Respiratory Therapy

Our Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degree in Respiratory Therapy is designed to train you in the growing field of respiratory care. As a student in this (80 credit hours) program, you will receive the training needed to work as a respiratory therapist in hospitals, home care, pulmonary clinics, and other healthcare environments, with classes designed for recent high school graduates and working students.
Program Length

80 credit hours

Degrees Offered

Associate of Applied Science

Learning Experiences

In Person

Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Our Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degree is a health program in Respiratory Therapy is designed to train you in the growing field of respiratory care. As a student in this (80 credit hours) program, you will receive the training needed to work as a respiratory therapist in hospitals, home care, pulmonary clinics, and other healthcare environments. St. Augustine’s Respiratory Therapy Associate’s degree prepares graduates for a medical career as a respiratory therapist. Our classes are designed for recent high school graduates and working students.

Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program – What You’ll Learn 

The Respiratory Therapy AAS program prepares students to perform the specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used in clinical respiratory care, including: 

  • Oxygen therapy – Delivery systems, flow rates, FiO2 calculation, and patient-specific tailoring
  • Mechanical ventilation – setup, management, and troubleshooting of ventilators for adult and neonatal patients
  • Airway management – nasotracheal suctioning, endotracheal tube management, and intubation support 
  • Aerosol and humidity therapy – nebulizer administration, inhaler instruction, and humidity management
  • Chest physiotherapy and hyperinflation therapy 
  • Pulmonary function testing – interpreting blood gases, monitoring oxygenation, and collaborating with clinical teams
  • Patient and family education – teaching ongoing home management for respiratory conditions 


Students also complete supervised clinical rotations with progressive responsibility across six semesters, using the Trajecsys online clinical management system for tracking, reporting, and grading. Respiratory Therapy Program Details

The program comprises six (6) semesters of coursework. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (www.nbrc.org) Therapist Multiple Choice Exam.  Candidates with a minimum score of 86 will receive a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)credential, and candidates who score 92 or higher are eligible to sit for the NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination and, upon successful passing, receive a Registered Respiratory Therapist credential.

This is a unique therapy program, with a structure that differs somewhat from the rest of the curricula St. Augustine College offers; for example, the clinical segment of the health program (4th semester and up) includes courses that meet only at specific times and have durations different from the standard 8-week terms. Always ask the Respiratory Therapy Learning Facilitator or other departmental staff for the most accurate, updated information.

*Please keep in mind that this program is 60-70% in-person.

For more information related to the profession, please visit the American Association for Respiratory Care webpage at www.aarc.org.

RT Degree Accreditation

The Entry into Respiratory Care Professional Practice Program, CoARC number 200587, AAS Degree, St. Augustine College in Chicago Illinois is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com)

 CoARC is the only accrediting body recognized for respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. Choosing a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program means: 

  • Your degree is recognized by employers, licensing boards, and credentialing bodies nationwide
  • You are eligible to sit for the NBRC credentialing exams (required for licensure in Illinois and most states) 
  • Your education meets rigorous, outcomes-based standards verified by an independent national body

Program ID# 200587 (www.coarc.com)
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs across the United States through an outcomes-based process. This approach evaluates program effectiveness using performance indicators that measure the achievement of educational goals.
Program Outcomes Data: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the NBRC examinations to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). They may also sit for the Clinical Simulation Exam and, upon passing, earn the title of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the General Admission Requirements, applicants interested in this Associate’s in Respiratory Therapy in the Chicago area must meet the following criteria:
Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA): A (GPA) of 2.50 in the following prerequisite courses, which can be taken at Lewis University:

  • BIO 108 Anatomy and Physiology, 
  • AHP 110 Applied Physics in Respiratory Care, 
  • AHP 113 Respiratory Care Pharmacology, 
  • BIO 208 Cardio-Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology. 

Mandatory Criminal Background Check: Students who may have concerns regarding the required background check are encouraged to speak with program faculty in the Respiratory Therapy Department before applying for admission. In compliance with standards set forth by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO), and the Health Care Worker Background Check Act, an Illinois state law, individuals providing health care at hospital/clinical settings must submit a certified fingerprint background check.

This policy also applies to respiratory therapy students receiving clinical training in affiliated clinical facilities; therefore, prospective respiratory therapy students must be aware of this requirement before registering for either pre-respiratory courses or Respiratory courses. A prospective respiratory therapy student must be aware that any prior felony or misdemeanor conviction may impact the student’s ability to participate in clinical courses. This college is required to submit the students’ background check results prior to admission to any clinical course rotation.

Is respiratory therapy a good career? What does a respiratory therapist do? If you still have questions about just what a respiratory therapist does on a day-to-day basis, and you’re still curious about what a promising career our associate of applied science degree can do for you and your future read here.

Respiratory Therapy Career Outlook 

The respiratory therapy field offers job stability through a nationwide demand for more professionals, with a 12% projected increase in job openings from 2024 to 2034. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for respiratory therapists is $80,450 in the United States, and those who graduate from the associate’s degree program earn an average starting salary between $70,000 and $80,000. 

100% Graduate Employment 

St. Augustine College  Respiratory Therapy graduates are employed immediately upon graduation. Many employers in the Chicago metropolitan area offer sign-on bonuses, education reimbursements, and relocation assistance to attract new graduates from our program. 

