements
Successful entry into this program requires a specific level of skill in the areas of English, mathematics, and reading. Program entry will depend, in part, on meeting the pre-program requirements listed below.
There are other ways to qualify. Visit Course Placement to find out more.
English/Reading:
- Eligible for ENGL 1106 – College Composition I, or
- Completion of ENGL/READ 0950/0955 (or equivalent or higher). ENGL/READ 0950/0955 may not be taken concurrently with Semester I coursework.
Mathematics:
- Eligible for MATH 0970 - Intermediate Algebra, or
- Completion of MATH 0950/0955 (or equivalent or higher). MATH 0950/0955 may not be taken concurrently with Semester I coursework.
General education courses listed within the program may be completed before entering the program if the prerequisite is met. All general courses need to be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. All RESP courses must be taken in sequence and completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
The following requirements apply to all clinical courses within the program:
- Minnesota Department of Health Services background study clearance
- National background study clearance
- Wisconsin background study clearance is required if attending clinical sites in Wisconsin
- Current immunizations and negative Tuberculosis (TB) screening
- Current certification in American Heart Association: BLS Healthcare Provider or American Red Cross: BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers. ALTH 1430 will satisfy this requirement.
| Course | Title | Credits |
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ALTH 1410ALTH 1410 Medical Terminology This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms with an emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. (Prerequisites: ENGL0950 or EN |
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Medical TerminologyALTH 1410 Medical Terminology This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms with an emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. (Prerequisites: ENGL0950 or EN |
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BIOL 1140BIOL 1140 Human Anatomy and Physiology I A study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body with emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Topics studied are tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscle system, nervous system, and special senses. |
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Human Anatomy and Physiology IBIOL 1140 Human Anatomy and Physiology I A study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body with emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Topics studied are tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscle system, nervous system, and special senses. |
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BIOL 1141BIOL 1141 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Continued study of body structure and function. Incorporates principles of chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. A study of the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, immune system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, and r |
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Human Anatomy and Physiology IIBIOL 1141 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Continued study of body structure and function. Incorporates principles of chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. A study of the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, immune system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, and r |
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| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
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RESP 1405RESP 1405 Introduction to Respiratory Therapy Clinical This course will prepare the respiratory student for direct patient care. (Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in, or completion of, all semester one courses on the RT planner, or instructor consent.) (1 hr lec/0 hr lab/0 hrs OJT) |
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Introduction to Respiratory Therapy ClinicalRESP 1405 Introduction to Respiratory Therapy Clinical This course will prepare the respiratory student for direct patient care. (Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in, or completion of, all semester one courses on the RT planner, or instructor consent.) (1 hr lec/0 hr lab/0 hrs OJT) |
1 |
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RESP 1410RESP 1410 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology This course focuses on cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology topics pertinent to the respiratory therapy. (Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in semester one RT courses or instructor's consent) (4 hrs lec/0 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT) |
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Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and PhysiologyRESP 1410 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology This course focuses on cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology topics pertinent to the respiratory therapy. (Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in semester one RT courses or instructor's consent) (4 hrs lec/0 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT) |
4 |
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RESP 1420RESP 1420 Principles and Practice of Respiratory Therapy I This course explores respiratory equipment and theory pertaining to medical gas therapy, bland aerosol and aerosol medication therapy, lung expansion therapy, and airway clearance therapy. Respiratory procedures will be performed in the lab setting to con |
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Principles and Practice of Respiratory Therapy IRESP 1420 Principles and Practice of Respiratory Therapy I This course explores respiratory equipment and theory pertaining to medical gas therapy, bland aerosol and aerosol medication therapy, lung expansion therapy, and airway clearance therapy. Respiratory procedures will be performed in the lab setting to con |
4 |
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RESP 1430RESP 1430 Assessment of the Pulmonary Patient This course covers assessment of the cardiopulmonary patient including vital signs, physical assessment, symptoms, and basic lab values. There will be a focus on integrating the assessed outcomes to determine causes. (Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment |
