Respiratory therapists help diagnose, evaluate, and treat patients suffering from breathing complications or cardiopulmonary disorders. Working under the supervision of a physician, you work on problems ranging from infantile influenza to geriatric tuberculosis. Because breathing complications are usually related directly or indirectly to cardio or nervous systems, extensive instruction in anatomy, physiology, immunology, diet, and nutrition are essential for this particular occupation. According to the US Department of Labor, formal training is required from colleges, universities, vocational programs, or respiratory therapy schools. Because breathing complications can be life-threatening, hospitals must ensure that their respiratory therapists possess a certain level of competency and experience in this field.

What You'll Learn to Respiratory Therapy Schools
Although your training will be quite extensive, much of your coursework will focus on anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, physics, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and even mathematics. At the very least, you'll want to secure an associate degree (the bare minimum for this field), but if career advancement is important to you, you should consider going for a full bachelors degree in respiratory therapy.

Job Outlook and Salary for Respiratory Therapists
According to the US Department of Labor, job opportunities for those with respiratory therapy training will be plentiful in the coming years. With baby boomers retiring in droves, the current health care industry is not entirely prepared to handle the numerous respiratory problems commonly associated with elderly patients. As such, demand for those with proper training will increase faster than the national average for all other occupations. In 2004, the median salary for this particular job hovered around $44,000 a year. But expect that salary figure to rise substantially as demand for more respiratory therapists increases.

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

Apollo College - Mesa	[Mesa, AZ]
Programs: Dental Assistant Massage Therapy Medical Administrative Assistant Medical Billing and Coding Pharmacy Technician Physical Therapy Technician Respiratory Therapist Request More Information >

Apollo College - Phoenix Westside	[Phoenix, AZ]
Programs: Medical Billing and Coding Medical Laboratory Technician Medical Radiography Nursing Physical Therapy Technician Respiratory Therapist Request More Information >

Kaplan College

[Modesto, CA]

Looking to gain a competitive edge in your career? Kaplan College offers a learning experience that is anything but typical. Our faculty and staff are not just academics—they’re seasoned professionals who can give you the real-world knowledge you need to succeed. And we offer a flexible and accelerated schedule designed to meet the needs of your busy life. Our programs are designed to prepare you for success in any of a variety of fields, including Criminal Justice, Health Care, Business, Education, Information Technology, Legal Studies, or Fashion and Design.
Programs:
  Associate of Occupational Studies: Medical Assistant
  Associate of Occupational Studies: Respiratory Therapy
  Certificate: Medical Assistant
  Certificate: Medical Office Specialist
  Certificate: Therapeutic Health Technician
  Diploma: Medical Assistant
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Western Career College - Pleasant Hill

[Pleasant Hill, CA]

Western Career College offers certificate, degree, and diploma programs that can help you begin a new career. Our highly respected instructors can provide you with the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to become a success. Choose from programs in Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Pharmacy Technology, Veterinary Services, Criminal Justice, Design & Visual Arts, or Business & Information Systems. Western Career College has multiple conveniently located campuses in California.
Programs:
  Dental Assisting
  Health Care Administration
  Massage Therapy
  Medical Assisting
  Medical Billing
  Pharmacy Technology
  Respiratory Therapy
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California College San Diego	[San Diego, CA]
Programs: AOS in Medical Specialties AS in Respiratory Therapy BS in Health Care Administration Request More Information >

Sanford-Brown College - Fenton

[Fenton, MO]

At Sanford-Brown, we have focused our study programs, which enable you the opportunity to develop your skills effectively to meet your specific career goals. We enable adults to complete their programs of study in as little as nine months. Plus, our programs focus on the essential concepts and skills most employers look for in entry-level employees. Our goal is to provide you with the practical information and experience you need to get your foot in the door. We are in the business of career education and we care about you and your future, as well as your future employer's needs. That is the Sanford-Brown difference.
Programs:
  Associate of Applied Science - Emergency Medical Services
  Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Technology
  Associate of Applied Science - Massage Therapy
  Associate of Applied Science - Pharmacy Technician
  Associate of Applied Science - Radiography
  Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
  Bachelor of Science- Healthcare Administration
  Diploma - Massage Therapy
  Diploma - Medical Assistant
  Diploma - Medical Coding Billing Specialist
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Miami-Jacobs Career College - Dayton

[Dayton, OH]

Miami-Jacobs Career College has a long and proud history of helping students like you prepare for career success. Our degree and diploma programs in health services, network engineering and business office management have been designed to give you plenty of hands-on experience, and a great foundation for the future. Choose from two convenient Miami Valley campuses. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Programs:
  Massage Therapy
  Medical Assisting
  Medical Office Management
  Respiratory Therapy
  Surgical Technology
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Sanford-Brown Institute

[Monroeville, PA]

Prepare for career success at Sanford-Brown Institute. Choose from a wide variety of health care program areas including Massage Therapy, Cardiovascular Technology, Medical and Dental Assisting and Surgical Technology. Convenient campus locations across the country include campuses in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Programs:
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Medical Assistant Specialist
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Pharmacy Technician
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Respiratory Therapy
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Surgical Technology
  Diploma - Dental Assistant
  Diploma - Massage Therapist
  Diploma - Medical Assistant
  Diploma - Medical Office Administration
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Stevens-Henager College - Salt Lake City	[Murray, UT]
Programs: AOS in Medical Specialties AS in Respiratory Therapy BS in Health Care Administration Request More Information >