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Illinois

According to current compensation data from ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Salary.com:

  • Average annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Illinois: approximately $75,000–$98,000
  • Entry-level (CRT credential): approximately $60,000–$70,000/year
  • Experienced (RRT credential): approximately $80,000–$100,000+/year
  • Chicago-area respiratory therapists consistently earn at or above the Illinois state average, with top earners in specialized roles exceeding $120,000 annually
  • Average weekly pay reported on Indeed from Illinois job postings: approximately $2,057/week

The RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) credential, available to St. Augustine graduates to pursue, commands higher compensation and is the preferred credential among most Chicago-area hospital employers.

Job Outlook

  • BLS projected growth: 12–13% through 2033–2034 — much faster than average
  • Approximately 9,400 new respiratory therapist openings per year nationally
  • Illinois is home to one of the largest concentrations of respiratory therapist employment in the Midwest, anchored by Chicago’s major hospital systems

Respiratory Educator

  • Respiratory Care Practitioner
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist
  • Respiratory Therapy Program Instructor
  • Respiratory Therapist

Students who complete the AAS in Respiratory Therapy sometimes choose to continue their clinical education with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

For those interested in expanding their scope of practice within Chicago’s healthcare system, St. Augustine’s accelerated BSN programs in Chicago offer a path forward, with the same commitment to flexible scheduling and bilingual support that defines every program at SAC.

And more. With a degree in Respiratory Therapy from St. Augustine College at Lewis University, you’ll be well-prepared to join a dedicated workforce of healthcare professionals.

 

Associate of Applied Science

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Skills Learned in St. Augustine’s Respiratory Therapy Program

To adhere to an “outcomes-based” process mandated by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and high competency examination standards set by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), graduates of our AAS in Respiratory Therapy degree program*, will be prepared to demonstrate the following Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective skills: *The general education core for this degree complies with the guidelines of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI).

COGNITIVE
The brain

Comprehend, apply, evaluate, and recommend didactic, laboratory, and clinical information relevant to your role as a respiratory therapist—integrating your general education skills within the lessons you have learned from the Respiratory Therapy program.

PSYCHOMOTOR
psychomotor

Effectively and efficiently perform the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures required to fulfill your role, as learned from our Respiratory Therapy program, in hospitals, home care, and other medical care environments.

AFFECTIVE
Communication

Demonstrate ethical communication and professional behavior consistent with employer expectations.

Respiratory Therapy Faculty

Meet our dedicated Respiratory Therapy faculty members below.

Zbigniew Swiatkowski
  Zbigniew 'Ziggy" Swiatkowski is the Program Director for the Respiratory Therapy Program in St. Augustine College at Lewis University.…
Read More
Dr. Criollo
  Dr. German Criollo was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, where his passion for biological sciences began during his…
Read More

Additional Resources

Success Stories

As the number one school in Illinois in raising students’ income, and second higher graduation rate than comparable institutions in Chicago, we are proud to present a few of our outstanding students below who have stood out and demonstrated St. Augustine’s dedication to success in the respiratory care program. Learn more here.

Student Success Center

St. Augustine College at Lewis University is not just a college, it’s a starting point for you and your career after graduating from our respiratory therapy program. Contact our staff to receive assistance related to jobs, interviews, or internships here.

Community

Our community is built on inclusivity and diversity, treating everyone with dignity and respect. Regardless of their background. Learn more here.

Frequently Asked Questions - Respiratory Therapy Programs Near Me

What is respiratory therapy?

Respiratory therapy is a healthcare profession focused on the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions. Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, ICUs, neonatal units, pulmonary clinics, sleep centers, and home care environments, collaborating with physicians and nurses to deliver clinical respiratory care.

What is an accredited respiratory therapy program, and why does it matter?

AN accredited respiratory therapy program has been formally reviewed and approved by the Commission on the Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) - the national accrediting body for respiratory therapy education in the United States. Graduating from a CoARC-accredited program is required to be eligible for the NBRC credentialing exams (CRT and RRT), which are required for licensure in Illinois and most other states. St. Augustine College’s program is CoARC accredited.

How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist?

At St. Augustine College, the AAS in Respiratory Therapy is a sex-semester (approximately three-year) program. This includes prerequisite coursework and six semesters of respiratory-specific classes and clinical rotations.

How much does it cost to become a respiratory therapist?

Tuition costs vary by institution. St. Augustine College is one of Chicago’s most affordable accredited respiratory therapy schools. Contact our Admissions Office for current tuition rates, financial aid options, and scholarship information.

What is the respiratory therapist salary in Illinois?

Current compensation data indicates that respiratory therapists in Illinois earn approximately $75,000-$98,000 per year on average, with entry-level CRT positions starting around $60,000 and experienced RRTs earning $100,000 or more in specialized or senior roles. Chicago-area positions frequently include sign-on bonuses and benefits.

Is St. Augustine’s respiratory therapy program available near me?

St. Augustine College is located in Chicago, Illinois, and serves students from Chicago and surrounding communities throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Clinical rotations are placed at major hospitals and healthcare systems across the Chicago metropolitan region.

What are the admission requirements for respiratory therapy programs in Illinois?

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, meet St. Augustine’s general admission requirements, and complete prerequisite coursework including BIO 208 with a minimum 2.50 GPA. A mandatory criminal background check is required prior to clinical placement.

Respiratory Therapy Blogs