Respiratory Therapy is an Associate Degree program (Hybrid) offered by Carrington College in Visalia, CA. The program takes 75 weeks; 86 semester credits (Pleasant Hill total $63,570) to complete, with a total cost, including fees, of $58,985.
Program Overview
Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists perform therapeutic respiratory treatments and diagnostic procedures. They are required to exercise considerable, independent clinical judgment in the care of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.
The Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy is a three-academic-year program that prepares graduates for advanced-level respiratory care. The program covers anatomy and physiology of cardiac and respiratory systems, biochemical and cellular functions, principles of pharmacology and cardiopulmonary drugs, and skill in patient examination, assessment, intervention, and treatment planning, especially in relation to the pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary diseases, as well as emergency medicine, resuscitation equipment, intubation, airway clearance, chest tubes, and tracheostomy care. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible for the NBRC credentialing exams, which include the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).
Offered to new students at: Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Pleasant Hill, Ontario, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, and Visalia.
What Sets This Program Apart
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Respiratory Therapy program, graduates will be able to:
- Perform clinically as a competent advanced-level Respiratory Therapist.
- Exemplify critical thinking and judgment skills.
- Demonstrate personal and professional behavior consistent with a Respiratory Therapist.
- Earn Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP) certifications.
- Become a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
- Characterize the philosophies of lifelong learning and professional growth by participating in continued education and community outreach.
- Demonstrate the social skills, professional appearance, attitudes, and behavior that employers expect of graduates.
- Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior, and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Institutional Accreditation
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at http://www.accjc.org/.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene programs at the Boise, Mesa, Ontario, Sacramento, San Jose, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The Physical Therapist Assistant programs at the Las Vegas and Pleasant Hill campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The Associate Degree in Nursing programs at the Albuquerque (NM), Phoenix (AZ), Mesa (AZ), Reno (NV), and Tucson (AZ) campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), with the most recent decision being Continuing Accreditation; the Las Vegas (NV) program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective April 23, 2025.
The Nursing Bridge program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation). The Practical Nursing program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation); the Albuquerque, New Mexico Practical Nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective September 5, 2024 (candidacy expires September 5, 2026).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered through the Sacramento campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science degree programs at the Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Ontario, Phoenix, Pleasant Hill, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
The Surgical Technology programs at the Bakersfield, Fresno, Phoenix, Rancho Cordova, San Jose, and Temecula campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
The Veterinary Technology programs at the Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, and Stockton campuses are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). AVMA accreditation for the Veterinary Technology program in Ontario is currently assigned to San Joaquin Valley College and will transfer to Carrington-Ontario 30 days before the next scheduled start date.
The most current information on accreditation and approvals can be found at https://carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentBe a graduate of an approved high school or hold a GED / High School Equivalency credential.
- Admissions assessmentPass the required admissions assessment with the minimum score designated by the program, where applicable.
- Minimum ageMeet the minimum age defined by the state in which you attend Carrington College.
- Enrollment documentationComplete all required enrollment documentation.
- Background check & health clearancesDepending on the program, a criminal background check, drug screening, and immunizations may be required before clinical or externship placement.
Application Process
- 1Request InformationSubmit the Request Information form and an Enrollment Services Representative will reach out to discuss the program, schedule, and your goals.
- 2Interview & RequirementsMeet with an Enrollment Services Associate, confirm you meet the admission requirements, and complete the admissions assessment.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA and meet with the financial aid office to review Pell Grants, federal loans, Work-Study, and VA/GI Bill options.FAFSA Code for Visalia: 009748Fill Out the FAFSA
- 4EnrollSign your Enrollment Agreement, register for classes, and attend orientation to begin the program.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Program Schedule
Approximate time to complete degree program: 75 weeks (not including breaks). Campus-based.
Curriculum
Technical and general education courses (Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Ontario, Phoenix, Pleasant Hill, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, and Visalia):
- RCS115 Human Anatomy and Physiology For The Respiratory Care Therapist With Lab
- RCS125 Introduction to General Chemistry For The Respiratory Care Therapist With Lab
- RCS135 Microbiology For The Respiratory Care Therapist With Lab
- RCP100 Introduction of Respiratory Care; RCP130 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care; RCP110 Respiratory Care Pathophysiology; RCP140 Pharmacology
- RCP150 Ventilatory Principles of Respiratory Care; RCP160 Critical Care Principles of Respiratory Care; RCP170 Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care; RCP180 Specialized Respiratory Care; RCP190 Advanced Respiratory Care; RCP120 Clinical Laboratory Practice
- RCP210 Clinical Practice Rotation 1; RCP220 Clinical Practice Rotation 2; RCP230 Clinical Practice Rotation 3
- ENG101 English Writing and Composition; HUM200 Ethics in Contemporary Society (Arizona and California only); MTH151 College Algebra; PSY101 Introduction to Psychology; GOV141 Nevada and US Constitutions (Nevada only)
Total for Degree: 86 semester credits.