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Assessment of the Pulmonary PatientRESP 1430 Assessment of the Pulmonary Patient This course covers assessment of the cardiopulmonary patient including vital signs, physical assessment, symptoms, and basic lab values. There will be a focus on integrating the assessed outcomes to determine causes. (Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment |
3 |
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ENGL 1106ENGL 1106 College Composition I First semester college-level composition course focusing on writing expository prose using word processing as a tool for composing. Emphasis is on writing as a process, critical reading, developing a voice, and grammar review. Presupposes competency in |
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College Composition IENGL 1106 College Composition I First semester college-level composition course focusing on writing expository prose using word processing as a tool for composing. Emphasis is on writing as a process, critical reading, developing a voice, and grammar review. Presupposes competency in |
3 |
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ADN 2420ADN 2420 Advanced Nursing Skills This lab course covers advanced nursing skills, while incorporating evidence-based practice and theory application through simulation and skill demonstrations. (Prerequisites: successful completion of all previous courses on program planner) (0 hrs lec/3 |
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Advanced Nursing SkillsADN 2420 Advanced Nursing Skills This lab course covers advanced nursing skills, while incorporating evidence-based practice and theory application through simulation and skill demonstrations. (Prerequisites: successful completion of all previous courses on program planner) (0 hrs lec/3 |
1.5 |
| Semester 2 | ||
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RESP 1520RESP 1520 Principles and Practice of Respiratory Therapy II This course explores respiratory equipment and theory pertaining to airway management, introduction to non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, and arterial blood gas sampling. Respiratory procedures will be performed in the lab setting to confi |
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Principles and Practice of Respiratory Therapy IIRESP 1520 Principles and Practice of Respiratory Therapy II This course explores respiratory equipment and theory pertaining to airway management, introduction to non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, and arterial blood gas sampling. Respiratory procedures will be performed in the lab setting to confi |
4 |
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RESP 1530RESP 1530 Pathophysiology for Respiratory Therapy This course covers respiratory diseases with an emphasis on physical assessment. In addition, the course will cover some common non-respiratory conditions. (Prerequisites: Completion of all prior semesters' courses on the RT planner, or instructor conse |
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Pathophysiology for Respiratory TherapyRESP 1530 Pathophysiology for Respiratory Therapy This course covers respiratory diseases with an emphasis on physical assessment. In addition, the course will cover some common non-respiratory conditions. (Prerequisites: Completion of all prior semesters' courses on the RT planner, or instructor conse |
4 |
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RESP 1560RESP 1560 Respiratory Therapy Clinical I This course will provide the student an opportunity to integrate and practice respiratory therapy theory and laboratory applications in a clinical environment. (Prerequisites: College-level reading, writing, and math and completion of all Semester I cou |
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Respiratory Therapy Clinical IRESP 1560 Respiratory Therapy Clinical I This course will provide the student an opportunity to integrate and practice respiratory therapy theory and laboratory applications in a clinical environment. (Prerequisites: College-level reading, writing, and math and completion of all Semester I cou |
4 |
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RESP 1620RESP 1620 Pharmacology for Respiratory Therapy This course covers general pharmacology principles, dose calculations, and methods of administration for drugs commonly given by the respiratory therapist. This course will also cover drugs commonly given to the respiratory patient such as antibiotics, a |
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Pharmacology for Respiratory TherapyRESP 1620 Pharmacology for Respiratory Therapy This course covers general pharmacology principles, dose calculations, and methods of administration for drugs commonly given by the respiratory therapist. This course will also cover drugs commonly given to the respiratory patient such as antibiotics, a |
3 |
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PSYC 1135PSYC 1135 Lifespan Developmental Psychology A scientific, theoretical, and historical examination of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan with a focus on individual and group (e.g., race, class, gender) similarities and differences across American society and c or
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PSYC 1120PSYC 1120 General Psychology A general education course which will familiarize the student with the basic principles of psychology, present a practical application of these principles, show how psychologists employ the scientific method, and equip the beginning student of psychology or
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SOC 1111SOC 1111 Introduction to Sociology This course involves both an explanation of and active practice in using the sociological imagination to examine the world around us. It introduces Sociology as a discipline and sociological ways of understanding human social interaction and processes suc |
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Lifespan Developmental PsychologyPSYC 1135 Lifespan Developmental Psychology A scientific, theoretical, and historical examination of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan with a focus on individual and group (e.g., race, class, gender) similarities and differences across American society and c or
