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Respiratory Therapy: Building a Purposeful Career

Keiser University offers an associate degree program in respiratory therapy designed for students seeking to enter this rewarding healthcare career. Our respiratory therapy degree program prepares you to become a competent respiratory therapy professional ready to make a real difference in patient outcomes.

Develop Clinical Excellence in Respiratory Care

Build hands-on skills in ventilator management, diagnostic testing, and respiratory care practice under expert faculty guidance.

Learn from Experienced Respiratory Care Professionals

Learn from faculty who bring real-world experience from hospitals, intensive care settings, and emergency departments.

On-Campus Learning with Clinical Practice

Complete coursework on campus with clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities throughout your community.

Prepare for National Certification and Professional Licensure

Graduates are eligible to sit for the national accreditation exams for the designation of the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and apply for state license as a respiratory therapist.

At a Glance

76

Credit Hours

14

Major Courses

24

Months*

4

Week Terms

  • Up to 12 credits of transfer credit*
  • Career opportunities in hospitals, emergency medicine, home healthcare, and more
  • Available On-Campus
  • Financial aid for those who qualify**

* Time to degree completion and the number of transfer credits are estimates, not intended as a guarantee, and can vary based on many case-by-case factors.

** Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all your financial aid and funding options.

Respiratory Therapy Program Overview

Keiser University’s associate degree in respiratory therapy provides comprehensive training in all aspects of the respiratory care profession. Students learn to identify lung diseases, evaluate patients with breathing disorders, perform diagnostic procedures, and implement treatment plans under physician supervision. The curriculum covers everything from basic respiratory interventions to advanced care for individuals with cardiopulmonary disorders.
 
Clinical rotations place enrolled students in real healthcare environments where they manage ventilators for individuals requiring mechanical support, perform chest physiotherapy, analyze blood samples, and respond to emergency situations. This hands-on experience builds the demonstrated competence required for entry-level practice as a respiratory therapy associate.

Program Mission

The Respiratory Therapy program is designed to prepare students to become effective, knowledgeable, safe, and competent respiratory therapy practitioners who will practice under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician.

Program Goals

To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Program Philosophy

Respiratory Therapy is a profession that serves a diverse population. The respiratory therapy practitioner plays an integral role in the delivery of respiratory therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician.

The Respiratory Therapy curriculum integrates didactic, laboratory and clinical practicums, each of which plays a significant role in the education of the student.

The program:

  • Recognizes that communication and interaction skills play an integral role in the preparation of a student to become an advanced practitioner respiratory therapist
  • Recognizes that each student is an individual participant who brings a variety of needs and attributes to the educational process
  • Promotes diverse educational methodologies to create a rich learning environment for all students
  • Encourages both the faculty and the student to take responsibility for the learning environment, which requires cooperation and commitment from all individuals involved in the program
  • Recognizes that learning and assessment is a continuous process that is a necessary component of professional growth and development

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of a respiratory therapist include:

  • Identifying lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods.
  • Interviewing patients and doing chest physical exams to determine what kind of therapy is best for their condition.
  • Consulting with physicians to recommend a change in therapy, based on patient evaluation.
  • Analyzing breath, tissue, and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases.
  • Managing ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients who can’t breathe normally on their own.
  • Responding to Code Blue or other urgent calls for care.
  • Educating patients and families about lung disease so they can maximize their recovery.

Program Highlights

  • Sequential Curriculum Design – each course builds on previous knowledge. Enrolled students must complete courses with satisfactory grades to progress through the program sequence. This ensures demonstrated sufficient compliance with educational standards at each level.
  • Extensive Clinical Practice – clinical practicum courses provide supervised experience in affiliated healthcare facilities. Students apply classroom learning while working with individuals under licensed supervision, developing both technical competence and professional behaviors.
  • National Board Preparation- graduates become eligible to sit for the national accreditation exams for the designation of the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and apply for state license as a respiratory therapist. The national examinations consist of the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TCM) and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). Information on the exam process is available through the NBRC at nbrc.org
  • The AS Degree Respiratory Therapy program at Keiser University located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, program number 200571, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Prerequisites

Students entering the Respiratory Therapy major courses must meet these requirements:

  • Background check and drug screening;
  • Completion of prerequisites Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with a minimum of a “B” in each course;
  • Completion of the following prerequisite courses: MCB2000C and CHEM2045/L and all general education coursework with a minimum grade of “C” for each course;
  • Cumulative grade average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.

