Respiratory Therapy is concerned with the management, treatment and care of a patient’s breathing. It is an allied health specialty and professionals working in the field are known as Respiratory Therapists or Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs). They are trained in carrying out diagnostic evaluation and treatment of the lungs and respiratory system.
According to latest estimates by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 130,000 RCPs working in health facilities around the country. Professional degree programs in the field are offered in many cities including Las Vegas. The coursework tends to include areas like anatomy, physiology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology and pulmonary care, etc.
This guide contains important information about respiratory therapy schools in Las Vegas. Details about the top programs together with their accreditation status and popular career paths have also been provided.
Top Respiratory Therapy Programs in Las Vegas
The following schools in Las Vegas offer top-quality respiratory therapy degree programs. Check them out.
Pima Medical Institute
The Pima Medical Institute offers the following degree programs in respiratory therapy.
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Associate of Science (AS) in Respiratory Therapy
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Bachelor of Science (BS) in Respiratory Therapy (Online)
The Associate degree program takes about 2 years to complete while the online Bachelor’s degree program runs for approximately 14 months. Courses include Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology, Critical Care Techniques, Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology, Emergency Care, Polysomnography, Public Health and Cardiopulmonary Diseases, etc. Both programs have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Carrington College
The Carrington College offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Respiratory Care which requires 2 years to complete. The salient features of the program include hands-on clinical teaching, focused classroom instruction and intense practice in a computerized simulation lab.
Coursework includes careful patient assessment, various respiratory therapies, ventilation techniques and case analysis/management. Accreditation for the program has been granted by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
College of Southern Nevada
The following respiratory therapy degree programs are offered at the College of Southern Nevada.
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Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cardiorespiratory Sciences
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Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cardiorespiratory Sciences (Online)
The AAS in Cardiorespiratory Sciences program is accredited by the CoARC (Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care). On the other hand, the online BAS in Cardiorespiratory Sciences is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
What Can You Do after Completing a Respiratory Therapy Program in Las Vegas?
Once you are done with a respiratory therapy program in Las Vegas, you can pursue different jobs. Apart from the obvious career path that leads to becoming a Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care Practitioner), you can also build a career as a Registered Sleep Center Technologist, Sleep Disorder Specialist, Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), Adult Critical Care Specialist and Pulmonary Function Technician, etc.
Salary and growth information for Respiratory Therapists is provided in the table below. The presented data has been taken from the records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019
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$61,330
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Job Outlook, 2018-2028
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21%
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019
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$63,950
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Employment Level in Nevada, 2019
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1,410
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Annual Mean Salary in Nevada, 2019
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$77,760
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How to Choose a Respiratory Therapy Program in Las Vegas?
The biggest factor to consider when choosing a respiratory therapy program in Las Vegas is the accreditation status. Most well-reputed programs in the city have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Furthermore, you must also look at the fee structure, curriculum, financial aid policy and campus location (for ease of commute) when deciding which respiratory therapy program to enroll into.
What to Expect from a Respiratory Therapy Program in Las Vegas?
Most respiratory therapy programs in Las Vegas can be completed in less than 2 years. The curriculum usually includes courses on Microbiology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Pulmonary Care, Mathematics, Physiology, Respiratory Assessment, Basic and Advanced Respiratory Care, Arterial Blood Gases, Mechanical Ventilation, Advanced Airway Techniques, Critical Care, Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology and Cardiopulmonary Diseases, etc.
Admission Requirements for Respiratory Therapy Programs in Las Vegas
The admission requirements for different respiratory therapy programs in Las Vegas may vary depending on the offering school. In general, students need to have a High School Diploma or the alternative GED (General Educational Development) Certificate to get into an Associate or Bachelor’s degree program. Some other requirements specific to an institution may also be there. So, please consult the website of your school of choice to find the exact admission criteria.