Most people take being able to breathe for granted. This is about those who can’t – and how you can help with this basic need.
Respiratory Therapist checking lungs of patient
21
Recent Graduates
There are 21 recent graduates of this Madison College program.
100%
Employed
100% of our recent graduates got a job in the industry.
$65k
Annual Salary
Our recent graduates of this program reported an average starting salary of $64,572.

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Respiratory Therapy
Program Number: 105151
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Health Sciences
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
63 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
transfer icon Program Transfers
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$11,794.48

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • Program Overview

    The Respiratory Therapy program at Madison College is an intensive full time, two-year program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree.

    This program is designed 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).

    The program includes classroom and lab instruction, simulation experience, and clinical practice at local hospital affiliates.

    Respiratory Therapists work in a wide variety of clinical settings to evaluate, treat and manage patients with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders.

    Respiratory Therapists perform respiratory care procedures, such as patient evaluation, treatment selection and assessment of treatment, and are involved in clinical decision-making and patient education.

    As a student in the Respiratory Therapy program, you will learn to:

    • Assess cardiopulmonary status
    • Draw blood samples and perform blood gas analysis
    • Modify prescribed respiratory care and cardiopulmonary procedures
    • Perform pulmonary function testing
    • Evaluate and monitor patient response to treatment
    • Provide patient, family and community education
    • Participate in life support activities

    Please note: upon admission to this program, you will be required to complete a background check and provide documentation of current required-immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

    Program Details

    Wisconsin law requires background checks for persons who provide care for others or have access to people who receive care. This law applies to students in many School of Health Sciences programs. Please review the Caregiver Background Check information on the School of Health Sciences Forms and Policies.

    Students in the Respiratory Therapy program must attend full time.

    Classes are offered Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
    Assigned clinical hours may vary between 6 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

    Respiratory Therapy classes are offered at the Madison Truax campus.

    Careers in Respiratory Therapy

    As an advanced-level respiratory therapy program, graduates are eligible to become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).

    • Respiratory Therapist
    • Certified Respiratory Therapist
    • Registered Respiratory Therapist

    With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Acute Care Respiratory Therapist
    • Pulmonary Function Technologist
    • Respiratory Care Manager
    • Neonatal/Pediatric Therapist
    • Sleep Disorder Therapist
    • Home Care Therapist
    • Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist
    • Respiratory Care Practioner

    Program Resources

    The Respiratory Therapy Program at Madison College, CoARC number 200154, Associate Degree in Applied Science,located at the Truax campus,is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com), 264 Precision Blvd. Telford, TN 37690.Find the Report on Accreditation in Respiratory Care Education here.

    Respiratory Therapy Program Faculty:

    Program Director, Patty Montgomery BS, RRT

    Director of Clinical Education, Chris Becker MSE, RRT

    Program Instructor, Lauren Kante, BSHM, RRT-ACCS

    Program Instructor, Amy Setchell BSRT, RRT

    Program Instructor, Joe Punzel BS, RRT

    Logo of Respiratory Therapy Accreditation
    The Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    Pre-Program Courses
    The following courses should be taken during the petition process, prior to program acceptance.
    10-801-195
    3 credits
    First Semester
    10-515-111
    3 credits
    10-515-173
    3 credits
    10-806-177
    4 credits
    Second Semester
    10-806-197
    4 credits
    10-515-171
    3 credits
    10-515-172
    3 credits
    10-515-174
    3 credits
    10-515-175
    2 credits
    10-515-176
    3 credits
    Summer Term
    10-801-198
    3 credits
    Third Semester
    10-515-112
    2 credits
    10-515-113
    3 credits
    10-515-178
    3 credits
    10-515-179
    3 credits
    10-809-197
    3 credits
    Fourth Semester
    10-515-180
    2 credits
    10-515-181
    3 credits
    10-515-182
    3 credits
    10-515-183
    3 credits
    10-809-199
    3 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Students need to complete the petition process to get into core-program classes for this program. Before submitting an application, it’s important to review the Petition Process webpage which also includes estimated wait times for each program.

    • View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements
       
    • There is currently 0-1 year between acceptance into pre-program and the start of core classes. The estimated time to enter the core program is subject to change based on the variable number of students ready to petition each semester.
       
    • During the course of the program, you must demonstrate the ability to perform these essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations to help you perform these functions, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
       
    • Learn more about the Madison College experience and get help with the admissions process

    After Acceptance

    Once you have been accepted in a pre-program status, your next step is to complete the Petition Requirements. See the Petition information in the next section.    

    Additional Notes

    Students are required to meet the current admission and petition requirements. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.

    Questions?

    Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Respiratory Therapy career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Petition

    After Admission (Petition Requirements)

    Run a Degree Progress Report to confirm which pre-program requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and specific ways to satisfy requirements.

