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Accredited Respiratory Therapy Schools in California

Respiratory therapy is a health field that deals with the treatment of breathing disorders and other respiratory diseases. There are many Accredited Respiratory Therapy Schools that offer degree programs in respiratory therapy. These programs equip students with the complete knowledge of all respiratory disorders and how to control them. They learn how to assist patients and perform respiratory care procedures. Individuals in this occupation are known as respiratory therapists.



Respiratory therapists treat patients who have breathing difficulties, e.g. those suffering from chronic respiratory diseases like emphysema or asthma. Their patients range from elderly who have lung diseases to premature babies with underdeveloped lungs. They also give emergency care to individuals suffering from shock or heart attacks.

Respiratory Therapy Programs in California

More respiratory therapists work in California than anywhere else in the United States. If you live in the state and are thinking of pursuing this career then you need to be educated, trained and licensed.

Some educational programs offered by Accredited Respiratory Therapy Schools in California are: Certificate program in respiratory therapy, Associates degree in respiratory therapy, Bachelor of Science in respiratory care and Master of Science in respiratory therapy. The minimum required to work as a respiratory therapist is an associate’s degree, however in most cases, the employers prefer individuals with a bachelor’s degree.

Top Accredited Respiratory Therapy Schools in California

Below is a list of top Accredited Respiratory Therapy Schools in California:

  1. California College San Diego (CCSD): The College offers an Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy that aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to work as a respiratory therapist. The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) has accredited the college’s Respiratory Therapy program. Students are given specialized training that prepares them to provide cardiopulmonary assessment and aerosol therapy. The college also offers an opportunity for clinical externship that equips students with valuable clinical experience. When you graduate, you will be eligible to appear for the licensure exam.
  1. Grossmont College: This College is accredited by the National Commission on Accrediting, the Community College League of California and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care has accredited the college’s Respiratory Therapy Program. This accreditation enables students to appear for the licensure exams. The college offers an Associate in Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy. This program aims to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge required to become a qualified health care team member. This program prepares candidates to practice respiratory care in critical and acute healthcare settings.
  1. Orange Coast College: Located in Orange County, this community college was founded in 1947. The college offers an Associate in Science Degree in Respiratory Care that prepares students for careers in the field of respiratory care. Students can find employment opportunities as respiratory care practitioners, respiratory therapy specialists and respiratory therapists. This 2-year fully accredited respiratory care program exposes students to 1000 hours of clinical practice along with lecture sessions.
  1. Mt. San Antonio College: This community college is located in Los Angeles. The Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care has accredited the college’s AS Respiratory Therapy Program. The program requires the individuals to complete the coursework for General Education along with a number of other courses. These courses include Pharmacology for Respiratory Care, Current Issues in Respiratory Care, Comprehensive Pulmonary Assessment, Neonatal Intensive Care, Respiratory Therapy Science, Respiratory Therapeutic Modalities, etc.

How to obtain certification from National Board of Respiratory Care?

A candidate must fulfill the below criteria to obtain certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC):

  • Possess a certificate or bachelor’s/associate’s degree from a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
  • Pass either the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam or the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam.

How to obtain licensure from Respiratory Care Board of California?

Respiratory therapists have to fulfill these requirements to get licensure from the Respiratory Care Board of California to become a licensed practitioner in this field:

  • Complete a degree program accredited by CAAHEP or CoARC
  • Possess valid and current Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) certification from National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). The educational requirements may be waived off at the board’s discretion
  • Study one Board approved course in Professional Ethics and Law
  • Submit a licensure application along with all the required documents

Job outlook and wage estimates

Respiratory Therapists’ jobs are expected to grow by 23% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average growth for all other occupations. In 2017, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $59,710 and the mean annual wage of Respiratory Therapists in California was $79,680.

How long does it take to graduate from an Accredited Respiratory School in California?

The entry-level degree requirement to become an accredited respiratory therapist is an associate's degree although you can also get a bachelor's degree as well. The typical time taken to complete an associate's degree is 2 years. If you aspire to complete a bachelor's program in lieu of that, it will take you four years of education in total. Generally, a bachelor’s degree would take four years to complete, but if you have completed an associate’s degree before it, you may be able to finish it in less time.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

What are the requirements to gain admission to an Accredited Respiratory School in California?

