What to Expect from a 20-Month Respiratory Therapy AOS Degree
A Respiratory Therapy Associate of Applied Science (AOS) degree prepares students to treat patients with lung and heart conditions. This two-year degree includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Students learn how to assess breathing issues, use ventilators, manage respiratory emergencies, and perform patient care across age groups—from infants to the elderly.
Curriculum Overview
The AOS program typically spans about 66 to 71 credit hours over 20 to 21 months. Programs follow standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Most programs include classroom courses, labs with medical equipment, and supervised clinical rotations in real healthcare settings.
Sample Courses Include:
- Airway Management
- Mechanical Ventilation I & II
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
- Neonatal and Pediatric Care
- Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology
- Lung Hyperinflation and Bronchial Hygiene Therapy
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Programs also include general education courses like English Composition, College Algebra, Public Speaking, Psychology, and Anatomy & Physiology.
Clinical Training and Certification Preparation
Clinical rotations are required and usually take place in hospitals or clinics. Students work with clinical instructors and learn to deliver oxygen therapy, manage ventilators, monitor patient progress, and respond to emergencies.
Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams such as:
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Certification is managed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Most states require licensure for employment, and passing the NBRC exams is part of that process.
Admissions Requirements
Most schools require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite science and math courses
- Minimum GPA (commonly 2.0 or higher)
- Background check and immunizations
- Personal interview or essay
Some programs, will even evaluate applicants’ motivation and readiness for a clinical career.
Program Costs
Tuition varies by school and state residency. Below are examples of estimated tuition costs:
- Northcentral Technical College (WI): ~$4,844/year in-state
- Ivy Tech Community College (IN): ~$10,000 total
- San Juan College (NM): Eligible for NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships
- Pima Medical Institute: Approximately 21 months, cost not listed online
- Skyline College (CA): ~$96,000 average salary for graduates
Additional costs may include books, supplies, lab fees, uniforms, CPR certification, and licensing exam fees.
Job Outlook and Career Pathways
Respiratory therapists are in demand, with job growth projected at 14% through 2031 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates can work in:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Sleep centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Emergency transport teams
- Home health care
Graduates who earn the RRT credential may also specialize in areas such as neonatal care, pulmonary diagnostics, or critical care transport.
Top Schools
To help students enter this in-demand profession, several colleges across the U.S. offer accredited Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs in respiratory therapy. The schools listed below provide hands-on clinical training, strong certification preparation, and flexible learning formats.
These programs are designed to prepare graduates for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exams and state licensure. Explore these top programs to find the best path to a rewarding career in respiratory care.
| School | Location | Program Type | Credits | Duration | Tuition Estimate | Clinical Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indiana (8 campuses) | AS in Respiratory Therapy | 71 | 7 semesters | Affordable; varies by campus | Yes |
| San Juan College | Farmington, NM | AAS in Respiratory Therapy | Approx. 65–70 | 2 years | Low; NM Opportunity Scholarship available | Yes (Simulation Center + clinicals) |
| Kent State University | Ashtabula & Cleveland Clinic, OH | AAS in Respiratory Therapy | Not listed | Approx. 2 years | Standard in-state tuition | Yes |
| Lone Star College | Kingwood, TX | AAS in Respiratory Care | 66 | 2 years | $4,844/year in-state | Yes (Simulated + clinicals) |
| Northern Essex Community College | Haverhill, MA | Respiratory Care Associate Degree | Approx. 70 | 2 years | $346/credit (in-state) | Yes |
| Tidewater Community College | Virginia Beach, VA | AAS in Respiratory Therapy | 67 | 6 semesters | Standard VA community college rates | Yes (Sim lab + rotations) |
| Southern Maine Community College | South Portland, ME | Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree | 77 | 5 semesters | $4,156/year | Yes |
| Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree | 67 | 2 years | $4,844/year in-state; $17,027–$23,166 total | Yes |
| Pima Medical Institute | Multiple States | Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree | Not listed | 21 months | Varies by campus | Yes |
| Skyline College | San Bruno, CA | AS in Respiratory Care | 60 | 2 years | California community college rates | Yes (800+ hours) |
Ivy Tech Community College
https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/all-academic-programs/school-of-health-sciences/respiratory-therapy
Telford, TN
Program Structure and Curriculum
Ivy Tech’s Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy is a 71-credit, seven-semester program offered at eight campuses throughout Indiana. The curriculum blends 27 general education credits with 43 program-specific credits and a college success course. Students learn to assess and treat patients with breathing disorders using real-world equipment, and they gain clinical experience that prepares them to work alongside physicians and nurses in professional healthcare settings. Ivy Tech also offers significant cost savings for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution, with established articulation agreements with Indiana University Indianapolis and Indiana Wesleyan University.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Graduates are well-prepared to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams, leading to licensure as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Career opportunities include employment in hospitals, physician offices, skilled nursing facilities, sleep labs, asthma education, smoking cessation programs, and even medical air transport. Ivy Tech’s affordable tuition and statewide availability make it an accessible option for students seeking a high-demand healthcare career.