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General PsychologyPSYC 1120 General Psychology A general education course which will familiarize the student with the basic principles of psychology, present a practical application of these principles, show how psychologists employ the scientific method, and equip the beginning student of psychology or
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Introduction to SociologySOC 1111 Introduction to Sociology This course involves both an explanation of and active practice in using the sociological imagination to examine the world around us. It introduces Sociology as a discipline and sociological ways of understanding human social interaction and processes suc |
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| Semester 3 | ||
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RESP 1660RESP 1660 Respiratory Therapy Clinical II This course will provide the student an opportunity to integrate and practice respiratory care theory and laboratory applications in a clinical environment. (Prerequisites: Completion of all semester one and two courses on the RCP planner, or instructor c |
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Respiratory Therapy Clinical IIRESP 1660 Respiratory Therapy Clinical II This course will provide the student an opportunity to integrate and practice respiratory care theory and laboratory applications in a clinical environment. (Prerequisites: Completion of all semester one and two courses on the RCP planner, or instructor c |
2 |
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ALTH 1440ALTH 1440 Medical Ethics and Law This course will introduce health occupation students to basic ethical principles, codes of ethics, bioethics, and laws that govern the behaviors of health care workers today. (Prerequisites: ENGL0950 or ENGL0955 or READ0950 or READ0955, or equivalent, |
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Medical Ethics and LawALTH 1440 Medical Ethics and Law This course will introduce health occupation students to basic ethical principles, codes of ethics, bioethics, and laws that govern the behaviors of health care workers today. (Prerequisites: ENGL0950 or ENGL0955 or READ0950 or READ0955, or equivalent, |
1 |
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CHEM 1110CHEM 1110 Aspects of Chemistry I An introduction to the study of chemistry and its applications requiring a minimum of mathematics. The topics of this course include an introduction to stoichiometry, nomenclature, bonding, gas laws, and acids and bases. This course is intended primaril |
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Aspects of Chemistry ICHEM 1110 Aspects of Chemistry I An introduction to the study of chemistry and its applications requiring a minimum of mathematics. The topics of this course include an introduction to stoichiometry, nomenclature, bonding, gas laws, and acids and bases. This course is intended primaril |
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| Semester 4 | ||
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RESP 2410RESP 2410 Mechanical Ventilation This course will cover mechanical ventilation indications, physics, complications, management, monitoring, devices, and weaning. There will be discussion of advanced modes of mechanical ventilation. (Prerequisites: Completion of all prior semesters' cou |
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Mechanical VentilationRESP 2410 Mechanical Ventilation This course will cover mechanical ventilation indications, physics, complications, management, monitoring, devices, and weaning. There will be discussion of advanced modes of mechanical ventilation. (Prerequisites: Completion of all prior semesters' cou |
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RESP 2420RESP 2420 Adult Critical Care This course covers topics related to hemodynamic monitoring, symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiac rhythms, advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation, chest tube management, bronchoscopy, fluid and electrolyte management, and nutrition of the critical patient |
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Adult Critical CareRESP 2420 Adult Critical Care This course covers topics related to hemodynamic monitoring, symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiac rhythms, advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation, chest tube management, bronchoscopy, fluid and electrolyte management, and nutrition of the critical patient |
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RESP 2460RESP 2460 Respiratory Therapy Clinical III This course will provide the student an opportunity to integrate and practice respiratory therapy theory and laboratory applications in a clinical environment. (Prerequisites: Completion of all Semester II, II, and III courses on the RT planner or instr |
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Respiratory Therapy Clinical IIIRESP 2460 Respiratory Therapy Clinical III This course will provide the student an opportunity to integrate and practice respiratory therapy theory and laboratory applications in a clinical environment. (Prerequisites: Completion of all Semester II, II, and III courses on the RT planner or instr |
7 |
| Semester 5 | ||
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RESP 2430RESP 2430 Special Topics in Respiratory Therapy This course covers pulmonary rehabilitation and home care as it applies to respiratory therapists and their patients. Other topics that are current to the profession will be discussed in this class. (Prerequisites: Completion of Semesters I, Semesters |
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Special Topics in Respiratory TherapyRESP 2430 Special Topics in Respiratory Therapy This course covers pulmonary rehabilitation and home care as it applies to respiratory therapists and their patients. Other topics that are current to the profession will be discussed in this class. (Prerequisites: Completion of Semesters I, Semesters |
1 |
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RESP 2440RESP 2440 Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapy This course covers developmental anatomy and physiology, neonatal/pediatric diseases, assessment, oxygen therapy, airway care, and mechanical ventilation of the neonatal and pediatric patient. (Prerequisite: Completion of all prior semesters courses on t |