To get a bachelor's degree from an accredited respiratory school in California, you will need to complete a registry level program. For both, an associate's and a bachelor’s degree, the typical GPA requirement is 3.0 for a lot of colleges. Before you can become a practitioner however, you are also required to get certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). They offer two different kinds of certifications, that can be attained via separate tests.

How much can I make after I graduate from an Accredited Respiratory School in California?

The usual job description for respiratory therapists includes caring for patients with chronic respiratory problems like asthma at hospitals or medical centers. Typical entry-level education required is an associate's degree and expected growth in employment is higher than average. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for a respiratory therapist as of May 2018 is $60,280. The median hourly wage is approximately $29, for the same time period.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:Name top accredited Schools in California for Respiratory degree programs?

A:The state of California has many major cities which are home to renowned medical schools. There are a many accredited respiratory schools in California that offer degree programs in respiratory care. Top schools include: California San Diego College, Kaplan College, Grand Canyon University, California State University, Simpson University, American Career College, Mount St Mary College, Western Career College, and California State University Los Angeles.

Q:I am looking for the Accredited advanced Respiratory Therapy schools in California. Can you please tell me of an acclaimed accrediting body?

A:There are many Accredited Advanced Respiratory Therapy Schools in California. All of the premium institutions in California are accredited by the Respiratory Care Board of California (RCB). It is the governing body and part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The sole task of this board is to thoroughly investigate the practices that are being handled in regards to respiratory care in California.

Q:While searching for suitable colleges that offer respiratory therapy programs in California, I came across online programs. Are these the same as campus based programs?

A:Yes. Online colleges that offer respiratory therapy programs are similar to campus based programs. These online programs are designed keeping students convenience in mind. They save time and money and allow the student to study at their convenience. There is a chance that the curriculum might be slightly different. Apart from that, these courses provide the same information as normal courses. Prospective students are advised to check our website for an extensive list of online institutes offering this program.

Q:Are there any online accredited Respiratory Therapist schools in California?

A:Yes. There are a number of online accredited Respiratory Therapist schools in California offering various types of degree programs to students who cannot attend a campus based school for whatever reason. Interested students can choose amongst the schools listed on our website and seek further detailed information about each and every school and program they are offering via our website.

Q:What specializations can I got for in accredited Respiratory Therapy schools in California?

A:There are various specializations offered in the accredited Respiratory Therapy schools in California for becoming a Respiratory Therapist. Some of the fields you can specialize in are cystic fibrosis, asthma specialist and patient educator, intensive care, cardiovascular perfusionist, neonatal & pediatric intensive care, sleep disorder specialist, surface and air transport and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Q:While searching for respiratory accredited colleges in CA, I came across a program called Introduction to Occupational Therapy. What are the contents of the program?

A:There are many respiratory accredited colleges in CA that you can apply in. You can either go for professional studies in Respiratory Therapy or opt for a diploma. Introduction to Occupational Therapy is a part of the curriculum for Respiratory Therapy programs. In this course the students are given an introduction to the history of therapy and places where occupational therapy is being used.

Q:What are some of the responsibilities of a professional graduating from accredited colleges in ca for respiratory therapy?

A:Some of the responsibilities of a professional graduating from accredited colleges in CA for respiratory therapy are as follows. These professionals are required to assist patients with pulmonary disorder. These professionals analyze and perform diagnostics in order to understand the root cause. Respiratory therapists are also to check blood oxygen levels and setup pulmonary equipment. There is a huge demand for professionals with this qualification in care homes, hospitals and private clinics.

Q:What is the premise of patient assessment and clinical application of respiratory care in respiratory therapist schools accredited in California?

A:Patient assessment and clinical application of respiratory care is an important course taught in respiratory therapist schools accredited in California. This course deals with a comprehensive study of theory and application of respiratory theory. Advanced cardiopulmonary physiology, airway care, pressure-cycled ventilation and pharmacology care. Prospective students interested in this course are advised to search our website for an extensive list of institutions.

