Respiratory Care

Choose a Degree Designed for Respiratory Care

This program is perfect for El Camino students who want to start their careers in respiratory care as soon as possible. It’s designed to help you become a respiratory care practitioner licensed by and registered in California.

Respiratory Care Associate of Science (AS) Degree

Drawing upon concepts that include cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, proper usage of respiratory care equipment, and more, this degree prepares you for a career in the respiratory care field.

• Take respiratory care courses in a variety of fields like anatomy and physiology, patient care, chronic respiratory conditions, and professional standards.
• Explore key respiratory care concepts as you build fundamental skills in critical thinking and creative problem solving.
• Consider respiratory care careers in various fields, including critically ill patient care, perinatal and pediatric patient care, and more.
• Develop the passion for compassionate patient care and ethical professional practice that is essential to a respiratory care career.

Respiratory Care Certificate of Achievement

Drawing upon concepts that include cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, proper usage of respiratory care equipment, and more, this certificate prepares you for a career in the respiratory care field.

• Take respiratory care courses in a variety of fields such as anatomy and physiology, patient care, chronic respiratory conditions, and professional standards.
• Explore key respiratory care concepts as you build fundamental skills in critical thinking and creative problem solving.
• Consider respiratory care careers in a variety of fields including critically ill patient care, perinatal and pediatric patient care, and more.
• Develop the passion for compassionate patient care and ethical professional practice that is essential to a respiratory care career.

Pursue an Entry-Level Respiratory Care Job

As an El Camino respiratory care graduate, you’ll be ready to start work in an entry-level respiratory therapy position. We’ll help you build the scientific knowledge and hands-on skills for any career you choose.

• Start a career in a wide variety of fields related to respiratory care in acute and chronic care settings, hospitals and medical clinics, or private offices.
• Apply your understanding of compassionate patient care and ethical professional practice to be successful in the workplace.
• Use the academic foundation you have developed in respiratory care to pursue additional training and advanced degree options.
• Median salary for an entry-level respiratory therapist is almost $80,000.

Build Your Respiratory Care Network Beyond the Classroom

As an El Camino Respiratory care student, you become part of a professional community. The perspectives and connections you develop here will prove valuable throughout your career.

• Gain hands-on experience needed to become a California licensed respiratory care practitioner and/or registered respiratory therapist.
• Prepare to apply for all state and national advanced specialty credentialing examinations after completing the program.
• Learn to provide a wide range of high-tech and high-touch therapeutic interventions to patients in acute and chronic care settings.
• Practice skills through laboratory exercises and clinical performance evaluations in simulated and actual patient care situations.