Welcome to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Care!
At Metropolitan Community College, we are committed to empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our accredited Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Care program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge, clinical skills, and leadership abilities required to excel in this dynamic and rewarding field.
Our program prepares graduates for a broad range of career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and specialty environments, while fostering critical thinking, compassionate care, and lifelong learning. With a supportive learning community, expert faculty, and strong ties to regional healthcare providers, MCC graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and the wellbeing of communities at large.
Program highlights
- Save big on your education: MCC’s Bachelor’s Respiratory Care program offers the region’s lowest total costs, allowing you to start your career without overwhelming debt.
- Degree within a degree: Students can choose to start with our Associate in Science in Pre-Professional Studies, Health Emphasis, then transition into the Bachelor of Applied Science. Relevant prior credits can accelerate your progress.
- High-tech, hands-on learning: Acquire essential respiratory care skills in advanced classrooms and simulation suites within our state-of-the-art Health Science Institute.
- Immersive team-based experience: Collaborate in MCC’s nationally accredited Virtual Hospital, building communication and clinical skills with students from other healthcare programs.
- Comprehensive simulation training: Practice with the advanced equipment used at our regional hospital partners. You will learn on high-fidelity patient simulators, mechanical ventilators, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) systems, and airway clearance devices.
- Premier community partnerships: Gain vital experience and mentorship at top regional hospitals and healthcare organizations, including Children’s Mercy, University Health, KU Medical Center, Liberty Hospital, North Kansas City Hospital, VA Medical Center, Research Medical Center, and Saint Luke’s Hospitals.
- Certification ready: Graduate prepared to earn the RRT credential by successfully completing the new 2027 NBRC Respiratory Therapy Examination (RTE)
Careers
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
“Respiratory Therapists are health care professionals responsible for the care of
patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system” (AARC).
The Respiratory Care Program prepares students for careers as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs). RRTs assess, treat, and monitor patients, often administering oxygen, inhaled medications, and provide ventilator management for patients who are unable to breathe on their own. They also educate patients on managing their conditions and provide emergency support during critical situations.
It’s a dynamic and hands-on job that blends both technical skills and patient care. You get to be part of a healthcare team, often working closely with doctors, nurses, and other specialists to improve patient outcomes.
Whether you're a current healthcare worker looking to advance your career or someone eager to join this vital field, we offer a supportive learning environment where you can grow academically and professionally. Explore our program to learn how you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and communities.
It's also a growing field with a lot of opportunities in various settings, from hospitals to outpatient clinics, and even in home care. Plus, it offers the chance to make a real, positive impact on people’s lives, which is incredibly rewarding.
A much faster than average (12% or higher) employment growth is forecasted from 2024-2034
for Respiratory Therapists with an annual median salary of $79,950 in the Kansas City
area.
Visit Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to view salary information, employment outlook and personal characteristics needed for this career.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Care program at Metropolitan Community College, CoARC program number 200698, located at Penn Valley (Health Science Institute, 3444 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111), holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
“This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.”
For more information, call 817.283.2835, or write to:
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690
Telephone: 817.283.2835
Fax: 817.354.8519
Email: webmaster@coarc.com
Website: coarc.com
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. View the CoARC Programmatic Outcomes Data.
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MCC's Respiratory Care program goals include:
- To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
- To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in one or more of the following: management, education, research and advanced clinical practice (which may include an area of clinical specialization).
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Graduates are eligible to sit for the new 2027 Respiratory Therapy Examination (RTE) administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Upon successful completion of the RTE, graduates will earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, reflecting advanced competency in professional respiratory care practice.
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Credit hours needed 120 In District cost per credit hour $121 $14,520 Out of District / Metro Rate cost per credit hour $237 $28,440 Out of State / International cost per credit hour $320 $38,400 Other Fees Course fee - Tier 4 disciplines - practical and professional nursing - Tuition plus $400 program fee per course 15 Respiratory Care Courses $6,000 Books - 5 semesters (approximately $400/semester) $2,000 Trajecsys (12 - 24 months) $150 Scrubs (2 complete sets) and closed-toe shoes $300 Stethoscope $100 Immunizations (varies) n/a Clinical Student (background check) $155 Lindsey Jones University 3 day Seminar (NBRC TMC Prep) $360 Lindsey Jones Secure Readiness Assessment Exam (Each Attempt Up To 3 Attempts) $50 Clinical rotations - Students are responsible for all costs associated with transportation, housing, and living expenses for all clinical rotations. n/a Malpractice Insurance - Students are included in a blanket clinical liability policy. The fee for this policy is billed during the first term of the program. n/a Drug Screening varies Physical varies Total program costs In District $27,100 Out of District / Metro Rate $41,130 Out of State / International $51,095 Note: All costs are subject to change without notice