About Respiratory Care
Respiratory Care Practitioners are healthcare professionals that specialize in providing optimal cardiopulmonary care to patients with disorders of asthma, pneumonia, COPD and infants with immature longs, etc. Santa Monica College's Respiratory Care Program is a two-year, Associate of Science Degree program accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Through transforming cometency-based medical education curriculum, the program prepares the respiratory care practitioner of the future to possess great medical knowledge, apply it, and be clinically competent to provide high quality care in challenging settings likely to be encountered upon entry into practice.
The SMC Respiratore Care Associate Degree program incorporates the latest respiratory equipmnet, high-fidelity simulators, skills laboratory and clinical experience at top-rated clinical sites in the Greater Los Angeles area. The program prepares students for National Board of Respiratory Care's (NBRC) board exams and earn the Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) credential, required for licensure in California. To earn the RRT credential, graduates must pass the Therapist Multiple Choice Exam (TMC) at the high threshold and the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE).
It is recommended that students who select Respiratory Therapy as their major make an appointment with the RT Faculty Advisor in the Santa Monica College Health Science Department. Applications for the Respiratory Therapy Program can be obtained online (go to the Respiratory Therapy website) and from the Health Science Department at SMC's Bundy Campus. Additional program information and/or an appointment may be made with the Respiratory Therapy faculty by calling 310-434‐3463.
Clinical training occurs in some of the most respected medical facilities in the United States (e.g., UCLA Medical Center and USC University Medical Center). Applicants must have a negative criminal background check and pass a drug screening procedure to participate in any clinical courses.
A Health Science Counseling appointment can be scheduled by calling 310-434-3443 or 310-434-3453.
Interested students should attend a Respiratory Therapy Information Session- RSVP through Corsair Connect.
Program Offered
Degree Option
- Respiratory Care
Transfer Options and Opportunities
SMC students have many options and opportunities for transfer. Make your choice and see what you need to qualify.
Completion of major requirements does not satisfy all transfer admission requirements to UC, CSU, California Private, Out of State, or International institutions.
Please note: Not all schools offer this major.
For additional information visit the Health Sciences department website.