LEARN TO HELP PEOPLE BREATHE EASIER
As a Respiratory Therapist you can help those having issues breathing, whether it from a blocked passageway, intense asthma attack, or another life-threatening experience.
Aurora Respiratory Therapy Associate of Applied Science Degree Program Overview
Respiratory therapists need to understand the anatomy and physiology of the lungs and heart, as well as various disorders and diseases which can affect them. RTs also need to understand therapies and interventions available and what clinical situations call for them. Concorde's associate degree prepares students to deliver to:
- Treat people with asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema and other conditions.
- Sit for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC),†
- Complete the associate degree program in as few as 17 of study.*
Take the Next Step Now
Think a career as a respiratory therapist could be a breath of fresh air? Contact Concorde in Aurora today to find out if our associate degree program is right for you!
*Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.
**Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021-2031 projected job demand https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
†Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment
ᶛᶛClinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.
Curriculum
Respiratory Therapy Program Coursework
Our associate degree program teaches a combination of general knowledge, clinical knowledge and practical skills for treating patients with breathing disorders. Students also complete clinical rotations to apply knowledge and skills in real-world care settings.ᶛᶛ All in as few as 17-months.*
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Applied Respiratory Therapeutics
- Clinical Medicine
Respiratory Therapy Program Overview
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).
Concorde's respiratory therapist programs emphasize the following:
- Oxygen therapy
- Bronchodilator
- Chest physiotherapy
- Patient teaching and instruction
- ECG
The clinical experience provides Concorde graduates with a variety of cases and medical professional interactions - helping you better prepare for a career as a respiratory therapist.ᶛᶛ
220
Lab Hours
Practice On-Campus
Students will complete on-campus labs including simulations and patient care settings.
870
Clinical Hours
Real-World Application
Taking what you've learned in the classroom and practiced in a lab will culminate with real-world application through clinical rotation(s).
Respiratory Therapy Licensure & Certification
When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). If you meet the RRT score on the TMC, you'll then be eligible to sit for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) of the NBRC.
Achieving the minimum acceptable score on the TMC will result in receiving the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. To receive the RRT credential, you must pass the TMC, at the RRT level, and the CSE exams.‡
The cost for your certification exam as well as pre-certification exam prep coursework is covered by Concorde.
Tuition fee for the program of study includes the cost for an eligible graduate's first attempt to sit for professional certification.
Concorde expects all students to complete pre-certification exam prep training through the campus resources at no additional cost to the student.***
*Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount..
‡Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
†Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
***Prep does not guarantee certification, employment or subsequent salary.
ᶛᶛClinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.
Career Outlook
Respiratory Therapists Continue to be in Demand
Respiratory Therapist jobs are projected to grow nationally at a much-faster-than-average rate.
The spread of respiratory infections caused by the Coronavirus pandemic is one factor driving national employment demand projections. Pre-pandemic the field was forecasted to grow based upon the increasing middle-age and elderly populations where increases in respiratory conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia can increase the need for respiratory care.
14%
Projected national job demand for Respiratory Therapists, 2021-2031**
Where do Respiratory Therapists Work
- Hospitals and clinical environments
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Pulmonary physicians’ offices and clinics
- Home care companies
- Rehabilitation hospitals
**Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021-2031 projected job demand https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
What are possible career paths for a Respiratory Therapist?
Address and Hours
Aurora Campus
111 N. Havana Street
Aurora, Colorado 80010
FX: (303) 839-5478
Campus Hours of Operation
| Monday | 7 am - 7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am - 7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am - 7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am - 7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am - 6 pm |
| Saturday | By Appointment |
| Sunday | Closed |
Financial Aid
As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.
Accreditation
The Respiratory Therapy program (#200510) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care ; www.coarc.com.
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