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Respiratory therapist student with syringe.

Respiratory Care

Associate of Applied Science

Pima’s Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care prepares you to become a skilled respiratory therapist, caring for patients of all ages — from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to adults with asthma or those on life support. You'll also learn to respond in emergencies like heart attacks and assist in diagnosing sleep disorders.

Training takes place in Pima’s state-of-the-art Health Professions Center of Excellence. In your second year, you'll complete 700 clinical hours in local hospitals, gaining real-world experience.

After graduation, you’ll be ready to take the National Board for Respiratory Care exams to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), the recognized standard for licensure in nearly every state.

What You Will Learn

  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Cardiopulmonary Diseases
  • Basic and Advanced Assessment and Monitoring
  • Basic Therapeutics and Clinical Procedures
  • Pharmacology for Respiratory Care
  • Principles and applications of Mechanical Ventilation
  • Neonatal and Pediatric Specialty Therapeutics
Explore more skills in our course catalog.
Apply Now

Program At a Glance

  • Length of Program

    2 years (full-time), including summers

  • Study Methods

    In Person | Hybrid

  • West Campus

  • Title IV Financial Aid eligible
  • Transfer Options Available
  • This program has additional admission requirements
"The instructors truly care about student success, offering guidance not just in academics but also in areas like scholarships and career development. Clinical rotations were an amazing experience; it felt like being a kid again, exploring and learning something new every day."
Maria
Respiratory Care graduate
A student speaks to a information center employee

Support When You Need It

Not sure if this is the right path for you? Schedule an appointment with an advisor to:

  • Discuss program options and pathways to a bachelor’s degree
  • Learn about funding and financial aid
  • Get personalized guidance to reach your goals
Talk to an Advisor

Pima’s Respiratory Care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
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