Estimated Student Costs

Estimated Average Expenses for the Respiratory Therapy Program
Tuition $11,468.00 per semester
Education Fee $980.00 per semester
Books $800.00 per semester
Health Insurance Market Value
Other Fees
Registration Fee $ 145.00 non-refundable
Application Fee $ 55.00 non refundable
Withdrawal Fee $ 100.00
Re-Entry Fee $ 150.00
Transcript Fee $ 5.00
One-Time Expense
Clinical Compliance Tracking $ 266.00
BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP Market Value
Medical Expenses/Screenings $ 293.00
Uniforms/Lab Coat/Stethoscope $ 200.00
Self-Assessment Exam:  Therapist Multiple Choice $ 50.00
Self-Assessment Exam:  Clinical Simulations for RRT $ 70.00
Boards and State Licensure Fees
National Board of Respiratory Care:  Therapist Multiple Choice Exam $ 190.00
National Board of Respiratory Care:  Clinical Simulations Exam $ 200.00

* Refer to undergraduate student catalog for specific tuition and program fees.

Faculty Directory

Medical Director

Dr. Jeffrey Wolkowicz MD
jeffrey.wolkowicz@keiseruniversity.edu

Program Director

Fitzwilliam Thompson, BHS, BA, RRT
fithompson@keiseruniversity.edu

Director of Clinical Education

Lloni-Rae Crooks, BS, RRT
 llonirae.crooks@keiseruniversity.edu

Faculty

Eliana Moreira, B.A., M.A., RRT
eliana.moreira@keiseruniversity.edu

Johanne Abraham, BS, RRT
johanne.abraham@keiseruniversity.edu

Adjunct Faculty

Bruce Hibber MPH, RRT
bruce.hibbert@keiseruniversity.edu

Annual Programmatic Outcomes Data

Published by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Outcomes data from the Annual Report of Current Status has been posted on the CoARC website. Follow this link directly https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/. CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes 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.

Accreditation Statuses

The AS Degree Respiratory Therapy program at Keiser University located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, program number 200571, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 264 Precision Blvd. Telford, TN 37690, (817) 283- 2835, www.coarc.com.

Program Outline

Available On-Campus
 
Associate Degree Program in Respiratory Therapy Courses
The respiratory therapy degree program at Keiser University provides comprehensive training for students pursuing careers as registered respiratory therapists. This accredited program combines classroom instruction with clinical practice to prepare graduates for the national board examination and entry into the respiratory care profession. Through coursework in respiratory care practice, pharmacology, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions, students develop critical thinking skills and technical competence needed to treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary diseases.
 
To receive an Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy, students must earn 76.0 credit hours. Each course in the Respiratory Therapy major is a prerequisite for the subsequent course and must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher in order to progress to the next course in the sequence. Students must complete all courses in the program core. Requirements are as follows:

Lower Division Courses

Respiratory Therapy Major Courses (42.0 credit hours total)
Respiratory Therapy Fundamentals 3.0 credit hours
Respiratory Therapy Theory 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Respiratory Medicine 3.0 credit hours
Pharmacology for Respiratory Care 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum I 3.0 credit hours
Diagnostic Procedures in Respiratory Care 3.0 credit hours
Intensive Respiratory Care 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum II 3.0 credit hours
Pediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Therapy 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum III 3.0 credit hours
Special Topics in Respiratory Therapy 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum IV 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum V 3.0 credit hours
Respiratory Therapy Management 3.0 credit hours
Behavioral Science (3.0 credit hours)
Introduction to Psychology 3.0 credit hours
Communications (3.0 credit hours)
Speech Communications 3.0 credit hours
Computers (3.0 credit hours)
Introduction to Computers 3.0 credit hours
English (3.0 Credit Hours)
English Composition I 3.0 credit hours
Humanities/Fine Arts (3.0 credit hours)
American Literature 3.0 credit hours
English Literature 3.0 credit hours
Mathematics (3.0 credit hours)
College Algebra 3.0 credit hours
Natural Science (16.0 credit hours)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4.0 credit hours
Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4.0 credit hours
Microbiology I 4.0 credit hours
General Chemistry 3.0 credit hours
General Chemistry Laboratory 1.0 credit hour

