Respiratory Therapy

The Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy (A.O.S. in RC) at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to educate undergraduate respiratory care students to meet the healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities. Our mission is to motivate and provide guidance to each student throughout the program, preparing them to become valuable members of the allied health system. We strive to instill a sense of pride in the profession of respiratory care that will carry forth to every patient they encounter.

The program emphasizes the knowledge and skills appropriate for examinations required by the Respiratory Care Board of California and other regulatory bodies, such as the National Board for Respiratory Care.

The extensive clinical preparation is under the supervision of respiratory therapists. Instruction occurs on an online platform used in both laboratory and clinical settings.

This program prepares graduates to pursue entry-level employment or jobs in related fields. The goal of this program is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

• Provisionally Accredited by CoARC
• Hands-On Sim Lab Training
• Clinical Hours Provided
• Grads May Take RRT Exams
• Job Placement Assistance

All applicants to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts must meet the General Admission Requirements for all Programs, including the entrance exam where required, and the additional admission requirements for this program.

• Attend or view a live or recorded Information Session.
• Meet the following admission policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: immunization, health screening, and background check (see Policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts in School Catalog and “Admissions”).
• Submit original transcripts from the Registrar at an educational institution for those requesting credit-granting for courses. Copies of transcripts are not accepted. All coursework must be completed with a grade of at least a “C” and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (on a 4- point scale). All credit granting is subject to the Program Director or designee’s approval. Please allow seven (7) days for review.
• Take an Admission Assessment test: The A.O.S. in RC program requires applicants to take the CCAT exam.
• Participate in an interview with the Program Director or Designee in person or online.
• Submit a written essay on why they have chosen this career path.
• Submit a resume.
• Before starting this career choice, if an applicant has a criminal record and has been convicted of a felony, it would be in their best interest to contact the Respiratory Care Board (RCB) before they continue their education endeavors. “Having a prior criminal history does not preclude you from obtaining a license from the Respiratory Care Board of California (RCB). Each applicant for licensure must submit their fingerprints to the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal history background check. Upon notification of an applicant’s criminal history, if any, the RCB will open an investigation to determine whether there is a basis to deny the application for licensure.”

The program information, length, and schedule are subject to change. Please read the accompanying Addendum for changes and updates, and consult with the Admission Advisor for further details. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Respiratory Care Program has lab/classrooms equipped with audiovisual teaching aids, textbooks, journals, anatomical charts, models, and e-library resources. The laboratory is equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and equipment relevant to the field of respiratory care, including ventilators, nebulizers, and intubation equipment.

The student will receive a comprehensive education in didactics, laboratory, and clinical settings related to respiratory care. The Instructor-to-Student ratio is 1:25 during lectures, 1:10 in the laboratory, and 1:1 during externship.

The program consists of five (5) semesters of fifteen (15) weeks each. During the program’s first semester (15 weeks), students will take General Education courses and core courses for up to 12 hours per week via online delivery. During the second Semester (15 weeks), students will only be taking core classes from this point forward. Students can expect to spend approximately 16 hours a week in the educational setting, excluding outside work.

Semester three will include online didactic coursework, on-campus lab sessions, and the first clinical practice. Clinical Practice during this semester will occur during the first six (6) weeks, in which the student is expected to participate in clinicals for two (2) twelve (12) hour shifts, totaling twenty-four (24) hours a week.

Semester four will include online didactic coursework, on-campus lab sessions, and the second clinical practice. Clinical Practice during this semester will occur during the last nine (9) weeks, in which the student is expected to participate in clinicals for two (2) twelve (12) hour shifts, totaling twenty-four (24) hours a week.

Semester five will include online didactic coursework, on-campus lab sessions, and the third clinical practice. Clinical Practice during this semester will occur during the last nine (9) weeks, in which the student is expected to participate in clinicals for two (2) twelve (12) hour shifts totaling twenty-four (24) hours a week.

The student receives five hundred and seventy-six (576) hours in the clinical setting and eight hundred and seventy (870) hours of didactic and laboratory instruction. The curriculum equips students with the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills required to excel in this field. Additionally, the program prepares students to take their NBRC examinations, as described in the Student Handbook.

Upon completing the program, an Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy is awarded. The normal completion time for this program is seventy-five (75) weeks, excluding any holidays and vacation times. Class times can and may be rescheduled on an alternate day of the week (i.e., Sunday through Saturday) to ensure program completion is on time and the required program hours are fulfilled.

Upcoming start date for this program: May 3, 2027 (application deadline February 26, 2027).

Tuition and fees. Registration Fee (non-refundable) $100.00; Student Tuition Recovery Fund $0.00; Textbooks $425.00; Tuition $60,000.00. Total program cost $60,525.00. Total program cost excludes transportation, room and board, and personal expenses.

Total fees per period of enrollment. Period 1: $11,450.00; Period 2: $13,300.00; Period 3: $12,262.50; Period 4: $11,768.75; Period 5: $11,818.75.

Cost of Attendance, 2026–2027 (one academic year). Tuition & Fees $24,475.00; Books $275.00; Transportation $6,300.00; Food & Housing $17,876.00; Personal Expenses $638.00; Loan Fees $98.00; Laptop Fees $450.00; Total Cost of Attendance (One Academic Year) $50,112.00. Individual student costs will vary.

Financial aid. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Direct and Direct PLUS Loans, Cal Grant, Sallie Mae® and Campus Door loans, and veteran benefits, for those who qualify. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor. Gurnick's FAFSA school code is 041698.

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Other fees, as applicable. ATI TEAS $120; background check $33–$75; drug testing $74–$148; CPR $55–$80; fingerprinting $81 and up; licensing board fees $200–$500 depending on the exam and license; campus parking permit $25; graduation ceremony fee $20–$50. Some of these fees may be paid by Gurnick Academy for some programs.

Career paths. Respiratory Therapist.

Certification and licensure. NBRC Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s).

School Performance Fact Sheet. Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Care – 64 Semester Credit Hours at the Modesto campus is reported as a new program, so completion, placement and salary data are not yet available (published March 17, 2026).