Respiratory Therapy | Gateway Technical College

Gain hands-on experience learning in both lab and clinical settings, featuring real-life scenarios where you’ll learn everything from treating acute respiratory illnesses to maintaining complex, life-sustaining equipment.
Learn from experienced respiratory therapists, gaining a thorough understanding of essential skills while being challenged in both individual and team-based scenarios.
Complete 740 hours of clinical time getting first-hand experience with patients
in hospital, home, long term care and pulmonary clinic settings.
Build your network through student clubs like Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), making professional connections at state-and national-level conventions and competitions.
Get credentialed. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be fully prepared to take your national board exams, entering a field with competitive salaries, ready to provide top-level care to those in need.

Program Credits

63

LOCATION

Kenosha Campus

Financial Aid Eligible

Yes

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST

Tuition & Fees: N/A
Books and Supplies: N/A

Start Dates

Summer

Salary Outlook

$76,336

Career Opportunities:

Certified Respiratory Therapist, Registered Respiratory Therapist

Curriculum Sheet:

10-515-1 Respiratory Therapy Full-Time 2025-2026 Curriculum Sheet

Course Number: 801-136Credits: 3.00

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

Course Number: 890-155Credits: 1.00

In this course, students explore the Gateway Technical College community. They examine college resources and services, investigate skills that lead to academic success, and identify strategies for achieving educational and personal goals.

Course Number: 806-177Credits: 4.00

This course examines the basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.

Course Number: 809-188Credits: 3.00

Developmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others.

Course Number: 801-198Credits: 3.00

This course explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, including the listening process, form the basis of the course.

Course Number: 806-179Credits: 4.00

Advanced Anatomy and Physiology is the second semester in a two semester sequence in which normal human anatomy and physiology are studied, using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. Instruction is delivered both within a classroom and in a laboratory setting. Experimentation within a science lab includes analysis of cellular metabolism and the individual components of body systems, such as the nervous, neuro-muscular, cardiovascular, and urinary systems. Students examine homeostatic mechanisms and their relationship to fluids, electrolytes, acid-base balance, and blood. Integration of genetics to human reproduction and development are also included in this course.

Course Number: 515-112Credits: 2.00

Provides a comprehensive exploration of airway management concepts and skills. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 515-111Credits: 3.00

Examines the role of the Respiratory Therapist within the healthcare community. Reviews the ethical, legal, and regulatory principles that guide practice across diverse populations. Introductory patient assessment and critical thinking processes used in the development of respiratory care plans are explored. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 515-171Credits: 3.00

Introduces the topics of medical gas administration and humidity and aerosol therapy. The student will apply physics, math and patient assessment concepts to oxygen, aerosol and humidity therapy. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 515-175Credits: 2.00

Introduces Respiratory Therapy practice in the hospital setting. Includes the development of skills such as basic therapeutics, patient assessment, medical record review, safety practices, patient interaction, and communication. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical students must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 5 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.

Course Number: 515-173Credits: 3.00

Examines basic pharmacology principles, drug dosage, and calculations. Medications for inhalation including mucolytics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatories. Also includes cardiac drugs, anesthetic drugs, neuromuscular blockers, and antimicrobials. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 515-172Credits: 3.00

Introduces therapeutic procedures including arterial puncture, bronchial hygiene, lung expansion therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 515-174Credits: 3.00

Provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the respiratory and circulatory systems necessary to function as a competent Respiratory Therapist. Emphasis is placed on the promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 515-178Credits: 3.00

Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical students must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 12 (required and/or simulated) competencies (cumulative through all clinical courses). The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.

Course Number: 515-179Credits: 3.00

Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical students must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 19 (required and/or simulated) competencies (cumulative through all clinical courses). The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.