* An Associate of Science Degree is considered a terminal degree and is not transferable.

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Respiratory Therapy, AS
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#2 Best 4-year graduation rates, private, nonprofit, nonresidential
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What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy?

Graduates of Keiser University’s associate degree program prepare for careers across multiple healthcare settings. This respiratory therapy degree qualifies you to sit for the national board examination and pursue professional licensure as a registered respiratory therapist (RRT). Employment opportunities span hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, and specialized facilities where respiratory therapists work with diverse populations experiencing breathing disorders.

Career Paths for Respiratory Therapists

  • Intensive care departments
  • Emergency departments
  • Neonatal intensive care units
  • Cardiopulmonary departments
  • Surgical recovery areas
  • Pulmonary function testing labs
  • Sleep disorder centers
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Home health agencies
  • Patient education specialists
  • Equipment sales and service
Respiratory Therapy, AS

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Respiratory Therapy Career

  • Ventilator management techniques
  • Diagnostic testing procedures
  • Patient assessment and monitoring
  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation methods
  • Emergency response protocols
  • Clinical documentation practices
  • Professional communication with healthcare teams
  • Therapeutic interventions

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels. The student-centered approach ensures enrolled students receive individualized attention throughout their educational journey.

See What Sets Keiser Apart

Gabriela Green is a student in the respiratory therapy program at Keiser University. Inspired by her long-standing interest in the medical field, Gabriella explored several healthcare programs before deciding that respiratory therapy was the best fit for her career goals. After touring the campus and learning about the available options, she felt confident in her decision to pursue the program.

Gabriela’s short-term goal is to graduate and successfully complete her board exams, including the NBRC, TMC, and SIMS. Looking ahead, she hopes to work in a hospital setting, gain hands-on experience, and eventually specialize in critical care. She chose Keiser after receiving a recommendation from a friend, which motivated her to believe she could succeed as well.

Throughout her experience, Gabriela has appreciated the support and knowledge of her professors, especially instructors who have completed the same program themselves. She values how they prepare students not only in the classroom, but also during clinical training in hospital settings. Her advice to future students is simple: take the risk and go for it because you never know where the opportunity could lead.

Students Testimonials

At Keiser University we are here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives.

Kiefer Suau
Kiefer Suau
Software Engineering Graduate
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“The dedicated faculty and my incredible colleagues continually challenged, inspired, and encouraged me, shaping both my personal and professional growth. With my Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, I’ve been able to pursue meaningful contributions in public service and technology.”

Tom Buchanan
Tom Buchanan
Keiser University Nursing Student
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Tom Buchanan, a military veteran and nursing student, says Keiser helped him transition into a meaningful healthcare career where he could continue serving his community. He appreciates the strong support available to veterans, including a dedicated VA adviser who is responsive, helpful, and committed to ensuring students fully use the benefits they earned through service.

Audrey Chouraqui Azoulay
Audrey Chouraqui Azoulay
Cinematic Arts program graduate
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Audrey Chouraqui Azoulay, a Cinematic Arts program graduate, has shared her positive experience. She expressed gratitude to her professors, Samantha Kountz and Jean Jacques, for their encouragement and support during her studies. Her story highlights a passion for film production and acknowledges the program’s contribution to her success.

Kadeshia Rose
Kadeshia Rose
Keiser University Software Engineering Student
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The environment is friendly. The instructors really actually care about how you are going to get your degree. Keiser was a great fit.

