Skip to Content Skip to Navigation
Student giving CPR in a hospital bed
Program Snapshot
Academic CredentialAssociate in Arts (AA)
Total Credit Hours60
Average Time to Complete2 yrs.
Academic PathwayHealth Sciences
AdvisorJennifer Barber
Program Coordinator
850.872.3837
jbarber@gulfcoast.edu

Academic Program SpecialistConnie Pimentel
850.913.3311
Health SciencesGCSC@gulfcoast.edu

Pathway NavigatorCindy Penny
850.769.1551 ext. 3268
cpenny@gulfcoast.edu

Visit my faculty page

Submit a Program Application

Resp. Care Therapy Website

Track your progress Degree Audit

Map out your courses Degree Plan

Respiratory Care Therapy, AA

You Can Play a Key Role in Sustaining One of Life's Basic Necessities

Respiratory therapists specialize in the evaluation, treatment and care of patients with breathing disorders. As a respiratory therapist, you will perform procedures crucial in maintaining the lives of seriously ill patients with breathing problems and assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with heart and lung disease. You will have the option to work in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, sleep disorders clinics, pulmonary function labs, hyperbaric chambers, skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies.

The field of respiratory care is experiencing one of the highest levels of demand for graduates over the last decade and employment opportunities are abundant both locally and nationally. This trend is expected to accelerate as the aging population increases. Gulf Coast State College offers the necessary courses and provides the hand-on training in state-of-the-art facilities to help you develop the skills that employers are looking for today.

The AA will prepare the student to transfer to a BS program at a University.

Breathe Easy Flyer

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC)

Gulf Coast State College Respiratory Care Program offers the Associate of Science in Respiratory Care degree program (CoARC #200449)  and is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
264 Precision Blvd
Telford, TN 37690
(817) 283-2835

Students

Respiratory Therapy Course Requirements

h3

English I & II
Visual & Performing Arts
Philosophy/Religion
Literature 
College Algebra
Statistics
College Physics I
Anatomy and Physiology I
Behavioral Sciences
Government
History
Anatomy and Physiology Courses
Math Courses
Physics Course
Biology Courses
Microbiology Courses
Chemistry Courses

A complete list of courses with descriptions can be found in the Catalog

What can you do with a Respiratory Care Degree?

What jobs will you find with a degree in Respiratory Therapy Assistant?

Registered Respiratory Therapist
Adult Critical Care Specialty
Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist
Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist

Gulf Coast alumni of this program have continued their education at:

Nova Southeastern University
Florida National University
Florida A & M University

Respirator
Image of Alannah
" The Respiratory Therapy Program offers a really supportive, hands-on learning environment. Ultimately, I want to become a Physician’s Assistant and this program is giving me valuable work experience and a solid foundation to continue my education."
-Meet Alannah
Respiratory Therapy Student
Respiratory Therapy Lab

Respiratory Therapy Lab

You'll acquire the skills you need to be successful in Gulf Coast State College's state-of-the-art respiratory therapy lab where you will get the hand-on experience you need in a safe environment.

Are you ready to get Started ?

How to apply to the Respiratory Therapy Program

First, you must complete the general admission application to Gulf Coast State College.  Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process.

In addition to the general application, you will need to complete an application packet for the Respiratory Care (Therapy) program. The packet includes a complete list of admission requirements and prerequisite course requirements.

Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.

The application process is competitive; please contact the program advisor to find out how to increase your chances for admission.

Apply to Gulf Coast

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about  scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Register for Classes

Check out the class registration dates and plan your schedule today.

REGISTER

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.