Course Number: 515-176Credits: 3.00

Exploration of signs, symptoms, causes, progression, and treatment of diseases or disorders of the body that affect the respiratory cardiopulmonary system. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 515-113Credits: 3.00

Focuses on the management of adult ventilatory support. Emphasis is placed on the promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 515-181Credits: 3.00

Focuses on advanced invasive and noninvasive diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures including pulmonary function, hemodynamics and rescue medicine. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 515-182Credits: 3.00

Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical students must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 26 (required and/or simulated) competencies (cumulative through all clinical courses). The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.

Course Number: 515-183Credits: 3.00

Focuses on the completion of respiratory therapy competencies and transition to employment. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical students must demonstrate competence in all of the required and required/simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.

Course Number: 515-180Credits: 2.00

Provides a comprehensive orientation to the field of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care to include fetal development, birth, neonatal physiology, pulmonary dynamics, abnormal cardiopulmonary conditions, diseases, noninvasive and invasive therapeutic interventions. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.

Course Number: 809-196Credits: 3.00

This course examines interpersonal relationships of humans and groups and the consequent structure of society. It details the various social processes and concepts which shape human behavior, analyzing such phenomena as organizations, deviance, race and ethnic relations, population, urbanization, social change, and social movements. Religion, education, and the family are studied.

Ready to apply? We're here to help! Join us for a Get Ready Application workshop. Our New Student Specialists will answer any questions and assist you with the application process. Register for a workshop today.

Admissions Requirements

Application for Admission & Application Fee
Students must meet one of the following multiple measures: earned a technical diploma or higher,* earned a minimum high school GPA of 2.6, earned a minimum college GPA of 2.0 or submit ACT or Accuplacer test scores. Submit any needed transcripts or test scores. *Please note short term technical diplomas do not fulfill Multiple Measures. These programs include Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT, and Truck Driving.
Order Background Check ONLY (CBC). Upon completing your order, the BID will be on your To-Do List. Download, print, and then upload the completed BID to your myCB within 30 days of your CBC order. BID's not uploaded within 30 days may result in the need to place a new CBC order.
- Student Instruction Form
- For additional background check information, read and understand the Criminal Background Checks and Health Program Students information.
Review the program technical standards. An acknowledgement of these standards will be completed within the online application.

Petitioning

This program has a required admission petition. Students are awarded seats by having met the program petition requirements, program acceptance date and current residency status. Students with earlier program acceptance dates and Gateway district (Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties) residence have priority over students with later program acceptance dates or who are outside of the Gateway district and/or residents outside of Wisconsin. See our Petitioning webpage for additional information.

Clinicals

The program of study that you have selected has a required clinical component for graduation. Each clinical placement has site specific requirements which may include COVID-19 vaccination requirements. There is a limited availability for clinical sections that accept waivers for COVID-19 vaccinations. It is the student's responsibility to register for sections that allow waivers for COVID-19 vaccinations. Clinical requirements are subject to change with little or no notice.

After Petitioning

After being awarded a seat through the petitioning process:
This program has a required admission petition. Click for details on petitioning.

Order Medical Document Manager ONLY (health forms/records and CPR).
- Student Instruction Form
Order your Drug Test. During the order process, you will need to select your program location, i.e. Nursing - ADN/PN - Racine/Kenosha OR Nursing - ADN/PN - Burlington. Please read the “Additional Information” section found on the review page which is the beginning part of the order process. This will provide you with the necessary information to complete your drug test.
- Student Instruction Form

Background and Health Information requirement questions?
Please contact the Admissions Office at admissionsoffice@gtc.edu.

Note: Gateway's program meets the licensure requirements for the State of Wisconsin. Gateway has not determined if the program meets the licensure requirements of any other state.

Gateway Technical College is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for a respiratory care program. The college has been awarded provisional accreditation.

Find an Accredited Program - CoARC - Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Program Mission and Vision:

This program prepares learners to apply for licensure as a Respiratory Therapist, after passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentials. This program is designed 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). It is the desire of the program faculty to continue to develop a Respiratory Care Program whose graduates and faculty enjoy a reputation of excellence.