Kennedy Foster
Kennedy Foster
Sports Management Graduate
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Keiser University has always supported me in every aspect of my life. Athletically, they have provided top-notch coaches, athletic trainers, and strength coaches who truly helped mold and build me into the player that I am today. Academically, my professors brought out the best in me and constantly made me think critically in real-world situations, and professionally, my professors truly prepared me for my current job. Every task I am given, I can think back to my time at KU and think of an assignment or discussion that I had.

Antigonie Sanabria
Antigonie Sanabria
Sports Management student
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I picked Keiser because, first of all, it’s a school sports management, so I knew that there would be a higher focus of that here, and I knew I could get the best education that I wanted to have if I attended.

Lee Tamburro
Lee Tamburro
Crime Scene Technology student
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Being able to solve problems and try to figure out what exactly happened and try to help whoever is the victim is amazing. In a smaller classroom setting you have more time with your teacher. A lot of times you’re just a name on a paper in a bigger class but in Keiser’s smaller classes format, it’s a little more personable, and one class at a time is very helpful.

Amya Black
Amya Black
Culinary Arts, AS degree student
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I chose Keiser because of a good friend of mine. She graduated last year and hearing all the good things about the program really made a difference. And this is possibly the best school experience I’ve had. Your teachers know your name. They know your personality. They know what to expect of you. Honestly, they push you to be the best version of yourself.

Marcus Walton
Marcus Walton
Keiser University Cybersecurity student
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Keiser University is one big giant family and I feel that I’ve I learned a lot more here than I would on a traditional campus. This university has changed my life; I’m more assertive, I am completing tasks more efficiently, and I’ve learned a whole lot about it and cyber security.

Haley Roberge
Haley Roberge
BS in Forensic Investigations graduate
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What I love about Keiser is the fact that there’s intimate class sizes, teachers that actually care about what you’re going to school for and they have real life experience; they’re going to be there for you throughout your journey; it’s not just you see that teacher one time and you’re done.

Will Doyle
Will Doyle
Sports Medicine & Fitness Technology Graduate
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I heard about Keiser University through a battle buddy that I was overseas with in the military. For me school was tough; the more one-on-one attention at Keiser helped me a lot and the teachers that seemed to reach out to you and care. I think that little push right there kept me dedicated. I became a gym owner because I got the skills I needed at Keiser.

Alex Avila
Alex Avila
Sports Medicine & Fitness Technology Student
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Hands On, Practical Instruction. We have incredible instructors who are very knowledgeable in this field.

Jacvelyne Michel
Jacvelyne Michel
Keiser University Nursing Student
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I chose to study at Keiser University because they offer the accelerated nursing program which I could get my BS in in 16 months. They push us to do our best and they’re very fixated on us passing all of our classes and understanding the concepts. And they really prepare us well for the NCLEX exam.

Ryan G
Ryan G
Culinary Arts Graduates
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“I know that when I go for a job interview and I have Keiser University on my resume that I am going to get the job.”

Jillian Bellis
Jillian Bellis
Keiser University Nursing Student
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Jillian Bellis, a nursing student, says Keiser University gave her the opportunity to return to school and pursue her lifelong passion for nursing. She highlights key benefits of Keiser, including flexible pathways for adult learners and career changers, supportive programs designed for students at different life stages, and the chance to pursue meaningful, career-focused education later in life.

Solange Mondesir
Solange Mondesir
Keiser University College of Nursing Student
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Seeing Keiser nurses out in the field – Keiser pushes out good nurses. So, I know I’m going to be prepared once I step out of the program.

Kadeshia Rose
Kadeshia Rose
Keiser University Software Engineering Student
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The environment is friendly. The instructors really actually care about how you are going to get your degree.  Keiser was a great fit.

Kiefer Suau
Kiefer Suau
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering graduate
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Keiser University provided me with the foundation to turn ambition into action, equipping me with the discipline, purpose, and support necessary to make a lasting impact. The dedicated faculty and my incredible colleagues continually challenged, inspired, and encouraged me, shaping both my personal and professional growth. With my Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, I’ve been able to pursue meaningful contributions in public service and technology, while advancing my career as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst for Behavioral Pedestal LLC and Spring Health ABA.