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
The total program cost for the Respiratory Therapy associate degree at Carrington's California campuses is $58,985. This all-inclusive price covers tuition, your eBook and physical textbooks, an iPad, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) where required. Additional screening fees (Live Scan, drug/health, and background check) may apply, and actual cost can vary with transfer credits accepted and any course repeats. Use the Net Price Calculator to estimate your personalized cost after aid.
Carrington College complies with all applicable state and federal equal credit opportunity laws; however, Carrington College does not guarantee financial assistance or credit to any student.
Federal Student Aid Programs
There are three categories of federal financial assistance: grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study. To help students pay for post-secondary education, the U.S. Department of Education offers six primary federal financial aid programs, and Carrington College is eligible to participate in all six.
- Federal Pell Grants help fund post-secondary education for undergraduate students who have not previously earned bachelor's degrees. Grants are need-based and do not require repayment if the student remains in school during that term.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) provide supplemental funds to Federal Pell Grant-eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional need.
- Federal Work-Study (FWS) enables students who demonstrate financial need to earn wages to assist with paying for their education expenses through part-time education-related or community-service employment.
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are obtained from the U.S. Department of Education and must be repaid, typically once students have graduated or stopped attending school at least half the time.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans (Parent Loans) allow parents of dependent students to borrow a maximum of educational costs less financial aid per academic year.
Many lenders also offer non-federal (private) loans to supplement federal financial aid.
Veterans Benefits
Students who may qualify for veteran's education benefits should notify their Carrington College Enrollment Services Associate and Financial Services Advisor as far in advance of their scheduled class start date as possible. Benefits may be awarded under the GI Bill, including the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve, Dependent's Education Assistance (Chapter 35), and Post-9/11 (Chapter 33). Carrington College participates in the federal Yellow Ribbon program for students using Chapter 33 benefits (not available at all locations).
Financial Services
Services are available to assist all students with loan repayment options, deferments, debt management, and financial literacy.
Total program tuition is $58,985 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).
What to Expect as a Student at Carrington College
Student Advising
We provide assistance and support to students who experience academic or personal issues during the course of their education. Staff are ready to assist you with developing a course of action designed to address your particular challenge.
Academic Support
Instructors are your first point of contact for support. All ground campus instructors have office hours and contact information posted in the course syllabus, and students are encouraged to use this time for one-on-one tutoring and identifying suggestions for improving study techniques and habits. The College Library subscribes to many databases containing current, full-text articles from periodicals, including peer-reviewed scholarly journals, and access to multimedia and electronic books available 24/7.
Tutoring, Mentors & Peer Support
Ground campus instructors are your first point of contact when requesting tutoring. Ground campuses also have student mentors who are the second point of contact for tutoring services, and students are encouraged to form study groups.
Student Success Center
Student Success Centers are spaces on campus where students can go to find additional resources and support, including information related to their program of study as well as general information and guidance on student success strategies.
Personal Resources
The College may provide assistance with transportation, childcare, counseling, food, utilities, and prevention programs. The Dean can connect students with these resources and provide referrals to appropriate outside agencies. Resources will vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Institutional Accreditation
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at http://www.accjc.org/.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene programs at the Boise, Mesa, Ontario, Sacramento, San Jose, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The Physical Therapist Assistant programs at the Las Vegas and Pleasant Hill campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The Associate Degree in Nursing programs at the Albuquerque (NM), Phoenix (AZ), Mesa (AZ), Reno (NV), and Tucson (AZ) campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), with the most recent decision being Continuing Accreditation; the Las Vegas (NV) program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective April 23, 2025.
The Nursing Bridge program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation). The Practical Nursing program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation); the Albuquerque, New Mexico Practical Nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective September 5, 2024 (candidacy expires September 5, 2026).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered through the Sacramento campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science degree programs at the Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Ontario, Phoenix, Pleasant Hill, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
The Surgical Technology programs at the Bakersfield, Fresno, Phoenix, Rancho Cordova, San Jose, and Temecula campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
The Veterinary Technology programs at the Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, and Stockton campuses are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). AVMA accreditation for the Veterinary Technology program in Ontario is currently assigned to San Joaquin Valley College and will transfer to Carrington-Ontario 30 days before the next scheduled start date.
The most current information on accreditation and approvals can be found at https://carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.