San Juan College
https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/education-training/programs/respiratory-therapy-aas
Farmington, NM
Training Environment and Program Details
San Juan College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy, which can be completed in as little as two years. The program includes a robust curriculum focused on patient assessment, clinical data evaluation, emergency care, pulmonary rehabilitation, and more. Students train in the Health Sciences Simulation Center, featuring emergency room and ICU setups with adult, pediatric, and neonatal simulators, as well as hands-on clinical experience in real-world healthcare environments. Tuition is notably affordable, and students may qualify for NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, making the program potentially tuition-free for in-state residents.
Certification and Employment Outcomes
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), San Juan’s program prepares graduates to sit for the CRT and RRT exams, essential for state licensure in New Mexico. The college’s curriculum and clinical training ensure students are fully equipped to launch successful careers in hospitals, nursing homes, sleep centers, and home health agencies. With respiratory therapist employment projected to grow 14% from 2021 to 2031, graduates are entering a field with strong demand and competitive opportunities.
Kent State University
https://www.kent.edu/geauga/respiratory-therapy-technology-aas
Ashtabula, OH
Comprehensive Training for a Dynamic Healthcare Career
Kent State University’s Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Respiratory Therapy prepares students for careers treating patients with cardiopulmonary disorders through an in-depth curriculum and extensive clinical training. The program equips students with the hands-on skills needed to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients, including those requiring life support in critical care environments. Practicing under the supervision of physicians, graduates assume responsibility for therapeutic procedures and diagnostic testing.
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and prepares students for national certification exams to become Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapists (CRT, RRT), as well as Pulmonary Function Technologists and Neonatal Pediatric Specialists.
Industry-Recognized Outcomes and Accreditation
The program’s goal is to ensure graduates demonstrate strong cognitive, psychomotor, and affective competencies essential to respiratory care. Graduates will be prepared to take the national credentialing exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which are required for professional licensure. This rigorous program is backed by experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with real-world training that reflects current industry standards. The A.A.S. in Respiratory Therapy from Kent State is ideal for students seeking a respected credential and a clear pathway into a growing field of healthcare.
Lone Star College
https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/respiratory-care-aas.htm
The Woodlands, TX
Flexible Respiratory Care Education with Real-World Experience
The Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care at Lone Star College offers a 66-credit, two-year program that prepares students for high-demand roles in respiratory therapy. Beginning in Fall 2025, the program will include a part-time evening option, offering added flexibility for working students. The curriculum is designed to develop students’ knowledge and skills in therapeutic procedures, diagnostic testing, emergency care, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Lone Star’s hands-on training takes place in simulated hospital environments with cutting-edge equipment and includes clinical placements in affiliated healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared for licensure and certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Accredited, Affordable, and Career-Focused
Accredited by CoARC, the Lone Star College Respiratory Care Program emphasizes outcomes-based learning across all patient populations, including neonatal and critical care. With a median salary of $78,597 and more than 230 annual job openings in the region, the program delivers a strong return on investment. Graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, home care, sleep centers, and rehabilitation facilities. Additionally, many general education credits are transferable to Texas public institutions, supporting future educational advancement. This program is an excellent choice for students looking for an affordable, industry-recognized credential with strong job prospects.
Northern Essex Community College (NECC)
https://www.ntc.edu/academics-training/programs/all/associate-degree/respiratory-therapy
Haverhill, MA
Program Overview
NECC’s Respiratory Care Associate Degree program prepares students to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of breathing disorders across a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, respiratory function, and critical care, and includes supervised clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared for the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing exams (CRT and RRT) and state licensure.
Duration, Tuition, and Outcomes
The program follows a structured pathway with recommended semester-by-semester courses. For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition is $346 per credit for in-state students. Graduates can pursue roles in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics, and have opportunities to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at partner institutions.
Tidewater Community College (TCC)
https://www.tcc.edu/programs/respiratory-therapy/
Norfolk, VA
Program Overview
TCC’s Respiratory Therapy Associate of Applied Science program offers a hands-on education using a high-fidelity simulation lab to prepare students for real-life critical care scenarios. The curriculum emphasizes patient care for all age groups, focusing on mechanical ventilation, drug administration, and emergency procedures. Clinical rotations further reinforce practical skills.