Brian Mardy, RN
Brian Mardy, RN
Associates of Science Degree in Nursing
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I was an active reservist and wanted to enter nursing. Keiser University provided me with new opportunities to do much more in life.

Gaelen Przybylowicz
Gaelen Przybylowicz
Keiser University B.S. in Law Enforcement Operations – Forensics Concentration Graduate
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I learned a lot about my subject field while attending Keiser. All my teachers continually promoted success and successful thinking, and my peers helped me to a higher standard than others because they knew I could achieve more.

Christy Marek
Christy Marek
Keiser University B.S. in Law Enforcement Operations Graduate
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KU taught me how to thoroughly do an investigation, read a police report, and understand crime scenes and photos of crime scenes along with any other evidentiary items. I really loved the classes in our program as well as being able to focus on one class a month. It allowed me to learn more.

Brandon Alexander Presley
Brandon Alexander Presley
Legal Studies Student
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“My experience at Keiser has been incredible, especially because of the small class sizes—they’re really catered to us and make learning more personal and engaging. As a veteran, I was worried about adjusting back to a structured routine, but the campus made that transition much easier.   Overall, this campus has truly become like a family to me.”

Sarah S.
Sarah S.
Keiser University Medical Assisting Graduate
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I cannot thank Keiser University enough for the experience and the learning opportunities I have had here. I never thought that at 20 years old, I would be halfway through my bachelor’s degree and working full-time as a medical assistant.

Quondra B.
Quondra B.
Keiser University Medical Assisting Graduate
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“I have had the experience of dealing with classes that accommodated my schedule of being a full-time employee as well as a full-time mother of three. The hands-on experience and the knowledge received was outstanding. I was elated by the amount of information I received in such a short period of time.”

Osmara Cailam
Osmara Cailam
Master of Science in Nursing Graduate
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“Choosing Keiser was instrumental because they offered small class sizes and the faculty provided one-on-one time with all of the students. Being in an online program, it is essential to have someone accessible to you and the faculty was always there when we needed them. I was also impressed at the structure, organization and curriculum for the program at Keiser.”

Arisnelvys Gonzalez, JD
Arisnelvys Gonzalez, JD
Paralegal Studies Graduate
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“Keiser University provided me with everything I needed for my future career as a licensed Florida Bar Attorney. While at KU I retained an Associates Degree in the Paralegal Studies Program. The Program helped me develop not only the essential skills a paralegal is required to hold but also long-term practical and professional skills.”

Justin Pugh
Justin Pugh
Full Stack Engineer
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“The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.”

John F. Phelan
John F. Phelan
Fire Chief – Mashpee, MA
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“When I first enrolled, I was new to the online educational environment and nervous as to how the experience would go. Keiser University has a knack for selecting educators who are perfect for this method of instruction, which allowed me and my fellow classmates to get up to speed quickly.”

Wayne Webb
Wayne Webb
Criminal Justice Graduate
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“KU prepared me for Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy and the Florida State Correctional program. I have finally reached my goal of becoming a full-time deputy, with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.”

Emily Emilov
Emily Emilov
Forensic Investigations Graduate
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“At Keiser University we’re here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives.”

Ayden Przybylowicz
Ayden Przybylowicz
Associate of Science in Culinary Arts Graduate
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“Because of the experiences I had at Keiser, along with the contacts I made, I made great progress throughout my career already. I thoroughly enjoyed the quality of my education at KU.”

Jennifer Kotzur
Jennifer Kotzur
Curriculum and Instruction, PhD
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“The C & I program at Keiser University is one of the best PhD programs, offering student-center learning and student-first learning. KU provided the rigor and growth I needed to be prepared for my future endeavors.”

Marie Boone
Marie Boone
Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN
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“I chose Keiser University because I was looking for a local University that was flexible and suited my needs as a parent and full-time RN. The weekly live interactions with the professors were a definite plus. The tuition was reasonable and less than other Universities. Keiser University’s motto, “purity, truth, wisdom” was honored by the commitment of the nursing faculty to the students.”

