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Colorado Mesa University's Associates of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy (RT) program is the first RT program on the Western Slope. We have a state-of-the-art laboratory for hands-on learning of respiratory care, as well as classrooms set up for student success. Our clinical site affiliations allow for a variety of patient and respiratory therapy experiences during the program.

Colorado Mesa University’s respiratory therapy program requires 73 credit hours for completion. This degree prepares graduates to sit for the TMC Exam and earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) license.

Academic Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) provides advanced-level respiratory care to patients designed to diagnose, evaluate, treat, manage, and control deficiencies or abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system within the prescription of the ordering physician. RRTs help people to breathe. RRTs work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, in all areas of health care. Our clinical sites advisory board members and leaders in respiratory therapy are excited at the potential to hire our graduates.

Helpful Links

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)

American Thoracic Society (ATS)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Respiratory Therapists

$77,960

2023 Median RT Annual Salary

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

AAS degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

13%

Job Growth Outlook, 2023-33

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Application

The program begins Fall semester of each year. All forms must be completed and submitted electronically to [email protected]. Application deadline is April 30. NOTE: All applicants must be current CMU students with a mavs email before submitting the Respiratory Therapy application. If you are not currently a CMU student, the CMU application and the Respiratory Therapy application are TWO separate processes.

Associates of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy (AAS)

Please review the application checklist to ensure your Respiratory Therapy application is completed correctly. All Respiratory Therapy application forms must be submitted electronically to [email protected].

RT Application Checklist

RT Application Form

  • In order to properly fill out the application and sign it, electronically, please make sure you open the application in Adobe.
  • If you are unable to sign the application, electronically, please print it after filling in the rest of the document, sign, scan it as a pdf document and email it.

Other Information

Student Handbook

Program Sheet

Program Contacts

Dave Weinzimmer, Professional Staff Assistant: [email protected]

Dara Legacy, Respiratory Therapy Program Coordinator: [email protected]

Respiratory Therapy Program Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program, #200666, Associate of Applied Science, and Colorado Mesa University Main Campus location holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self-Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.

The Commission for Accreditation of Respiratory Care (COARC)

264 Precision Blvd., Telford, TN 37690

Phone: 817.283.2835 | Fax: 817.354.8519 | Email: [email protected] | Website: COARC.com