Duration, Tuition, and Outcomes
This 67-credit program spans 6 semesters and is offered at the Virginia Beach campus. The program is nationally accredited by CoARC and prepares students for RRT certification and licensure in Virginia. Graduates reportedly earn a median salary of $77,960 and benefit from strong job placement rates and employer satisfaction.
Southern Maine Community College (SMCC)
https://www.smccme.edu/academics/pathways/health-sciences/respiratory-therapy-associate-degree/
South Portland, ME
Program Overview
SMCC’s Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree prepares students to treat patients with cardiopulmonary issues across all age groups. The curriculum covers diagnostic procedures, therapeutic treatments, and critical care practices. Students gain clinical experience and are trained for RRT certification through CoARC-accredited coursework.
Duration, Tuition, and Outcomes
The full-time program consists of 77 credit hours completed over 5 semesters. Full-time tuition is approximately $4,156 per year, with additional program costs. Graduates benefit from a 100% job placement rate (2019–2021) and can pursue licensure in Maine or explore requirements for other states if relocating.
Northcentral Technical College (NTC)
https://www.ntc.edu/academics-training/programs/all/associate-degree/respiratory-therapy
Wausau, WI
Program Overview
NTC’s Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree offers training in all facets of respiratory care, from patient evaluation and treatment to life support and clinical decision-making. Students are prepared for both entry-level and advanced RRT credentialing exams through an in-depth, CoARC-accredited program.
Duration, Tuition, and Outcomes
The program includes 67 credits and can typically be completed in two full-time semesters per academic year. Estimated in-state tuition is $4,844 annually, with a full estimated cost of attendance (including housing, books, and transportation) ranging from $17,027 to $23,166 depending on living situation. Licensure is aligned with Wisconsin requirements, and students planning to work in other states should verify additional criteria.
Pima Medical Institute
https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/associate/respiratory-therapy
Mesa, AZ, Tucson, AZ, San Marcos, CA , Denver, CO, Las Vegas, NV, Albuquerque, NM, Houston, TX, Renton, WA
Comprehensive On-Campus Training in Under Two Years
The Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree Program at Pima Medical Institute (PMI) is a 21-month, on-campus program designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and clinical experience needed to become registered respiratory therapists. The curriculum includes specialized training in cardiopulmonary diseases, pharmacology, therapeutic procedures, and advanced respiratory care for neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. Students also learn essential professional traits for working in emergency situations and high-pressure healthcare environments.
Career-Ready Outcomes and State Licensure Preparation
PMI’s program offers both academic instruction and hands-on clinical training, preparing graduates to sit for licensure exams and pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. The program is offered in several states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. Although there are online components, the program requires on-ground attendance at designated campuses. Prospective students should consult with advisors if they plan to relocate, as this may impact licensure eligibility.
Skyline College
https://skylinecollege.edu/respiratorycare
San Bruno, CA
Accredited Two-Year Program with Extensive Clinical Training
The Respiratory Care Associate Degree at Skyline College is a fully accredited two-year program consisting of 60 units. It prepares students to become Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) through rigorous instruction and over 800 hours of clinical experience in San Francisco and San Mateo County healthcare facilities. The program focuses on key competencies in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains, aligning with national credentialing standards for Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs).
Strong Employment Prospects and Pathways to Advancement
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the NBRC Exam and apply for state licensure in California. The program emphasizes both technical skills and soft skills such as compassion, problem-solving, and attention to detail. With demand for respiratory therapists expected to grow by 14% over the next decade, Skyline graduates are well-positioned for success. Notably, the college also offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care, allowing motivated students to advance their education and career potential.
Conclusion
A 20-month Respiratory Therapy Associate of Applied Science (AOS) degree offers a fast, affordable path into a growing healthcare career. With a median annual salary of $77,960 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), respiratory therapists can repay their educational investment in a reasonable timeframe.
If a student graduates with $20,000 in total education-related debt, repayment timelines based on income percentage could look like this:
- 5% of salary ($3,898/year): ~5.1 years to repay
- 10% of salary ($7,796/year): ~2.6 years to repay
- 20% of salary ($15,592/year): ~1.3 years to repay
Most accredited programs prepare students for national certification and state licensure, enabling rapid entry into high-demand roles in hospitals, clinics, and specialized care settings. With strong job growth, clinical training, and licensure pathways, respiratory therapy is a smart choice for students seeking a reliable and rewarding healthcare profession.