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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. Ths is required upon admission to this program.
Additionally, upon admission to this program, documentation of current required immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification is required.
Students in the Respiratory Therapy program must attend full time.
Classes are offered Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-2:30 pm
Assigned clinical hours may vary between 6 am-10:30 pmRespiratory Therapy classes are offered at the Madison Truax campus.
Program Resources
The Respiratory Therapy Program at Madison College, CoARC number 200154, Associate Degree in Applied Science, located at 1701 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704 - Truax campus, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Find the Report on Accreditation in Respiratory Care Education. Get programmatic outcomes data.
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.
The Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care -
Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Pre-Program CoursesThe following courses should be taken during the petition process, prior to program acceptance.10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 creditsFirst Semester10-515-111Respiratory Survey
Examines the role of the Respiratory Therapist within the healthcare community. Reviews the ethical, legal, and regulatory principles that guide practice across diverse populations. Introductory patient assessment and critical thinking processes used in the development of respiratory care plans are explored.3 credits10-515-173Respiratory Pharmacology
Examines basic pharmacology principles, drug dosage, and calculations. Medications for inhalation including mucolytics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatories. Also includes cardiac drugs, anesthetic drugs, neuromuscular blockers, and antimicrobials.3 credits10-806-177Gen Anatomy & Physiology
This course examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization, of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.4 creditsSecond Semester10-806-197Microbiology-University Medical
Examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth and the relationship between humans and microbes. Addresses disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms and the medical impact of microbes. Presents the role of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology. Includes laboratory practices and procedures.4 credits10-515-171Respiratory Therapeutics1
Introduces the topics of medical gas administration, humidity, and aerosol therapy. The learner will apply physics, math and patient assessment concepts to oxygen, aerosol, and humidity therapy.3 credits10-515-172Respiratory Therapeutics 2
Introduces therapeutic procedures including arterial puncture, bronchial hygiene, lung expansion therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.3 credits10-515-174Respiratory/Cardiac Physiology
Provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the respiratory and circulatory systems necessary to function as a competent Respiratory Therapist.3 credits10-515-176Respiratory Disease
Exploration of signs, symptoms, causes, progression, and treatment of obstructive, restrictive and infectious diseases or disorders of the body that affect the respiratory system.3 creditsSummer Term10-515-175Respiratory Clinical 1
Introduces Respiratory Therapy practice in the hospital setting. Includes the development of skills such as basic therapeutics, patient assessment, medical record review, safety practices, patient interaction, and communication.2 credits10-801-198Speech
Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, supporting evidence, delivery techniques, active listening, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, form the basis of the course. Includes informative, persuasive, and occasion speech presentations. Audience requirements to be determined by individual colleges.3 creditsThird Semester10-515-112Respiratory Airway Management
Focuses on adult respiratory critical care including management of mechanical ventilation and artificial airways.2 credits10-515-113Respiratory Life Support
Focuses on adult respiratory critical care including management of mechanical ventilation.3 credits10-515-178Respiratory Clinical 2
Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 12 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.3 credits10-515-179Respiratory Clinical 3
Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 19 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.3 credits10-809-197Contemporary Amer Society
This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills.3 creditsFourth Semester10-515-180Respiratory Neo/Peds Care
Provides a comprehensive orientation to the field of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care to include fetal development, birth, neonatal physiology, pulmonary dynamics, abnormal cardiopulmonary conditions, diseases, noninvasive and invasive therapeutic interventions.p2 credits10-515-181Respiratory/Cardio Diagnostics
Advanced invasive and noninvasive diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures including pulmonary function, hemodynamics and rescue medicine.3 credits10-515-182Respiratory Clinical 4
Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 26 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.3 credits10-515-183Respiratory Clinical 5
Focuses on the completion of respiratory therapy competencies and transition to employment. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical learners must demonstrate competence in all of the required and/or simulated competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.3 credits10-515-184Neonatal Pediatric Resuscitation (NRP)
Provides the student with the practice, theory and skills needed to provide advanced ventilation and resuscitation to infants and children.1 credit10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Respiratory Therapy program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 30 spots each Fall. Up to 6 students who have an apprenticeship contract with an employer sponsor.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 year wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Due to program demand and TCS 10 guidelines, this program is limited to district and non-district state residents.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. 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.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Respiratory Therapy career.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Pre-Program Workshop
Complete a mandatory workshop in Brightspace.
Prerequisites
Math (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science)
Testing
- ACT Math 20+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Quantitative Reasoning) 241+
College course
- Mathematical Reasoning
Chemistry (high school or college coursework)
High school course
- 1 year Chemistry with lab
College course
- General Chemistry
English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)
Testing
- ACT Reading 19+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Reading) 261+
- ACT English 15+
- Accuplacer NexGen (English) 245+
College courses
- English 1
- Written Communication
- English 2
- Intro Reading & Study Skills AND Intro to College Writing
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
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 higherWisconsin Private Schools
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 2018, 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.Out-of-State Schools
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.
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 PractitionerGraduates are qualified to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examinations.
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.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 21 19 23 Number of Surveys Sent 21 19 23 Number of Surveys Returned 19 17 19 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 19 17 18 Percent Available for Employment 100.0% 100.0% 94.7% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% 0.0% 5.3% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 18 17 17 Percent of Graduates Employed 94.7% 100.0% 94.4% Employed in Related Occupation 18 17 17 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 1 0 1 Percent Seeking Employment 5.3% 0.0% 5.6% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.6 3.9 3.8 Number of Satisfaction Responses 19 17 19 Very Satisfied (4) 12 15 16 Percent Very Satisfied 63.2% 88.2% 84.2% Satisfied (3) 7 2 3 Percent Satisfied 36.8% 11.8% 15.8% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 19 17 19 Preparation for Getting a Job 12 8 10 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 63.2% 47.1% 52.6% Career Change 5 8 8 Percent Career Change 26.3% 47.1% 42.1% Improvement of Existing Skills 1 0 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 5.3% 0.0% 0.0% Preparation for Further Education 1 0 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education 5.3% 0.0% 0.0% Personal Interest 0 1 1 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 5.9% 5.3% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 18 17 17 Before Enrollment 1 1 0 Percent Before Enrollment 5.6% 5.9% 0.0% While Attending the College 5 4 7 Percent While Attending the College 27.8% 23.5% 41.2% After Training at the College 12 12 10 Percent After Training at the College 66.7% 70.6% 58.8% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 18 17 17 In College District 14 14 14 Percent In College District 77.8% 82.4% 82.4% In Wisconsin, Not in District 2 1 2 Percent of In Wisconsin 11.1% 5.9% 11.8% Outside of Wisconsin 2 2 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 11.1% 11.8% 5.9% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 15 16 16 Average Monthly Wage $5,381 $5,321 $5,247 Average Hourly Wage $31.29 $30.94 $30.51 Average Work Hours per Week 37.5 37.9 41.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 3 1 1 Average Hourly Wage $32.44 $33.00 $33.76 Average Work Hours per Week 32.0 30.0 24.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions American Family Children's Hospital Respiratory Therapist Aurora Health Care Respiratory Therapist Summit Divine Savior Healthcare Respiratory Care Practitioner Portage Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital Respiratory Care Practitioner Milwaukee Mayo Clinic Respiratory Therapist Rochester MN SSM Health Respiratory Therapist Janesville SSM Health Respiratory Care Practitioner SSM Health Respiratory Therapist 3 Unity Point Meriter Respiratory Therapist 2 UW Health Registered Respiratory Therapist UW Health Respiratory Therapist 4 * - 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