Javier Araque
Javier Araque
Keiser University’s College of Nursing
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“My name is Javier Araki, and I’m in the nursing program at Keiser University. What stands out most to me is their students-first approach. Everything is centered on preparing us for the real-world demands of the field. The faculty and staff genuinely support you and help in every way they can. Because of that environment, I truly feel empowered and confident about my future in nursing.”

Anthony Alber
Anthony Alber
KU Sport Management and Operations, MS Graduate
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“I am forever grateful to have been a part of the Keiser Sports Management program! Not only did I gain professional momentum to kickstart my career, I received help from professors that truly care about their students and made great friends along the way.”

Ryan Bushey
Ryan Bushey
Content and Media Production
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“My instructors weren’t interested in just teaching. They were invested in every single student. They were invested in me. I’m proud to say I went to Keiser University, if for no other reason, because of my personal and professional development my instructors brought me.”

Danna Murphy
Danna Murphy
Master of Science in Nursing Graduate
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“I really enjoyed the small class sizes and having an advisor at the campus who was able to guide me when I needed advice. I could take the program online, which helped tremendously as I was staying home with my children. Being able to do my schoolwork on my own timetable helped me to be accessible for my children and my husband.”

Jane Krolewski
Jane Krolewski
Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate
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“The Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Keiser University is an excellent program managed by a group of dynamic and dedicated professional educators. During my time at Keiser University, there was never a moment when I felt alone or lost. The support and guidance of my instructors were instrumental in accomplishing my professional goals and certification.”

Jada Vidal
Jada Vidal
Culinary Arts Graduate
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“Keiser was one of the best choices I made for culinary school but you must put in the time, show up, and listen to your chefs.“

Heather S
Heather S
Keiser University Criminal Justice Graduate
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Once I graduated, I found a job right out of college within my degree. I now proudly work for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

Wayne W.
Wayne W.
Keiser University Criminal Justice graduate
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When I came to Keiser University, I had no idea what I was capable of doing. I knew if I made good grades and worked hard, it would look good on my resume. It would also show my girls how important an education was. So, I worked hard. KU prepared me for Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy and the Florida State Correctional program…I have finally reached my goal of becoming a full-time deputy, with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

Jason Liska
Jason Liska
Keiser Graduate and Lake County Fire Fighter and Paramedic
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Liska said he chose the Keiser University Fire Science program because of the professors’ real-life experiences in the field and the convenience of the one-class-at-a-time and one-class-per-month schedule. “You’ve got to find a way to balance things and Keiser was very beneficial in providing me that balance.”

Desiree James
Desiree James
Keiser University Diagnostic Medical Sonography Graduate
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I loved that Keiser University focused on one class per month. I feel I gained a lot from this because there were no distractions from other subjects in the same period of time. I found the information for each subject was better retained this way. In addition, my professors were always available for one-on-one help which is nearly unheard of in a large university or state college.

Deanna Confessore
Deanna Confessore
Deanna Confessore – Golf Management graduate – Keiser University
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My time at Keiser gave me hands-on experience teaching golf and great mentors to look up to.

Jason Loomis
Jason Loomis
Executive Director at Great River Golf Club.
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“Huge gratitude towards Keiser University, you know, I was a golf enthusiast and wanted to get into the game. And it was a perfect school that opened its doors to me, let me in, and showed me the ropes. And their guidance and education, and not to mention mentorship, even after I graduated, has really propelled me into the professional I am today.”

Samuel Fernandes
Samuel Fernandes
Animation and Game Design student – Keiser University
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I’m Samuel Fernandes of Keiser University. I’m currently enrolled as a student under the animation and game design bachelors and I enjoy with my whole heart right now. I came to Keiser because it welcomes people and it was very warm and inviting. It allowed me to create the world I want. Here at Keiser, if you want to create world environments, if you want to enlist in characters, the game design program here is perfect.

