Respiratory Care

If you’re interested in a career helping people breathe easier, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Care could be the path for you. This one-plus-one hybrid degree program prepares students to become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT), a vital role in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings.

Students first complete general education courses at their home college, then move into the professional phase, learning specialized skills through online classes, hands-on labs, and clinical experiences in real healthcare settings. In just one additional year after general education coursework, students are ready to start their careers.

Graduates are eligible to take national exams to earn the RRT credential and apply for state licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. These credentials open the door to working in a wide range of healthcare environments, making a difference in the lives of patients every day.

This program is offered through the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC), with East Central College (ECC) serving as the fiscal agent. Partner colleges include East Central College, Moberly Area Community College, State Fair Community College, North Central Missouri College, and Three Rivers College.

The professional coursework follows a nontraditional schedule, beginning in the fall semester and running through the fall semester of the following year.

Respiratory Care Programs by Location

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