Respiratory Therapy Program

What is a respiratory therapist?

A respiratory therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional specializing in assessing, treating, and caring for patients with breathing and heart disorders. RTs address a range of respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, sleep apnea, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis.

5 reasons why this profession might be a great fit for you:

1. Service: Respiratory therapists positively impact patients’ lives by improving their ability to breathe, from premature infants to the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
2. Diverse Patient Population: You’ll work with a wide range of patients from newborns to the elderly, contributing to their care and encountering various respiratory conditions.
3. Job Stability: The demand for respiratory therapists is high, ensuring consistent employment opportunities. Employment is expected to grow by 13% in the next 10 years.
4. High Earning Potential: Beyond personal satisfaction, respiratory therapists earn competitive salaries. Starting pay for board-certified RTs is approximately $60,000+ per year, with full benefits (at Mary Washington Healthcare), with potential for career advancement.
5. Exciting Work Environment: Assessing patients, collaborating with healthcare providers, performing diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications keep the job dynamic and interesting.

Why join our hybrid program?

• Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Reynolds Community College’s comprehensive curriculum covers the latest advancements in respiratory care, equipping you with the skills needed to excel in this dynamic field.
• Flexible Learning: Attend online didactic sessions from anywhere, anytime. Fit your studies around your busy schedule.
• Hands-On Experience: Gain practical skills in our state-of-the-art simulation lab and real-world clinical settings right in your own community at Mary Washington Hospital.
• Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced respiratory therapists and healthcare professionals.
• Career Opportunities: Prepare for roles in hospitals, clinics, research facilities, home care agencies, and more. This program provides an excellent opportunity to begin a lifelong career as a respiratory therapist at Mary Washington Healthcare.

Program highlights

• Online Didactics: Dive into theory, pathophysiology, and patient assessment through interactive online classes.
• Simulation Lab: Practice hands-on skills, from ventilator management to airway clearance techniques.
• Clinical Rotations: Apply your knowledge in real healthcare settings under expert supervision.
• Credentialing Support: We guide you through licensure, job placement, and professional development.

Admission requirements

Prerequisite courses: Obtain Health Science / Career Studies Certificate (CSC) from Reynolds Community College OR Health Professions Preparation Certificate program at Germanna Community College. See websites for more information.

Program details

• Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy from Reynolds Community College with eligibility to sit for credentialing boards. The AAS in Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory (CoARC)
• Location: Online through Reynolds Community College and in person at Mary Washington Hospital.
• Duration: 5 semesters. Attend both day and evening classes online.
• Tuition: See the tuition page for estimates. This program is eligible for G3 tuition assistance.

Join our dynamic Respiratory Therapy program and embark on a fulfilling career dedicated to improving lives, one breath at a time.

Contact Alicia Jones, Respiratory Therapy Distance Education Coordinator: ajones@reynolds.edu or (804) 523-5011

or Jeanette Ellis, Respiratory Educator for Mary Washington Hospital/Stafford Hospital: Jeanette.Ellis@mwhc.com.

Read more about respiratory therapy careers on Indeed.com.