Respiratory Therapy Program
What is a respiratory therapist?
A respiratory therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional specializing in assessing, treating, and caring for patients with breathing and heart disorders. RTs address a range of respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, sleep apnea, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis.
Elevate your learning and career by learning where you live. Our unique collaboration with Reynolds Community College allows us to offer a unique hybrid program with online lectures and skills training in your own backyard, right here at Mary Washington Hospital.
5 reasons why this profession might be a great fit for you:
- Service: Respiratory therapists positively impact patients’ lives by improving their ability to breathe, from premature infants to the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
- Diverse Patient Population: You’ll work with a wide range of patients from newborns to the elderly, contributing to their care and encountering various respiratory conditions.
- Job Stability: The demand for respiratory therapists is high, ensuring consistent employment opportunities. Employment is expected to grow by 13% in the next 10 years.
- High Earning Potential: Beyond personal satisfaction, respiratory therapists earn competitive salaries. Starting pay for board-certified RTs is approximately $60,000+ per year, with full benefits (at Mary Washington Healthcare), with potential for career advancement.
- Exciting Work Environment: Assessing patients, collaborating with healthcare providers, performing diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications keep the job dynamic and interesting.
Why join our HyFlex Program?
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Reynolds Community College’s comprehensive curriculum covers the latest advancements in respiratory care, equipping you with the skills needed to excel in this dynamic field.
- Flexible Learning: For the majority of the lecture courses, students have the flexibility to participate either face-to-face, via live video or online.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain practical skills in our state-of-the-art simulation lab and real-world clinical settings right in your own community at Mary Washington Hospital.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced respiratory therapists and healthcare professionals.
- Career Opportunities: Prepare for roles in hospitals, clinics, research facilities, home care agencies, and more. This program provides an excellent opportunity to begin a lifelong career as a respiratory therapist at Mary Washington Healthcare.
Program highlights
- Online Lectures*: Dive into theory, pathophysiology, and patient assessment through interactive online classes.
- Simulation Lab: Practice hands-on skills, from ventilator management to airway clearance techniques.
- Clinical Rotations: Apply your knowledge in real healthcare settings under expert supervision.
- Credentialing Support: We guide you through licensure, job placement, and professional development.
- *Note: Students will be required to attend presentations and other class activities on the Reynolds Community College, Downtown Campus.
Admission requirements
Prerequisite courses:
Obtain the Health Professions Career Studies Certificate (CSC)-Respiratory Therapy Track from Reynolds Community College OR the Health Professions Preparation Career Studies Certificate (CSC) at Germanna Community College . See websites for more information.Program details
- Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy from Reynolds Community College with eligibility to sit for credentialing boards. The AAS in Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory (CoARC)
- Location: HyFlex Learning through Reynolds Community College and face-to-face learning at Mary Washington Hospital.
- Duration: 5 semesters after completing one of the Health Professions CSCs.
- Tuition: See the tuition page for estimates. This program is eligible for G3 tuition assistance.
Join our dynamic Respiratory Therapy program and embark on a fulfilling career dedicated to improving lives, one breath at a time.
Contact information:
Stephanie Raymundo-Thompson, Healthcare Academic Advisor - Student Development for Germanna Community College: msraymundo-thompson@germanna.edu
Alicia Jones, Respiratory Therapy Distance Education Coordinator for Reynolds Community College: ajones@reynolds.edu or 804.523.5011
Jeanette Ellis, Respiratory Educator for Mary Washington Hospital/Stafford Hospital: Jeanette.Ellis@mwhc.com
Read more about respiratory therapy careers on Indeed.com.