Q:What are the contents of the course on Strategic Information Technology in the top schools for respiratory therapy in California?

A:The Top Schools For Respiratory Therapy In California have dedicated course on Strategic Information Management. This course is worth 2 credits in total. The course is designed to provide students with ample understanding of the concepts of exploring the major level issues that are faced in the technological advancements carried out in an organization. Hands on experience is also provided.

Q:Could you tell about the best respiratory therapy schools in California?

A:Here are some of the best respiratory therapy schools in California : California San Diego College, Kaplan College, Grand Canyon University, California State University, Simpson University, American Career College, Mount St Mary College, Western Career College, and California State University Los Angeles. This degree can also be pursued online. This way you will not only save a lot of money but manage your study time in a better way as well.

Q:Do respiratory therapy schools in California require clinical practice along with the studies program?

A:To become a practicing RT, respiratory therapy schools in California would want the students to acquire practical experience to get comfortable with the processes. This is done under supervision of health professionals therefore it gives the opportunity to learn. While some schools may require this experience along with studies others may require it at the end of the course.

Q:Should I go to online respiratory technician schools in California?

A:Yes online respiratory technician schools are a very good career choice to make. The healthcare industry is one the largest in the economy, so chances are that you can find good job with degrees in this field. In addition to this, going to an online school definitely has its advantages. You can schedule your classes according to your free time and save up on traveling costs.

Q:I am thinking of becoming a respiratory therapist in California. Will I need a license?

A:You will have to check with the state board in California. Most states will require that such therapists to hold some form of licenses and, sometimes, will insist that a license is mandatory for practitioners. It may be that you can obtain some form of exemption from the licensing requirements.

Q:A master degree respiratory therapy in California is designed for what purpose?

A:Graduate studies in the health field of respiratory therapy is designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge in this field. The program has a duration of two years. The basic program objectives are: prepare students for leadership positions in respiratory therapy, apply research based evidence to new clinical practices, manage medical data, diagnose and treat patients with respiratory issues, apply various respiratory therapy techniques.

Q:What kind of degree courses can I expect in respiratory therapy colleges?

A:Across the country there are numerous accredited Respiratory Therapy Schools which offer high quality degree and certificate programs. Students in these programs are taught about the various respiratory disorders and how to control them. Some of the degrees by Accredited Respiratory Therapy Schools in California are: Associates degree in respiratory therapy (A.A.S), Bachelor of Science in respiratory care, Master of Science in respiratory therapy and Respiratory advanced diploma program.

Q:Are all accredited respiratory therapy schools expensive?

A:No, the tuition fees and costs of a respiratory program will vary from school to school. If you opt for this program online, the costs will be less as compared to programs offered at campus. You can more information regarding schools by conducting a thorough search online. Each school provides detailed information about application and costs on its official website.

Q:What is taught in the accredited respiratory therapy programs and how do these prepare for the real world situations?

A:These programs teach vital practices that aid in disease diagnosis and treatment of patients. You will be trained to provide services like pulmonary function testing, blood analysis, aerosol therapy, ventilator management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The program will be a combination of classroom study, lab training and clinical simulation. You will also be given practical training in the intensive care units, emergency departments and pediatric wards.

Q:Where can i get access to a list of all accredited schools in California?

A:You can search online and find many websites that offer information regarding top schools in any state such as California. We also provide detailed information about college rankings, program offerings, and reviews. It is best to search thoroughly and get an idea about top ranking schools before you enroll in any.

Q:I am thinking of going for an associates accredited respiratory therapy program, can you tell me about it?

A:An associate of respiratory therapy program will be a two year long program that will give you the foundational study regarding the subject. It would focus on respiratory diseases, respiratory therapies and breathing techniques. Along with theoretical studies, hand on training with respiratory equipment may also be taught to students.

Q:Respiratory therapist colleges offer what learning facilities?

A:Respiratory therapy colleges across the nation have been set up to provide individuals with specialized knowledge in this field. Students who wish to become a respiratory therapist must acquire a degree and training. The educational and learning facilities may vary from college to college. Many colleges are offering state of the art learning labs which are fully-equipped to train students.

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