Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care
Everyone heard about ventilators, and their importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Who is responsible for managing all those ventilators? Respiratory Therapists! Respiratory Therapists are the professionals who manage ventilators, providing life-saving breath to patients with lung issues. They work in hospitals, clinics, and labs, and directly impact patients’ lives by improving their ability to breathe, often saving lives in critical situations.
There are opportunities for specialization in areas such as neonatal and pediatric care, critical care, or pulmonary rehabilitation. Careers in this field offer good pay, great benefits, and flexible hours. Highline College’s Bachelor’s Degree program in Respiratory Care program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
In addition to solid foundational coursework, clinical experiences at sites such as Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Virginia Mason and Swedish Hospital allow students to kick-start their careers.
Come check out our program!
CAREER OUTLOOK
Respiratory Care Therapy is a growing profession. The median salary in King and Pierce Counties for someone with a bachelor’s degree, just starting their career, is $95,500. This is 22% higher than the national average. Projected job growth is 26% annually. Most graduates get jobs within a few weeks.
SAMPLE CAREERS INCLUDE:
Respiratory Therapists practice in hospitals, healthcare clinics, diagnostic labs, sleep labs, home care facilities, long-term care facilities, educational settings, and more.
PROGRAM COST:
Approximately $7,386 per academic year (45 credits), plus books and other fees. Costs and fees are subject to change. Financial Aid is available.
PROGRAM LENGTH:
Four years for full time students, however students may also attend part-time while taking prerequisite courses which takes longer. Most courses are in-person; prerequisite courses may have alternate or flexible modalities.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Students complete 1 year (45 credits) of prerequisite courses prior to applying for the Respiratory Care Program. Please see a Respiratory Care Advisor for prerequisite course and application information.
“Before the pandemic, I just felt like respiratory care would be the right career path for me. During the pandemic, it confirmed that for me. Being able to be at the front line to fight the pandemic and help others has given me a purpose and motivation to challenge and appreciate my life every day.” Lor said she’s had many influential instructors during her time at Highline. “Throughout the Respiratory Care program, they have continued to support me as a student and challenged me every day with positive encouragement … For that, I’m thankful for all of them.”
—MAI XEE LOR, Respiratory Care BAS Alum