    Complete the Petition Requirements for Respiratory Therapy. Courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. A grade of C- will not be accepted.

    Mandatory workshop in BlackBoard

    Prerequisites:

    • Algebra (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science) 
    • Chemistry (high school or college coursework)
    • English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree)

    Course Requirements: 

    • Written Communication or English 1 

    Petitioning

    This program petitions for entry into the following term:

    • Fall - Petition window opens on April 1

    Review the Petition Process for details on how and when to petition.

    After Petitioning

    If awarded a seat, you will receive instructions regarding the below required items. If you do not complete the required items, it may result in losing your seat and starting the application process from the beginning. 

    • Healthcare Provider CPR Certification
    • Health Screening Form
    • Background Information Disclosure Form (Criminal Background Check). An acceptable background check is required prior to starting clinical courses.
    • Enrollment in core program courses. Students who are awarded a seat are expected to start the core program courses for the awarded term. Students who choose not to begin the core program courses or are not able to begin core program courses may be discontinued from pre-program status.

    Questions?

    Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

  • Transfer Opportunities

    UW System Schools

    The terms of the B.S in Human Services Leadership agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S degrees and are admitted to the Human Services Leadership at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
    The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

    Wisconsin Private Schools

    Students witn an AA, AS or AAS are Advanced Core. Advanced Core requires students to have earned at least 60 credits. Students transferring prior to completion or with less than 60 credits are standard core and credits are evaluated course by course.
    Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.
    Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2015, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.

    Wisconsin Technical College System

    Universit of Mary will accept a maximum of 62 credits from the sending program. Remaining credits, as specified in the appended degree plan tables, will be completed at the receiving institution. Courses will transfer as described in the appended degree plan tables. Admission and Graduation Requirements: a) The receiving institution's admission and program admission requirements apply to both direct entry students and to students who transfer under this agreement. b) Students must fulfill the graduation requirements at both institutions. c) Students must complete the entire sending program and meet the receiving institution's admission requirements for the agreement to apply. d) Each institution shall determine the modality for delivering its courses, whether seated, online, or blended.

    Out-of-State Schools

    Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement.
    Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring.
    Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.
    Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree.
  • Career Outcomes

    After completing the Respiratory Therapy program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be prepared to:

    • Apply respiratory therapy concepts to patient care situations.
    • Demonstrate technical proficiency required to fulfill the role of a respiratory therapist.
    • Practice respiratory therapy according to established professional and ethical standards.

    Graduates are qualified to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examinations. 

    Find the Report on Accreditation in Respiratory Care Education here.  Get programmatic outcomes data here

    Madison College's Respiratory Therapy program has a WTCS transfer agreement with Cardinal Stritch University, to earn your Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy.

    For further information regarding Madison College's Respiratory Therapy program, please contact Program Director, Patty Montgomery.

    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      2023
      Number of Program Graduates21
      Number of Surveys Sent21
      Number of Surveys Returned19
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment19
      Percent Available for Employment100.0%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.0%
      Available for Employment

      2023
      Graduates Employed18
      Percent of Graduates Employed94.7%
      Employed in Related Occupation18
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation0
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.0%
      Employed - No Response0
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%
      Seeking Employment1
      Percent Seeking Employment5.3%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      2023
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.6
      Number of Satisfaction Responses19
      Very Satisfied (4)12
      Percent Very Satisfied63.2%
      Satisfied (3)7
      Percent Satisfied36.8%
      Unsatisfied (2)0
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)0
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      2023
      Number of Primary Reason Responses19
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      2023
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses18
      Before Enrollment1
      Percent Before Enrollment5.6%
      While Attending the College5
      Percent While Attending the College27.8%
      After Training at the College12
      Percent After Training at the College66.7%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      2023
      Number of Employment Location Responses18
      In College District14
      Percent In College District77.8%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District2
      Percent of In Wisconsin11.1%
      Outside of Wisconsin2
      Percent Outside Wisconsin11.1%
      Employer Location Unknown0
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend2023
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count15
      Average Monthly Wage$5,381
      Average Hourly Wage$31.29
      Average Work Hours per Week37.5
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count3
      Average Hourly Wage$32.44
      Average Work Hours per Week32.0
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2023
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      American Family Children's HospitalRespiratory Therapist
      Children's WisconsinRespiratory TherapistMilwaukee2
      Mayo ClinicRespiratory TherapistRochesterMN2
      Meriter HospitalRespiratory Therapist
      SSM HealthRespiratory Therapist
      UW HealthRespiratory Therapist11

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Health Sciences

Madison Truax Campus
Health Building, 141

1705 Hoffman Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

healthsciences@madisoncollege.edu
608.616.1250

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 am - 4 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 12 pm (Help by phone or email)