Respiratory Therapy
Become a Respiratory Therapist
We are in the business of preparing some of the best Respiratory Care Practitioners in the nation.
The field needs motivated people who
- want to help others as a health care provider
- are mechanically inclined
- have solid communication skills
- think clearly under stress
Degree & Certificates
View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.
For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.
Bachelor of Science
Associate in Science
Certificate of Achievement
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC)
Application Opens February 2025 for Fall 2025 Program
The Respiratory Care baccalaureate degree program is intended for students who have completed an associate degree in the field of respiratory care, approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) as a pathway to complete a four-year degree. Coursework offered fully online. Complete in one year.
LEARN ABOUT BSRC PROGRAM & How to Apply
Fall 2025 Associate in Science Program — Apply Now
Application period for fall 2025 open from Oct. 1—April 30.
What is Respiratory Therapy?
Our two-year Respiratory Therapy program can prepare you for employment in the exciting high-tech health care field of respiratory care.
Respiratory Therapists manage the ventilation of critically ill patients as well as provide acute and chronic care to patients with pulmonary disease.
Most work is performed in the hospital environment. Program graduates are allowed to take all national board exams.
The Foothill College Respiratory Therapy Program has an excellent pass record for national board and state licensure examinations.
- Please visit the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com) to view our Foothill program outcomes data.
- You can search for Foothill on the CoARC Interactive Map of Outcomes Data.
- For a complete list of CoARC accredited programs, see Find an Accredited Program.
Respiratory therapists can specialize their work
- Hospital staff respiratory therapist
- Respiratory therapy management
- Respiratory therapy education
- Pediatric or neonatal respiratory care
- Pulmonary function testing
- Cardiac stress testing
- Bronchoscopy assisting
- Emergency respiratory care
- Respiratory therapy home care
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
Career Opportunities
The Foothill Respiratory Therapy Program prepares you for entry-level positions in the field, as a registry-eligible graduate therapist.
- Jobs include hospital staff respiratory therapist and independent home care respiratory therapist.
- The average annual salary for new graduates is approximately $90,000. The average annual salary for experienced registered therapists in the Bay Area is approximately $110,000 to $120,000.
- The average starting salary range was $40 to $60 per hour. Shift differentials and job duties can raise these salaries.
- Therapists can choose to specialize in newborn, pediatric or adult intensive care depending upon where they are employed.
- With experience, supervisory and educational opportunities are available.
Got Questions?
Learn More!
If you are interested in becoming a respiratory therapist, learn more. about our program at Foothill.
Questions?
We're Here to Help!
Health Sciences and Horticulture Career Support
650.949.7643
Building 5200
| Program: Respiratory Therapy Degree/Cert: AS/Yes Length: 2 years Start/End: Sept/June FT/PT: FT Number Accepted: 30 Application Window: October 1–April 30 Application Due: April 30 Prerequisites: Yes — See application. Approx. Cost of Program: $4,500 National Lic./Cert.: Yes State Lic.Cert.: Yes Est. Annual Salary: $90,000-$120,000 |
| Brenda Hanning, RRT, RCP Program Director Phone: 650.949.7466 Email: hanningbrenda@foothill.edu |
| Nancy Cheung, MPA, Division Dean cheungnancy@fhda.edu |
| Health Science & Horticulture Division |