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Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory TherapyRESP 2440 Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapy This course covers developmental anatomy and physiology, neonatal/pediatric diseases, assessment, oxygen therapy, airway care, and mechanical ventilation of the neonatal and pediatric patient. (Prerequisite: Completion of all prior semesters courses on t |
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RESP 2510RESP 2510 Directed Studies in Respiratory Therapy This course will review respiratory therapy with emphasis on areas of need for administration of the self assessment exams. The course will cover advanced analysis of clinical data and integration of data into clinical management plans. The course prepa |
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Directed Studies in Respiratory TherapyRESP 2510 Directed Studies in Respiratory Therapy This course will review respiratory therapy with emphasis on areas of need for administration of the self assessment exams. The course will cover advanced analysis of clinical data and integration of data into clinical management plans. The course prepa |
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RESP 2560RESP 2560 Respiratory Therapy Clinical IV This course will provide the student an opportunity to integrate and practice respiratory care theory and laboratory applications in a clinical environment. (Prerequisites: Completion of all prior semesters courses on the RT planner or instructor consen |
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Respiratory Therapy Clinical IVRESP 2560 Respiratory Therapy Clinical IV This course will provide the student an opportunity to integrate and practice respiratory care theory and laboratory applications in a clinical environment. (Prerequisites: Completion of all prior semesters courses on the RT planner or instructor consen |
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BIOL 1170BIOL 1170 Microbiology This course includes study of classification, structure and function of microbes with an emphasis on microbes that cause disease. Topics include microbial metabolism and growth, control of microbes, microbial genetics, and basic laboratory techniques used |
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MicrobiologyBIOL 1170 Microbiology This course includes study of classification, structure and function of microbes with an emphasis on microbes that cause disease. Topics include microbial metabolism and growth, control of microbes, microbial genetics, and basic laboratory techniques used |
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| Total: | 78 | |
Courses may require a prerequisite. Refer to the course outline or check with an advisor.
Program Goals and Outcomes
Program Goal
To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs)
Program Student Outcomes
- Demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy procedures.
- Apply respiratory therapy concepts to patient care scenarios.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior.
- Apply professional communication techniques to ensure safe respiratory therapy practices.
Program and Profession Physical Requirements
All respiratory therapy students complete more than 700 hours of bedside care, with most hours in adult general and adult intensive care environments. The student must meet and sustain the physical requirements of the profession during the respiratory therapy program at 91ɬ Students are required to prepare and manipulate respiratory equipment, respond quickly, administer medication, perform patient assessment, analyze data, critically think, document, and communicate effectively at each clinical site. The data below has been pulled from O*NET OnLine which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Specific examples are listed in bullet form. Please email the Program Director or Directory of Clinical Education if you have questions.
Ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information such as speech, sound, touch, or other.
- Perform bedside assessment (heart rate, respiratory rate, breath sounds) and document with interruptions from the patient, medical staff, or other.
Ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds to differentiate variable pitches and loudness.
- Differentiate normal function and abnormal function/alarms of respiratory therapy equipment from other equipment.
Ability to identify different colors, objects, and people.
- Medical gas equipment is color coded for safety. Some respiratory equipment is similar but functions very different.
Ability to judge the depth of several objects and to see details in close and distant ranges.
- Good or corrected vision is required to read bedside monitors and ventilator screen data up close and from a distance.
Ability to concentrate on a task over a period without being distracted.
- Focus is required to ensure patient safety.
Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
- Perform chest compressions for at least two minutes continuously and manipulating a ventilator on wheels throughout a hospital are two examples.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Respond to emergencies, climb stairs, and cover multiple floor levels.
Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- Reach over, above, or below a hospital bed or respiratory equipment.
Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Perform or assist in critical procedures and prepare and use respiratory equipment.
Ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Manipulate a syringe and needle to draw arterial blood. Assemble a nebulizer, add medication, and switch from one therapy to another.
Accreditation
The Lake Superior College Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC program number 200374, AAS degree, in Duluth, MN is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care ()
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
264 Precision Blvd
Telford, TN 37690 USA
Telephone: 817-283-2835
Fax: 817-354-8519
Email: [email protected]
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.
Program outcome data for Lake Superior College’s Respiratory Therapy Program is accessible through the CoARC programmatic outcomes data link below.

