Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapy

Get the Skills to Begin a Career as a Respiratory Therapist in as few as 20 Months

Respiratory Therapy is one of the most dynamic and technology driven career choices in healthcare. As a Respiratory Therapist your responsibilities in the clinical setting may include analyzing a patient's lung function, performing arterial blood gas analysis to determine levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide and performing chest physical exams to determine what kind of therapy is best for their condition.

The YTI blended learning experience combines qualified, on-campus instruction and student support with the independence and flexibility of online learning. Hands-on training conducted on-campus and at clinical rotations at an approved site near you, prepare you with the working knowledge and skills you'll need to start your career in respiratory therapy!

CAREER PROFILE INFOGRAPHIC

Fast Facts

  • Program Length: 20 months
  • Total Program Hours: 1932
  • Quarter Credit Hours: 120
  • Degree: Associate in Specialized Technology
  • National Board for Respiratory Care test prep (first test fee cost included!)
  • Career opportunities: Nursing homes, hospitals, rehab centers, etc.

Respiratory Therapy Program Goal: 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).

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COARC Accredited

YTI Career Institute, Respiratory Therapy Program [200608], Altoona, awarding an Associate in Specialized Technology Degree, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com). The program has been placed on Probationary Accreditation as of November 3, 2023. “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. Student/Graduate Outcomes Data for all programs can be found on the CoARC published URL: (https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/)"

How/When to Apply

Next Start Date: January 6, 2025
Enrollment is limited

At YTI Career Institute, we're making it easier than ever for you to enroll using our automated application portal. Upload your documents and start the financial aid process without the hassle of drawn-out application processes. And our admissions staff is still available to help you every step of the way. Taking control of your career just got easier!

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YTI does not require prerequisites to enter the Respiratory Therapy program but we will evaluate prior post-secondary education for credit transfer. Please see the school catalog for the transfer credit policy.

Schedule

  • Online, asynchronous classes for lecture and lab
  • Students attend in-person learning two days per week, beginning in third term
  • Labs will be conducted on campus
  • Clinical rotations performed at an approved site near you

Asynchronous online study requires approximately 25 hours per week in terms 1-3 and 15 hours per week in terms 4-8. Students in Online and Hybrid programs must have fast, reliable internet. Students will be required to attend in person lab and clinical training. In person lab assignments are held in terms 3-7 and average 4 hours per week. Scheduled lab days will vary but will fall between Monday and Friday. If remediation is necessary, additional lab time may be required. Clinical assignments are held in terms 4-8 and average 12 hours per week. The day(s) of the week will vary but will fall between Monday and Friday. The amount of hours per day at clinical sites will vary and may include 6, 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts. Students’ specific schedules of lab and clinical rotations will be provided each term.

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Can I Afford It?

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Our team of Educational Funding Specialists will work with you to determine what you’re eligible for and how to pay for school.

There are federal, institutional and private programs that can make your career training more affordable, as well as grant and scholarship opportunities that may be available to you.

Financial Aid

Will I Get A Job?

While employment is not guaranteed, our Career Service Advisors are dedicated to helping you find the right job for you! We'll help you with your job search, and also with resume and cover letter writing, and interviewing skills.

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Why YTI?

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Instructors
At YTI, you're taught by instructors who have actually worked in the field - so you benefit from their real-world knowledge.

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Job Placement Assistance
While employment is not guaranteed, our Career Services Department networks with prospective employers to match businesses that have employment needs with YTI graduates suited for those positions.

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Accreditation
YTI Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).