The Respiratory Care Program is designed to offer students the opportunity to obtain an Associate in Science Degree in Respiratory Care. Upon completion of the program, students will be registry-eligible respiratory therapists and will take the National Board for Respiratory Care Examinations. A graduate Respiratory Therapist is usually employed and licensed in the practice of Respiratory Care and has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to administer respiratory therapy to patients of all ages with varied diseases, and to patients in need of acute and critical care. Respiratory Therapists have the opportunity to learn and work in the acute care hospital setting, skilled nursing centers, rehabilitation, neo-natal intensive care, and home care environments. Because of the local need for graduates, scholarships are available through the College as well as through local hospitals. A freshman class begins each Fall semester. Currently, freshmen are accepted each year in May & June. Class size is limited by the number of critical care units in the S.W. Florida clinical affiliates which are essential to the clinical education of students.
The Program in Respiratory Care is a limited access program. The criteria for admission policies are available through the program office, the Edison State website or through the Health Professions office by calling (239) 489-9255. Information packets with application to the program may be downloaded by visiting www.Edison.edu/academics/respiratorycare.php The Program in Respiratory Care is nationally accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Respiratory Care Graduates Typically Earn:
The projected average of annual earnings of RT’s working in the U.S. is $56,222. In this study*, therapists just beginning their careers reported average annual earnings of $41,538.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor there are 2,300 national openings per year. Consistently, 90% of Edison State graduates from this program are locally placed.*
* American Association for Respiratory Care http://www.aarc.org/career/be_an_rt/
Note: Respiratory Care as a Career: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos084.htm
Continuing Toward A Bachelor’s Degree?
Edison State College has academic partnerships with many universities and colleges. For example, the Respiratory Care A.S. degree transfers to a B.S. in Cardiopulmonary Sciences at the University of Central Florida. Edison State graduates receive reduced tuition with many of our university and college partners. For more information, please contact the Edison State Baccalaureate and University Programs Division at (239)-489-9295.
Program Prerequisutes:
The program prerequisites include:
- Successful completion of program acceptance process including program-level admissions points
- Competition with all other applicants based on academic transcript evaluation and affective skills demonstration
The clinical enrollment process requires satisfactory completion of an immunization and health report. The admissions process requires satisfactory completion of a College criminal history background check completed at the applicant’s expense.
Respiratory Care Application Deadline: June 30
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