Essential Information
In Wisconsin, students can find respiratory therapy training at the associate degree level. Respiratory therapy programs generally require completion of 70-73 credit hours and take five semesters to complete. Students learn through clinical experiences and academic coursework. Courses cover such topics as respiratory diseases, airway management, pharmacology, cardiac diagnostics, and life support.
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College is located in Eau Claire and offers a 70-credit respiratory therapy associate degree program that takes five semesters to complete. Courses cover topics such as respiratory therapeutics, cardiac physiology, respiratory disease, respiratory pharmacology, airway management, life support, and respiratory diagnostics. Five respiratory clinical requirements are also part of the program.
Madison Area Technical College
Based in Madison, the Associate in Applied Science - Respiratory Therapist program at this technical college also takes five semesters to complete and prepares students to work in various medical settings. Courses cover respiratory disease, respiratory pharmacology, life support, airway management, respiratory physiology, and cardio diagnostics. The respiratory therapeutics and respiratory clinical courses are nine weeks each.
Mid-State Technical College
Based in Wisconsin Rapids, Mid-State Technical College offers an associate degree program in respiratory therapy at the college's Marshfield campus. Students in the program take respiratory therapy-related courses, in addition to participating in clinical requirements at local medical facilities. Students learn to work with medical gases and environmental control equipment. Students also learn about airway management, home care, and ventilator support, among other aspects of respiratory care.
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Located in downtown Milwaukee, this technical college offers a 70-credit associate degree program in respiratory therapy. Students in the program are required to complete five clinical courses, along with classes in respiratory therapeutics, pharmacology, airway management, respiratory disease, life support, cardiac diagnostics, and pediatric care.
Moraine Park Technical College
Moraine Park Technical College is located in Fond du Lac, and students at the school can pursue an associate degree in respiratory therapy. The 73-credit program takes five semesters to complete. Through courses and clinical requirements, students learn to follow professional ethics and standards in treating patients living with respiratory diseases.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College sits in Green Bay and offers a respiratory therapy associate degree program. Students are required to complete 70 credits and take courses in respiratory disease, respiratory life support, cardiac diagnostics, and respiratory therapeutics. The five clinical requirements offer students a chance to work in professional environments.
Western Technical College
Based in La Crosse, Western Technical College offers a respiratory care associate degree program that can be completed after earning 70 credits. Students are required to complete general education requirements and courses in respiratory disease, pediatric care, airway management, cardiac physiology, respiratory pharmacology, and cardiac diagnostics.
Career Requirements
Individuals who want to work as respiratory therapists in the state of Wisconsin are required to obtain licensure. The licensure process includes completing a National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) approved program and passing Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination to become licensed.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Respiratory Therapy Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | 2-year, public; small city | Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy | $4,364 in-state, $6,377 out-of-state* |
| Madison Area Technical College | 4-year (primarily associate's), public; midsize city | Associate in Applied Science - Respiratory Therapist | $4,407 in-state, $6,512 out-of-state* |
| Mid-State Technical College | 2-year, public; rural fringe | Associate in Applied Science - Respiratory Therapist | $4,432 in-state, $6,445 out-of-state* |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | 2-year, public; large city | Associate in Applied Science - Respiratory Therapist | $4,589 in-state, $6,602 out-of-state* |
| Moraine Park Technical College | 2-year, public; small city | Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapist | $4,403 in-state, $6,377 out-of-state* |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | 2-year, public; midsize city | Associate Degree - Respiratory Therapist | $4,479 in-state, $6,492 out-of-state* |
| Western Technical College | 2-year, public; small city | Associate in Applied Science - Respiratory Therapist | $4,403 in-state, $6,377 out-of-state* |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics.
