Respiratory Care

Associate in Science (Program Code: 2148)

  • In Person

Gain marketable skills in respiratory care, treating and assessing patients affected by respiratory disorders.

Image Mask

Menu

Inset Anchor Here.

Program Overview

Respiratory care is a leading specialty that helps patients with breathing and lung issues achieve a better quality of life. Palm Beach State College's Associate in Science (A.S.) in Respiratory Care equips students with the expertise to treat respiratory issues across health care. 

This degree bridges the gap between classroom theory and clinical practice as students learn in PBSC's recently expanded respiratory care lab. Through hands-on experience, you'll be able to meet challenges of the dynamic health care environment, from disease prevention and diagnoses to treatment and rehabilitation of patients.

As you grasp respiratory care procedures, you're preparing to take the national exam to become a registered respiratory therapist. With your expertise, you'll bring relief to patients struggling with asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, congestive heart failure and more breathing-related issues. 

Program Details

  • Admission requirements:
    • High school diploma or GED     
    • Cumulative GPA 2.6 or higher 
    • Completion of prerequisite courses listed in Course Catalog
  • Location: On-site at Palm Beach Gardens campus
  • Credits: 76   
  • Program length: Two years   
  • Start Terms: Fall. View academic calendar.
  • Cost: $101 per credit hour for Florida residents, plus fees. View tuition details.     
  • Financial aid and scholarships: Available to qualified students. Learn about financial aid options.

Health Sciences Pathway Icon  This program is part of the Health Sciences Pathway. Learn more.

Career Outlook

Graduates of the A.S. degree in Respiratory Care gain marketable skills in basic and cardiac life support, electrocardiography, pulmonary function technology and more. With these in-demand skills, you'll have high employment success across the health care industry. Students will be ready to step into the fast growing profession of a respiratory therapist, helping patients of all ages achieve better breathing and lung health. 

Stackable Credentials

After completing your A.S. in Respiratory Care, you can:

Why Choose PBSC?

  • Student Leadership: Get involved in the Respiratory Care Club, connecting you to local health organizations.
  • High Standards: Learn practices established by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
  • Affordable Tuition: PBSC offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Florida, making a cutting-edge education accessible to all.
  • Career-Ready Mindset: Learn from expert faculty and graduate with the skills employers need in today's health care field.
  • Supportive Community: Access internships, industry networking and interaction with faculty dedicated to your success.

How to Apply

Take the Next Steps

Palm Beach State College's A.S. in Respiratory Care is your affordable, flexible and direct route to a rewarding career in a field that's shaping the future. Gain the technical, ethical and problem-solving skills employers want. Start your journey today!

Program Contact

Program Accreditation

Palm Beach State College, CoARC # 200370, A.S. degree program located on the Palm Beach Gardens campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com), 264 Precision Blvd. Telford, TN 37690,  817-283-2835.

CoARC Programmatic Outcomes Data | Program Number: 200370  
“CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.”

National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
This peer review organization is nationally accepted for setting standards for Respiratory Care education. Graduates from this accredited program are eligible to take national board exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This organization is accepted as the credentialing agency for Respiratory Care in the United States and Puerto Rico.


Program Mission
The mission of the Palm Beach State College Respiratory Care Program is to hold as its highest priority an academic and professional environment of excellence. To this end, there is commitment 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). Additionally, to promote lifelong learning where student, faculty and members of the health science professional community can refine skills and develop attitudes necessary to effectively meet the challenges of the dynamic health care environment realizing the best chance for success.