Earn an associate degree in Respiratory Therapy in as few as 19 months. Classes forming now!
SJVC’s Respiratory Therapy program prepares you to be a member of a health care team that evaluates, treats and manages patients with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders. In addition to performing respiratory care procedures, respiratory therapists are involved in clinical decision-making and patient education.”
Our students receive more than 760 hours of extensive clinical practice in hospitals and clinics to gain real-world experience.
Learn endotracheal intubation, invasive and non-invasive ventilation, tracheostomy care, initiation, monitoring, managing, and discontinuation of mechanical ventilation.
Study the structure and function of the major organs, essential structures, and physiological principles of the human body with a focus on the respiratory system.
Learn land/air patient transport, disaster management, patient and family education and health management, case management, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Upon graduation from the San Joaquin Valley College Respiratory Therapy program, students will have the following certificates:
National Credentialing and State Licensure
Graduates of the San Joaquin Valley College Respiratory Therapy program are eligible to apply to the National Board for Respiratory Care to sit for the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam. Once a minimum threshold is earned, the graduate is then eligible to sit for the Clinical Simulation (CS) exam. Upon successfully passing the CS exam the graduate will have earned the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential and eligibility for Licensure as a CA Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) through the CA Respiratory Care Board (RCB). The RRT credential is the minimum entry requirement for licensure in California. This application also requires a background check. The fees for the exams, background check and application are paid for by the College. Payment for retakes and subsequent examinations are the responsibility of the graduate. Failure to apply for or sit for this exam does not constitute a refund or discount in tuition.
Graduates who earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential by the National Board for Respiratory Care and licensed by the California Respiratory Care Board, are authorized to use the title, Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, which is a requirement to work in this field.
Available at 5 Campuses Across California
Visalia
Bakersfield
Ontario
Temecula
Rancho Cordova
Our career services team works with hundreds of employers who turn to SJVC to fill open positions. With job search guidance, resume review and interview practice/tips, we can help you become the type of employee that health care organizations want to hire.
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In 2016, San Joaquin Valley College trained more Respiratory Therapy students than any other institution in California. In total, 187 graduates earned their Respiratory Therapy degree across our 5 campuses.
Source: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
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Our programs are focused on job skill training so you get fast-paced, quality preparation for your future career. You will take courses in 20-week terms that help keep you engaged and focused on the important topics, all while preparing you to be a competent healthcare provider.
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Copyright © 2025 San Joaquin Valley College®. All rights reserved.
SJVC does not recruit or enroll residents of the European Union.
Copyright © 2025 San Joaquin Valley College®. All rights reserved. SJVC does not recruit or enroll residents of the European Union.
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