The Respiratory Therapy Program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC), is designed to train students to function as Respiratory Therapists.

Respiratory Therapy is the application of technical skills involving a complete understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology and recognition of various pathological conditions that alter the patient’s ability to breathe effectively.

By applying medical gases under pressure - i.e., compressed air, oxygen, and other mixtures - to the airways through the use of various kinds of equipment, the therapist, under the direction of the physician, treats the diseased or ineffective respiratory system.

Some mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform fine motor movements with hands and fingers is required in learning the operation of specialized equipment. This includes diagnostic apparatus which aids the physician in detecting cardiorespiratory diseases.