Exploring respiratory therapist programs in California?

I'm looking into respiratory therapist programs in California. Are there any standout schools for this field? I'm interested in knowing about the program length, clinical training opportunities, and how competitive the admissions process is. Any insights would be appreciated!

Given your interest in pursuing a career as a respiratory therapist, among the top programs within California, you might want to consider Loma Linda University or American Career College.

Loma Linda University's Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Sciences is a standout program. This program not only includes coursework on respiratory diseases and care but also incorporates a cardiac subject component, giving you a comprehensive understanding of cardiopulmonary health. The program spans for three years, with the first year spent taking prerequisite courses and the last two years focused on the program curriculum.

American Career College offers an Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy. It is a 20-month accelerated program that includes clinical laboratory simulations and hands-on clinical experiences in patient care settings.

These programs provide comprehensive clinical training where students can apply theoretical knowledge into practice and gain firsthand experience under the guidance of professionals in real-life settings.

Regarding the competitive nature of these programs, they certainly are competitive due to the high demand and limited spots in each class. Typically, the admission process considers your overall and science GPA in prerequisite coursework, healthcare experience, and sometimes even your performance in an interview or aptitude test. Having a robust background in science and some relevant healthcare experience can help strengthen your application.

Hope this gives you a good starting point for your research!