Respiratory Care

The Respiratory Care profession has changed in scope of practice over the years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people became aware of ventilators and how crucial they are for patients with breathing problems. 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.

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.

Degree Option

Respiratory Care Bachelor of Applied Science BAS

Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
Costs per year: $7,572 tuition and fees
Program Map: Bachelor of Applied Science - Respiratory Care
Catalog: Bachelor of Applied Science - Respiratory Care

Catalog: Bachelor of Applied Science - Respiratory Care

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Career

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.

Respiratory Therapists practice in hospitals, healthcare clinics, diagnostic labs, sleep labs, home care facilities, long-term care facilities, educational settings, and more.

This program is 4 years for full-time students, however students may also attend part-time while taking prerequisite courses. Most courses are in-person; prerequisite courses may have alternate or flexible modalities. 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.

Respiratory Care Associate in Applied Science Transfer AAS-T

Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
Program Map: Associate in Applied Science Transfer - Respiratory Care (Pre)
Catalog: Associate in Applied Science Transfer - Respiratory Care (Pre)

Catalog: Associate in Applied Science Transfer - Respiratory Care (Pre)

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Career

This degree transfers directly into the Respiratory Care Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS). It is not designed to transfer to other colleges or universities. Please email respiratorycare@highline.edu for more information.

After Highline College

After completing the BAS in Respiratory Care and credentialing in the field, students are eligible to apply for Masters of Science in Respiratory care programs such as those at Boise State university or Northeastern university. Students are also eligible to apply for Physicians assistant programs such as the MEDEX program at UW, these programs require work experience.