How to Apply

  1. Submit your online application
  2. Speak with an admissions advisor
  3. Provide transcripts or transfer credits
  4. Enroll and choose your start date

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Keiser University’s associate degree program prepares students for rewarding careers helping individuals with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary diseases. With comprehensive coursework, extensive clinical practice, and preparation for the respiratory care credentialing examination, graduates enter the workforce ready to make meaningful contributions. Whether you envision working in intensive care settings, emergency departments, or specialized respiratory facilities, this accredited program provides the foundation for professional success. Many graduates later pursue bachelor’s degree programs to advance into management or specialized practice areas.

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Accredited University

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring your education meets rigorous academic standards.

Flexible Learning Options

Study on-campus at our Florida location with one class at a time. Small class sizes create an environment where faculty know students by name and provide individualized support throughout the program.

Financial Services

We guide you through the financial aid process and provide assistance. Grants, scholarships, and financial aid are available for students who qualify to help manage the cost of your education.

Top Questions About Earning a Respiratory Therapy Degree

Can I complete the respiratory therapy program online at Keiser University?

No, the associate degree program requires on-campus attendance and clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities. The hands-on nature of respiratory care practice requires direct supervision during skill development, which online learning cannot provide. Enrolled students must attend scheduled laboratory sessions and clinical practicums to develop demonstrated competence.

What's the difference between a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)?

The CRT credential represents entry-level certification obtained by passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination. The RRT credential demonstrates advanced competency and requires passing both the TMC and Clinical Simulation Examination. Keiser’s respiratory therapy degree program prepares graduates for the RRT credential through comprehensive coursework covering all domains tested on the respiratory care credentialing examination.

What clinical sites will I work at during the program?

Enrolled students complete clinical practicums at affiliated hospitals, intensive care facilities, and specialty centers throughout the local area. Specific placement depends on campus location and clinical site availability. The Director of Clinical Education coordinates all clinical assignments to meet program requirements.

How long does it take to complete the respiratory therapy program?

The associate degree program requires approximately 24 months to complete when attending full-time. The exact completion time varies based on your course load, any transfer credits, and your individual academic progress.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.

What happens if I fail a respiratory therapy course?

Because each course serves as a prerequisite for the subsequent course, students must achieve satisfactory completion with a grade of C or higher to progress. Students who do not meet this requirement may need to retake the course before continuing in the program sequence. This policy ensures demonstrated sufficient compliance with learning objectives before advancing.

What certification exams will I take after graduation?

Graduates sit for the respiratory care credentialing examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Respiratory Care. The successful completion of the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination qualifies you for the registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential. After obtaining national board certification, graduates apply for professional licensure through the appropriate licensing board in their state.

Where do respiratory therapists work?

Registered respiratory therapists find employment in diverse settings including hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, rehabilitation centers, and specialized facilities. Some advance into management, or patient education. The respiratory care profession offers flexibility to work in various healthcare environments based on career interests.

What's the median annual wage for respiratory therapists?

According to labor statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered respiratory therapists earn competitive wages reflecting their specialized healthcare role. Specific salary information varies by geographic location, experience level, and practice setting. The median annual wage data appears on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website with regular updates.

Does Keiser offer financial aid for this program?

Students in this program may qualify for grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Military veterans may also qualify for education benefits. Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all available options and create a plan that fits your situation. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.

Can I work while completing the respiratory therapy program?

The intensive nature of the degree program, including scheduled clinical rotations that may occur during daytime hours, makes full-time employment challenging. Many enrolled students work part-time or adjust their work schedules to accommodate program requirements. The sequential curriculum requires dedicated time for coursework, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences.

Can I advance to a bachelor's degree after completing the associate degree?

Yes, many registered respiratory therapists pursue bachelor’s degree programs in respiratory care, healthcare management, or related fields after completing their associate degree and gaining professional experience. A bachelor’s degree can open opportunities for advanced practice, management positions, or specialized roles within the respiratory care profession. Keiser University offers various bachelor’s degree programs that may accept transfer credits from the associate degree program.

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