
RESPIRATORY CARE
Become a vital part of the healthcare team with our Respiratory Care program designed to prepare you for a dynamic and in-demand career in respiratory therapy.
THE RIVER CAN HELP YOU…
- Qualify for the National Board for Respiratory Care Registry (NBRC) exam. Upon successful completion of the NBRC exams, you will be awarded the Registered Respiratory Therapist (R.R.T.) credential.
- Prepare to work in all aspects of cardiopulmonary care, from routine therapy to life-threatening emergencies. Get ready to help a patient population that ranges from newborns to senior citizens.
- Build personal, leadership and career skills needed by healthcare providers through our active chapter of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA).

AVAILABLE PROGRAM
Associate in Science in Respiratory Care
Associate Degrees
Credits or Hours: 76 credits
Indian River State College offers a number of different degrees and certificates leading to professional licensure in the state of Florida. Some professions require both a degree and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements, or clinical hours. Student eligibility to apply to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) in the State of Florida is defined in, F.S., 468.355 and requires possession of a valid form of identification. Please visit the Florida Senate, fs 468.355 website to ensure your eligibility.
Completion of the Respiratory Care program requirements makes you eligible to apply to take the Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) in Florida.
If you may choose to reside outside of Florida, IRSC cannot confirm whether this degree program meets educational requirements for professional licensure/certification in your state. Some states have requirements in addition to the program’s curriculum. If you wish to take the Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) exam in another state, contact the regulation of professions and occupations in the state to determine whether this degree will meet their licensure requirements.
Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Table for Registered Respiratory Therapist
Start your rewarding career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with an associate degree from the River. This 21-month, full-time program combines in-person and online academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience, giving graduates the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders and others.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program are well-prepared to work in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care, providing critical care to patients. Demand for skilled respiratory therapists is high and is expected to continue to grow, providing strong job prospects for RRTs.
Accreditation
The IRSC Associate in Science in Respiratory Care program at Indian River State College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Program #200380. CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an “outcome-based” process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
Programmatic Outcomes Data
CoARC
817-283-2835
https://coarc.com/
Additional Documentation:
- Respiratory Care Program Application Booklet
- Respiratory Care Program Expenses
- Respiratory Care Curriculum
- Occupational Risks
- Health Science Physical Examination and Immunization Form
- Background Check and Drug Screening Requirements
- Respiratory Care Program Student Handbook
- Health Sciences Division Handbook
- Post Exposure Protocol
- CPR Training
- Report Accident (Incident) Form
- AG Student Accident Claim Form
- Liability/Accident Insurance Coverage
- Insurance Procedures
- Allied Health Program Overview
- Refund Policy

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
At Indian River State College, our students who study Respiratory Care can go into these careers:

WE’RE HERE TO HELP
For more information about our respiratory care program, contact us or request more information to talk to one of our admissions counselors.

NEXT STEPS

APPLY TO THE RIVER
Discover what’s possible at Indian River State College. When you’re ready, our simple application process is here to help you take the next step.

PAYING FOR COLLEGE
We’re here to help you understand your options. From financial aid to scholarships and affordable tuition, The River is committed to making college accessible for everyone.

VISIT CAMPUS
Experience the energy of campus life for yourself. Schedule a tour to explore our facilities, meet students and staff, and discover what makes The River an incredible place to learn and grow.