Respiratory Care
Exploration Pathway
Respiratory Care Class of 2024
Most people take breathing for granted. It’s second nature, an involuntary reflex. But for the thousands of Americans who suffer from breathing problems or diseases, each breath is a major accomplishment. Those people include those with chronic lung problems, as well as heart attack and accident victims, premature infants, and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer or AIDS. Respiratory therapists help these individuals breathe more easily by providing specialized lung care.
About
This program enables you to develop advanced clinical practice attributes necessary to rise as a respiratory therapist. Finish your bachelor’s degree quickly and affordably online
Important Dates
Applications Accepted April 1, 2026.
Please for the Bachelor's of Science in Respiratory Care application
Start class August 24, 2026
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) online program from Â鶹ӳ» College, is designed for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) professional with an Associate's Degree in Respiratory Care (ASRC) and an RCP State License. This fully online program enables you to advance your credentials as a respiratory care practitioner, with additional knowledge, skills, and attributes in leadership, management, education, research and advanced clinical practice, giving you the opportunity to increase your earnings potential.
Did You Know?
- Demand for respiratory therapists in California is set to grow by 28% through 2028.
- 55% of respiratory therapists have an associate’s degree.
Contact Us
-
Department Coordinator
Ricardo Guzman MA, RRT, RCP
-
Clinical Coordinator
Elizabeth Postovit MS, RRT-NPS - (707) 256-7628
- elizabeth.postovit@napavalley.edu
Program Highlights
Following prerequisite coursework in biology, anatomy, and math, Respiratory Care students enroll in a two-year plus six-week summer session program accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Courses provide a theoretical framework and clinical experience, as well as classes in pharmacology and lab work specific to the field.
Graduates are registry eligible and may take the National Board for Respiratory Care examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Additionally, the successful graduate can sit for the state licensing examination. Each course is sequential and leads to an AS Degree in Respiratory Therapy.
Occupations
Thanks to residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population, demand is high for respiratory therapists both within the state and nationwide. NVC graduates are highly likely to pass the licensing examination on their first attempt and be eligible for gainful employment immediately following licensure. Employment options include acute or subacute hospital assignments, sleep clinics, outpatient clinics, home care, and other settings.
- Respiratory therapists
- Pulmonary function technicians
- Pediatric respiratory care specialists
- Registered sleep center technologists
- Explore more:
- – BLS.gov guide to local wage averages & job growth
After NVC
Respiratory therapists can pursue Adult Critical Care Setting certification to gain experience in adult intensive care settings and access further career opportunities. To explore options, seek advice from NVC Counseling.
The application period for the Fall 2026 start will be from March 10 to April 17,
2026.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Respiratory Care Program, please attend one of the Information Meetings. TO RECEIVE AN APPLICATION FOR THE PROGRAM, YOU MUST ATTEND A MEETING! Please note: These Information Meetings are for the AS program only.
Meetings for the Fall 2027 start will resume September 1, 2026.Please, reach out to the Program Coordinator for any questions at ricardo.guzman@napavalley.edu.
ACCREDITATION
The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
264 Precision Blvd.
Telford, TN. 37609 USA
Phone: (817) 283-2835
Fax: (817) 354-8519
NVC Respiratory Care Program Number 200157
The Â鶹ӳ» Respiratory Care program, CoARC program number 200157, for
AS Degree, located at
2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, Napa, CA. 94558, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
for Respiratory Care
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.
Additional information regarding accreditation, including the process to file complaints, can be found at