Develop skills through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The Pima Community College Respiratory Care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835 (telephone), (817) 354-8519 (fax)
Before enrolling in this program, you must complete certain requirements. In addition to the course prerequisites listed below, this program requires a special Respiratory Care – AAS program application. Once all prerequisites are complete, you can access the program application on the MyPima Academics tab in the Degrees and Programs section.
To participate in the program, you must complete the following requirements by the program orientation date:
- Provide and maintain an Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Pass an initial toxicology screening and adhere to the chemical impairment policy.
- Complete a physical within one year of start date.
- Provide proof of immunization or immunity for MMR, Varicella, Hep-B, Tdap, and seasonal influenza.
- Provide proof of a negative two-step TB skin test or negative chest x-ray for TB.
- Maintain health insurance.
- Provide and maintain an American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.
Important Information on Licensure
- The Arizona State Legislature declares that the practice of respiratory care affects public health, safety, and welfare and should be subject to regulation and control by the Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care. This is in the public interest in order to protect the public from unauthorized practice of respiratory care, and from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice respiratory care. In order to practice as a respiratory therapist you will be required to obtain a state license.
What can I do with this degree?
Credentials: Graduates are eligible to earn the National Board of Respiratory Care certified respiratory therapist (CRT) and registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential.
Career Options: Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, intensive care units, emergency rooms, sleep laboratories, special-care facilities, doctor’s offices, air transport, case management, and other clinical settings caring for cardiopulmonary patients.
Academic Options: This program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Respiratory for direct employment as well as a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree as a Degree Advancement partnership with Northern Arizona University. Go to Pima’s Transfer Partnerships (https://www.pima.edu/student-resources/transferring-from-pima/index.html) page to determine which universities offer BAS programs, and research how the universities may accept this program in transfer.
Department/Contact Information:
Dean: 520-206-6661
Program Director: 520-206-3106
Limited Admissions Program:
Students must meet the preparatory coursework and any other prerequisites and apply to the program. Depending on available spots, students may be placed on a waiting list before starting the program. See the website or an advisor for details.
Respiratory Interest Program/Major code: AOA9ALA/9RTH
Respiratory Program/Major code: AASRESPTHERA/RTH1