Simi Institute for Careers & Education
Respiratory Therapist Associate Degree / Bachelors Degree Program
About the Profession
Respiratory Therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals who play a vital role in saving lives and improving the quality of life for patients with heart and lung conditions. They are on the front lines of modern medicine, working in a variety of fast-paced and specialized clinical settings.
Where They Work
- Acute Care Hospitals: Provide critical respiratory support throughout all units—including medical-surgical, telemetry, step-down, emergency rooms, and intensive care units (ICUs).
- Neonatal and Pediatric ICUs: Care for fragile newborns and children with complex respiratory needs.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Centers: Support patients with chronic lung disease through recovery and long-term management.
- Home Care Settings: Deliver respiratory therapy and patient education in the home environment.
- Pulmonary Function Labs: Perform diagnostic testing to assess lung function and guide treatment.
- Sleep Labs: Help identify and treat sleep-related breathing disorders using advanced diagnostic tools.
Respiratory Therapists are essential members of the healthcare team, bringing expert knowledge, technical skill, and compassionate care to a wide range of clinical environments.
Why Choose a Career in Respiratory Therapy?
- Strong job stability and competitive pay.
- In California, the hourly wage typically ranges from $38.79 to $43.82.
- Average annual salary is approximately $97,343.
- Entry-level positions start around $76,296 per year.
- Experienced therapists can earn up to $127,686 annually.
- Most respiratory therapists work three 12-hour shifts per week.
- There is currently a nationwide shortage of qualified respiratory therapists, with especially high demand in California.
- The abundance of open positions makes this an ideal time to enter the field.
About Our Program
Step into the fast-paced world of healthcare with the Respiratory Therapy Program at Simi Institute for Careers & Education. Offered in partnership with Excelsior University. This program leads to an associate degree with the option to continue toward a bachelor’s degree after graduation through Excelsior.
learn more about associate degree requirements
learn more about bachelor's degree requirements
Students train in a fully equipped respiratory therapy lab that features modern ventilators, equipment, and a realistic SimMan patient simulator. Our lab environment allows students to practice critical skills in a safe, lifelike setting and build confidence before entering clinical rotations.
Beginning each June, the program is designed to prepare students for success in the field of respiratory care through a combination of academic coursework and hands-on clinical training in respected local hospitals. From emergency rooms to adult and neonatal ICUs, our graduates are prepared to work at the front lines of modern medicine.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing exams and to apply for licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in California. Whether you're just starting out or looking to transition into a high-impact healthcare role, the Respiratory Therapy Program at Simi Institute provides the education, support, and clinical experience needed to launch a successful career in respiratory care.
Program Admission
All applicants should be able to read at a 12th-grade level. Although a high school diploma or college coursework is not required for students over 18, it is strongly
recommended.
Admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program is based on a comprehensive review of
the following:
- Application essay
- Written entrance exam assessing adult basic skills, including:
- Part 1: English – reading comprehension and language usage.
- Part 2: Math – equations, fractions, percentages, scientific notation, and pre-algebra
- Interview with Respiratory Therapy Program staff
- Academic preparation (based on optional transcripts)
- Relevant work or volunteer experience (as listed in the application)
Successful completion of the following is considered favorably during the selection process:
- Completion of college-level coursework and prior experience in the healthcare field
- A background in anatomy, physiology, biology, or chemistry
- Recent completion of AP-level science courses in high school
To be considered, transcripts must be included in the application packet.
Program Admission Requirements
All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the first day of class or must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC, or recognized foreign equivalent) by July 1.
All students are required to complete the entire program. Advanced placement from other respiratory therapy programs is not accepted.
Application Timeline
Applications for the next cohort will be available beginning January 20, 2026.
Application Submission Fee
A non-refundable fee of $50 is required at the time of application submission.
Credit Transfer Guide
Students who have already taken basic sciences or general education requirements can send those transcripts directly to Excelsior University.
Estimated Simi Institute Student Expenses (as of January 2025)
The Respiratory Therapy Program tuition at SICE includes required textbooks, uniforms, ID badge, stethoscope, and pulse oximeter.
First-Year Respiratory Therapy Student:
- Summer Semester: $3,600
- Fall 1 Semester (August): $2,100
- Fall 2 Semester (October): $2,100
- Spring 1 Semester (January): $2,100
- Spring 2 Semester (March) $2,100
Estimated First-Year Costs: $12,050
To enroll in the second-year program, students must successfully complete all first-year coursework at Simi Institute.
