Menu
 
Respiratory TherapyView Catalog Details

Enroll Now

Thousands of students get their start at Mt. SAC every year. Take the path to your future career one step further by enrolling in our program. Apply Now
Respiratory Therapy
View Catalog Details

Questions?

Contact: Yen HangTitle: Program AdministratorContact: yhang@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Respiratory Therapy

Technology and Health Division
Degree S1205

The Respiratory Therapy Program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC), is designed to train students to function as Respiratory Therapists.

Respiratory Therapy is the application of technical skills involving a complete understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology and recognition of various pathological conditions that alter the patient’s ability to breathe effectively.

By applying medical gases under pressure - i.e., compressed air, oxygen, and other mixtures - to the airways through the use of various kinds of equipment, the therapist, under the direction of the physician, treats the diseased or ineffective respiratory system.

Some mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform fine motor movements with hands and fingers is required in learning the operation of specialized equipment. This includes diagnostic apparatus which aids the physician in detecting cardiorespiratory diseases.

This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

Required Courses

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
Select a related job title below to view demand & salary information
    • Respiratory Therapists

      Respiratory Therapists

      SOC Career Code: 29-1126.00

      Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $39.40

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $101,212.79
      Annual Job Openings
      1,220

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages

Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Respiratory Therapy

    Technology and Health Division
    Degree S1205

    The Respiratory Therapy Program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC), is designed to train students to function as Respiratory Therapists.

    Respiratory Therapy is the application of technical skills involving a complete understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology and recognition of various pathological conditions that alter the patient’s ability to breathe effectively.

    By applying medical gases under pressure - i.e., compressed air, oxygen, and other mixtures - to the airways through the use of various kinds of equipment, the therapist, under the direction of the physician, treats the diseased or ineffective respiratory system.

    Some mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform fine motor movements with hands and fingers is required in learning the operation of specialized equipment. This includes diagnostic apparatus which aids the physician in detecting cardiorespiratory diseases.

    This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    RESD 102Theory and Principles of Respiratory Therapy2
    RESD 104Respiratory Therapy Science4
    RESD 106Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology3
    RESD 108Pharmacology for Respiratory Care1.5
    RESD 110Respiratory Therapy Science4
    RESD 112Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology3
    RESD 114Comprehensive Pulmonary Assessment3
    RESD 116Special Procedures for Respiratory Care1.5
    RESD 200ATechniques of Respiratory Therapy2.5
    RESD 200BTechniques of Respiratory Therapy6
    RESD 202Adult Respiratory Intensive Care3
    RESD 204Neonatal Intensive Care3
    RESD 200CTechniques of Respiratory Therapy2.5
    RESD 200DTechniques of Respiratory Therapy6
    RESD 206Respiratory Therapeutic Modalities3
    RESD 208Current Issues in Respiratory Care3
    Total Units51

    Respiratory Department website 

How to Complete the Program

Guided Pathways

Program Guided Pathways

Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Yen HangTitle: Program AdministratorContact: yhang@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Location: Building 67A-145Phone: (909)-274-4788