Respiratory Therapist
Associate in Applied Science
Respiratory therapists provide care for patients with heart and lung disorders and work in many different settings. Respiratory therapists also play a vital role in a hospital's lifesaving response team that handles patient emergencies.
24/7
support in the ICC Academic Support Center
ICC Respiratory Therapist students begin their clinical experiences in the second week of the program with opportunities at numerous clinical sites, with clinical instruction at all of them. The program also has outstanding lab and classroom space with the latest equipment that is used in hospital settings.
Admissions Office
Graduates are eligible to take both certification and registry exams prepared by the National Board for Respiratory Care to become both Certified (CRT) and a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Respiratory Therapist students are involved in many community health outreach programs and are active in ICC recruitment activities.
Registered Respiratory Therapist, Certified Respiratory Therapist
COMPLETION TIME
24 Months
if Full Time
5 Semesters
66 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$10,230
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2023-24
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
21 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
This program has changed my life, It has afforded me the opportunity to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Mary Beth Cregger, Program Alum and Associate Professor – Health Careers
How Do I Get Into the Respiratory Therapist Program?
Be part of a program and career path that will prepare you to graduate, ready to care for critically ill patients. Talk to an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy.
- Submit health science application.
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 600 scholarships.
- High school coursework in English, math, and science.
- Critical thinking skills, fine motor skills, the ability to relate to others, and good communication and team working skills are also helpful.
What Can I Expect As a Respiratory Therapist Student?
- Graduates who successfully earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential enjoy a 100% job placement rate.
- Students gain clinical experience at UnityPoint Health, OSF Healthcare, and Carle Health Facilities. In addition, there are apprenticeship opportunities at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
- Transfer opportunities are available with the University of Missouri – Columbia, and Rush University.
- Program graduates are working at UnityPoint Health hospitals and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
Accreditation
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690.
1-817-283-2835
www.coarc.com
Additional Information
Additional Opportunities
Innovative Bridge to Health Careers
The Innovative Bridge to Health Careers Program is an 8-week program that will engage participants in training designed to introduce and academically prepare them for entry into the various ICC Health Career opportunities.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.
Admissions
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Phone: (309) 694-5200
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Administrative Building
L220C
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Mon-Fri: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Virtual Stretch Hours
Mon-Tue: 4:30 pm – 6pm