Respiratory Therapy, A.A.S.

The Respiratory Therapy Associate of Applied Science Degree program prepares students with the knowledge, clinical, and behavioral skills essential to providing competent and caring services consistent with community and employer expectations.  Students acquire skills in patient assessment, clinical data evaluation, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, therapeutic techniques, emergency and critical care management, pulmonary rehabilitation and home care, and other special cardiopulmonary procedures.

Students who successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care at SJC are eligible to apply to sit for the board examination series administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). You will first take the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC). The TMC is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge required of respiratory therapists at entry into practice, as well as determine eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).

There are two cut scores for the TMC examination. If a candidate achieves the low-cut score, he or she will earn the certified respiratory therapist (CRT) credential. If a candidate achieves the high-cut score, he or she will earn the CRT credential AND become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). Once the candidate passes the CSE, they will be eligible to earn his or her registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential.

San Juan College Respiratory Therapy Program has been granted Continuing Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).  The Program was reviewed by CoARC and deemed in compliance with nationally established accreditation standards.  CoARC will conduct the next comprehensive evaluation of the Program in 2027.

Admission Requirements:

The application deadline is the last Friday in June.

Admission into the program is limited and competitive.  An applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent.  The Respiratory Therapy admissions scoring criteria include the following:

1. Prerequisites
2. Criminal Background Check, Immunization Record/ Health Certificate, and Drug Screen
3. Two letters of recommendation
4. Interview with the Program Director

For additional information please call 505-566-3851 or email us at: rt@sanjuancollege.edu.

Note:  Student must earn a grade of ‘C’ or higher in all courses to obtain a Respiratory Therapy A.A.S. degree.