Respiratory Therapy (RT) is an Associate Degree program offered by Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque, NM. The program takes 6 semesters (96 weeks) to complete, with a total tuition of $50,830.
Program Overview
Objective: To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level respiratory therapists through didactic instruction and hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are skills in advanced respiratory care techniques including neonatal, pediatric, and adult special care procedures, general and advanced pharmacology, cardiopulmonary disease, patient assessment, and therapeutics.
Graduates of the program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree and are eligible to apply to take the National Board for Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. Those who meet the threshold on the TMC exam are eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to obtain the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
At a Glance: Program Type: Associate Degree. Delivery Method: On-ground or hybrid (hybrid delivery is offered only at Mesa, Denver, Las Vegas, and Renton campuses). Semester Credits: 85.0 (88.0 at the Las Vegas campus, which includes HST 205 Nevada History and US Constitution, 3.0 credits). Program Hours: 1,956 (2,001 Las Vegas). Program Weeks: 96. Program Semesters: 6 (16 weeks per semester).
Admission Requirements and Process
Admissions Requirements: In addition to the Admissions requirements listed in the Prospective Students section of this catalog, an interview with the program director and/or faculty is required. Refer to the program specific Prospective Student Handout for more information.
School Information
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition is $50,830.00. The published total cost is $58,546.00.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
Delivery Method: On-ground or hybrid (hybrid delivery is offered only at Mesa, Denver, Las Vegas, and Renton campuses). Program Semesters: 6 (16 weeks per semester). Program Weeks: 96. Program Hours: 1,956 (2,001 Las Vegas).
Career Outcomes
How Do I Get Certified as a Respiratory Therapist After Graduation? Graduates of the program from this school may sit for credentialing exams conducted by the National Board for Respiratory Care for the following positions: Respiratory Therapist; Registered Respiratory Therapist; Certified Respiratory Therapist.
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Respiratory Therapist? This associate degree program will prepare graduates to apply their skills in a number of different roles, such as respiratory therapist, educator, sleep disorder specialist and pulmonary function technologist. They can work in a variety of environments: hospitals; specialty clinics such as those for asthma or cystic fibrosis; long-term care facilities; pulmonologists' offices; sleep labs; air and ambulance transport companies.
Job Outlook: Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to an increased incidence of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
School Information
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition is $50,830.00. The published total cost is $58,546.00.