Washington State education programs

There are multiple education programs within Washington State and throughout the Pacific Northwest recommended by RCSW.

Here’s our recommendations and RCSW member contacts. Reach out for more information.

Stay tuned for more PNW and west coast programs to be added.

Spokane Community College

Upon completion of this four-year accredited program, you will be eligible to test for professional certification in the field. With this degree, you could work for a hospital in an intensive care unit, emergency room or surgical department; a doctor’s office performing pulmonary function testing; a home care agency; or a rehabilitation institute. Contact Toni Damato.

Highline College

Now a Bachelor’s program to allow for addition of advanced critical experiences. This provides students with students with a strong advantage starting out in their career from clinical sites such as Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Virginia Mason, Regional Hospital and Swedish Hospital.

If you graduated from an associate level program and would like to complete your bachelor level degree specifically in Respiratory Care, we have a pathway for you. Contact Nicki Bly or Kayoko Kado.

Seattle Central College

Seattle Central College's Respiratory Care program is a full-time, face-to-face, rigorous bachelor’s degree program that combines classroom training with practical, hands-on experience. This program will prepare you to become a member of a dedicated healthcare team that treats patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Contact Jennifer Clark.

Tacoma Community College

The 2-year Respiratory Therapy program leads to an Associate in Applied Sciences degree, Respiratory Therapy. Program graduates are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care to earn certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Students may then become eligible to take the Clinical Simulation to earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Contact Greg Carter.

PIMA Medical Institute

The 2-year Respiratory Therapy program provides students with academic and clinical training in preparation for employment as a registered respiratory therapist. Students have the opportunity to develop professional skills in advanced respiratory care techniques (including neonatal, pediatric and adult special care procedures), general and advanced pharmacology, cardiopulmonary disease, patient assessment and therapeutics. Upon completion of our program, you’ll be ready to obtain certification and launch your career as a respiratory therapist. Contact Jill Morgan.