Respiratory Therapy

Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing examination to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).

Why Consider Respiratory Therapy?

  • Demand is expected to grow rapidly for Respiratory Therapists.
  • Helping people with lung and heart disease interests you.
  • Your interest in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology can lead to a satisfying career.
  • You want to work in a hospital, diagnostic lab, rehabilitation facility, clinic, or home care setting.
  • As a key member of a healthcare team, you want to have a direct impact on patient care.

Why Learn at Lakeshore?

  • This is a shared program, which means you take general education courses through Lakeshore and core program courses in person at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
  • Start in fall or spring.
  • Our low faculty-to-student ratio allows you to get to know your faculty and classmates.
  • Academic, personal, and financial resources are available to support your success.

What It Takes

  • Interest in anatomy, physiology, and high-tech equipment
  • Desire to learn the information and skills needed to provide care for people
  • Ability to clearly communicate and collaborate with others
  • Concern and willingness to be responsible for others' health and safety

Shared Program Details

This program is shared with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Students must complete both Lakeshore's and MATC's admission processes before enrolling in the first term of the program. Lakeshore cannot admit students into the program until they have been accepted by MATC.

Prerequisite courses are offered through Lakeshore to provide a convenient starting point for local students. Respiratory Therapy core courses are completed in person at MATC, and graduates earn their degree from MATC.

Stay connected with your Academic Counselor throughout the program to help ensure a smooth transition to MATC and successful completion of your degree.

Other Important Information

Respiratory Therapy at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)

MATC Waitlist Process

Career Area
Health Science
Type
Associate Degree
Program Number
10-515-1
Availability
Hybrid
  • Associate degree
  • 4 Terms
  • 65 Credits
  • Financial aid eligible
  • Starts fall/spring
  • Shared program with Milwaukee Area Technical College

Career Outlook

Respiratory Therapy

Median Income: $73,633.00*

Potential Job Titles

(Click a title for job description)

Evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Administer oxygen and medications, operate ventilators, perform diagnostic testing, provide emergency respiratory care, and educate patients on managing respiratory conditions.

Disclosure:

*Lightcast/EMSI data is a hybrid dataset derived from official government sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary data is from the Lakeshore District. 

ADMISSION AND FIRST SEMESTER ENROLLMENT STEPS

*Submit transcripts and test scores (optional, highly recommended): College transcripts, along with high school transcripts and test scores from within the last five years, used for course registration. Official transcripts needed for transferring college credit(s) and for financial aid purposes.

Program Cost

  • Tuition Cost: $3,394.00
  • Book Cost: $291.00
  • Supply Cost: $0.00
  • Program Total: $3,685.00

Want more information?

  • Submit your questions online
  • Contact a College Recruiter at 920.693.1366

Some of Lakeshore College's programs may reach enrollment capacity due to high demand. When this occurs, the College will establish and maintain a waitlist to prioritize enrollment. For more information, visit the High Demand Program Information page.

This is a shared program, which means you take general education courses at Lakeshore and core program courses at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Many of Lakeshore’s general education courses are offered in a variety of delivery formats including in person, iFlex, online, competency-based education, accelerated, and blended. Having the flexibility to choose what works best for you helps you fit college into your schedule more easily. Delivery format descriptions can be found here