Second-Year Respiratory Therapy Student:
- Summer Semester (Simi Institute & Clinical Rotation): $550
- Fall Semester (August): $0
Don’t let cost stand in your way – we are here to help. Click on the button below to learn more about student financial assistance:
Licensing and Credentialing Fees (Post-Graduation)
- $300 – This is the initial application fee required when applying for licensure as an RCP in California.
- Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam: $190
- Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE): $200
3. Passport Photo
- Approximately $10 – A 2” x 2” passport-style photo is typically required for licensure applications
4. Law and Professional Ethics Course:
- $30–$60 – Completion of an approved Law and Professional Ethics course is mandatory. This can be done through:
5. Live Scan Fingerprinting:
- $50–$100 – Costs vary based on the provider and location. The total fee includes:
- Rolling Fee: $20–$50
- Department of Justice (DOJ) Fee: $32
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fee: $17 (if required)
Estimated Total Second-Year Cost: $7,950
Excelsior University Cost Breakdown
The estimated total cost for enrollment, tuition, and graduation through Excelsior University ranges from $5,800 to $8,700, depending on transferred credits.
- Excelsior provides payment plans, and financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
- Detailed cost information will be provided during the application process or may be accessed directly on the Excelsior website Excelsior University
Program Requirements Not Covered by Tuition:
- Physical Examination and Lab Work – Upon acceptance into the program, students must complete a physical examination that includes comprehensive lab tests and proof of Hepatitis B immunization.
- Background Check – A current background check (dated within 90 days) is required prior to beginning the first clinical rotation. Additional background checks may be necessary for state licensing and/or registration with the appropriate regulatory board.
*In accordance with the policies of our clinical site partners, all Respiratory Therapy students must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to beginning of the first clinical rotation in accordance with hospital policy, no exemptions can be granted.
Essential Technical Standards for Respiratory Therapy Students
1. Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (e.g., during clinical rotations).
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Manual dexterity to perform procedures such as arterial blood gas draws, airway suctioning, and ventilator setup.
- Visual acuity to assess patient conditions and monitor equipment readings.
- Hearing ability to respond to alarms, breath sounds, and patient communication.
2. Cognitive Abilities
- Ability to read, comprehend, and apply medical and scientific information (e.g., textbooks, patient charts, ventilator settings).
- Capacity to solve problems in urgent and complex situations.
- Demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making in clinical settings.
- Interpret data from diagnostic tests (e.g., ABGs, chest x-rays, ECGs).
3. Communication Skills
- Effectively communicate with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team in English (spoken and written).
- Document clearly and concisely in patient records.
- Follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
4. Professionalism and Interpersonal Conduct
- Maintain professionalism and composure under stress (e.g., during emergencies or end-of-life care).
- Demonstrate compassion, respect, and ethical behavior in all patient interactions.
- Work cooperatively with peers, instructors, and clinical staff.
- Adapt to changing environments and clinical demands.
5. Observation and Response Skills
- Ability to detect changes in patient condition through observation and auscultation (e.g., breath sounds, skin color).
- Use tactile sense to assess pulses, identify anatomical landmarks, and evaluate respiratory movement.
6. Workplace Environment Readiness
- Tolerate exposure to disinfectants, blood and body fluids, compressed gases, and airborne contaminants.
- Work in environments such as ICUs, emergency rooms, and isolation unit while following safety protocols.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for graduation from the Respiratory Therapy Program and to meet the standards required by CoARC and the NBRC, students must:
- Successfully complete a minimum of 68 semester units, including all required respiratory therapy coursework and general education courses.
- Maintain a passing grade in all required courses, as defined by the program’s academic policies.
- Demonstrate clinical competence by completing all required clinical rotation hours and demonstrating competence through clinical skills assessments.
- Meet professional and ethical conduct standards as outlined in the student handbook.
- Fulfill all program assignments, exams, and performance requirements in both classroom and clinical settings.
- Resolve all financial obligations to the school and return any school-issued materials prior to graduation.
Accreditations
Simi Institute for Careers & Education is fully accredited by the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring high standards in educational quality and institutional integrity.
Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a recognized authority for academic excellence and institutional quality.
As an accredited institution, we uphold the standards set by the Middle States
Commission on Higher Education, which supports educational excellence and
innovation across diverse institutions and adapts to the evolving landscape of higher
education.
The Respiratory Therapy program at Simi Institute for Careers and Education CoARC program number 200586 is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care for the associate in science degree located in Simi Valley, California:
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs across the United States using an outcomes-based approach. This process focuses on measurable performance indicators that demonstrate how well a program meets its educational goals and documents overall program effectiveness.
Need More Information? Contact:
Becky Jeffrey, M.Ed., BA, RRT
Respiratory Therapy Program Director
Office: 805-579-6200 ext. 1737
Email: rebecca.jeffrey@simivalleyusd.org
