Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing for a variety of reasons. Their patients can range from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to older adults whose lungs are diseased.

• About the Respiratory Technology Degree

  Respiratory therapists interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They perform diagnotic tests and help develop treatment plans while also monitoring and recording patients' progress. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, and medical assistants across a variety of healthcare settings.

  This program combines coursework, laboratory simulation, and extensive clinical experience to help students develop competency in patient assessment, diagnostic testing, therapeutic intervention, and life-support management. Students complete 800 clinical hours in diverse settings, including adult critical care, neonatal/pediatric intensive care, emergency/trauma, pulmonary rehabilitation, and home care.

  Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Examination (TMC) and, upon achieving the high cut score, may proceed to the NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

• How the Program Works

  The respiratory therapy program (RTT) is part of Michigan Workforce Training and Education Collaboration (MWTEC). All RTT courses are completed online through MWTEC and charged at a rate established by MWTEC. This rate differs from the Southwestern Michigan College tuition rate. In 2025-26, the MWTEC program tuition rate was $210 per credit hour, plus a flat rate per course fee.

  For more information, contact the Academic Advising and Resource Center at 269-782-1303 or askanadvisor@swmich.edu.  All courses are eligible for financial aid.

  This is a competitive admission program; limited seats are available. An approved department application is needed prior to acceptance into the RTT course sequence. The RTT course sequence is Fall start only.

• Application Information

  Start your pre-requisite courses now so you'll be ready to start the program next summer.

  1. Apply for Admission to SMC
  2. Fill out the free application here
     Select Health Services (AAS-Respiratory Therapy) on the application.
  3. Complete Pre-requisite Courses
     For more information about pre-requisite courses and admissions, refer to the RTT Prospective Student Packet.
  4. Contact the Program Advisor to discuss admission requirements for the Respiratory Therapy Program. Email Kwajalein Dodd at kdoddo1@swmich.edu.
  5. Apply to the Respiratory Therapy Program .
• Curriculum Guide

  View the curriculum guide for the Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy.

• What Can I Do With a Radiography Technology Degree?

  Respiratory therapists care interact with patients who have breathing issues on multiple levels—from administering tests to performing treatments and teaching patients how to use the necessary equipment. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to older adults whose lungs are diseased. They work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, as well as in homes.

  Careers and Salaries

  Career Option	Salary
  Respiratory Therapists	$80,450

  2024 median pay. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics