Respiratory Therapy

Currently accepting applications for Fall 2023

The Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree Program at Blue Ridge Community College provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become licensed respiratory therapists. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics and home care. Demand for the profession is expected to increase by 14% by 2030.

This Respiratory Therapy program is offered through a collaboration between Blue Ridge Community College and Southwestern Community College. The degree is awarded by Southwestern Community College after all program requirements are met. Classes take place at Blue Ridge on Blue Ridge’s Transylvania County Campus. Applicants to this program are required to complete admissions applications for both colleges.

This program is awaiting official accreditation approval by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Future students may still express interest below, as well as complete applications for both Blue Ridge and Southwestern community colleges. Students may work toward general education requirements as the approval is in process.

About the Respiratory Therapy Program

Courses you will take

Students will take general education courses such as anatomy & physiology, English, math, and psychology. Students will also take Respiratory Care Program (RCP) courses that include seated lecture, simulation and laboratory activities, and clinical experiences. Students will enroll in the program through Southwestern Community College and attend class on Blue Ridge Community College’s Transylvania County Campus. Students will participate in clinical experiences at hospitals and clinics located in Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania Counties.

Upon completion of the program, the Associate Degree will be awarded by Southwestern Community College (as part of the strategic partnership with Blue Ridge Community College).

What you will gain

Students in this program learn to perform diagnostic testing, treatments and management of patients with heart and lung disease. Coursework includes learning patient assessment and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. These skills include life support, monitoring, drug administration and treatment of patients of all ages in a variety of settings. Graduates are eligible to take the licensure exams to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Course Requirements

Apply for the Respiratory Therapy Program

Those interested in applying for the Fall 2023 Respiratory Therapy program are invited to express their interest by requesting information. Expressing your interest will connect you to an admissions counselor that can help you navigate the application process.

While we await official accreditation, students may not yet apply to this specific program, however, they may begin taking general education classes required by the program. Respiratory Therapy applicants will ultimately need to complete the admissions process for BOTH Blue Ridge and Southwestern community colleges.

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Currently accepting applications for Fall 2023

About the Respiratory Therapy Program

Courses you will take

What you will gain

Course Requirements

Apply for the Respiratory Therapy Program

1. Apply Online with Blue Ridge Community College

2. Apply Online with Southwestern Community College

Admissions Procedures for the Respiratory Therapy Program

Financial Aid

Technical Standards

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