Become a respiratory therapist at Goodwin University

Become a Respiratory Therapist

  • CheckmarkEvening classes
  • CheckmarkHands-on clinical training
  • CheckmarkPrepare for NBRC credentialing
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Real-world clinical experiences

Train alongside healthcare professionals through clinical partnerships across CT.

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Flexible class schedules

Classes are offered in the evenings 7 days a week.

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Graduate credential-ready

Build the knowledge and skills needed for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing exams.

Become a trusted member of the healthcare team

If you’re looking for a healthcare career where you can make a meaningful difference, respiratory care offers the opportunity to improve patients’ lives every day. Respiratory therapists care for people of all ages, helping them manage breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, emergency settings, and more.

At Goodwin University, you’ll build the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to become a confident respiratory therapist. Through classroom learning, lab experiences, and clinical training, you’ll prepare to care for patients while working alongside experienced healthcare professionals.

Let’s Get Started

Step inside our Respiratory Therapist program

See how Goodwin students develop the clinical skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed to become respiratory therapists through hands-on learning and supportive instruction.

headshot of Justin Rearick

“As a full-time working adult, Goodwin offered me the flexibility to continue working while pursuing my degree, which was something that really appealed to me. Furthermore, the excellent classroom instruction, coupled with a wide variety of clinical site experiences, really put me in a position to be successful from the moment I graduated.”

Prepare for a rewarding healthcare career

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in today’s healthcare teams, providing specialized care to patients of all ages. As demand for skilled respiratory therapists continues to grow, graduates can pursue rewarding careers across a variety of healthcare settings.

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Average annual salary for respiratory therapists in Connecticut.1

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Projected job growth through 2034 — much faster than average.2

1 CT Department of Labor, 2023
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025

Respiratory Care students training with clinical equipment

Develop career-ready respiratory care skills

Our Respiratory Care associate degree curriculum combines classroom instruction, laboratory training, and hands-on clinical experiences to prepare you for professional practice. You’ll learn the techniques and technologies respiratory therapists use every day while building the knowledge needed for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing exams.

You’ll gain experience in:

  • Airway management
  • Cardiopulmonary assessment
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Patient care across the lifespan
  • Respiratory pharmacology

Coursework includes:

Course code Course name
RSP 110 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology
RSP 124 Respiratory Diagnostics and Therapeutics
RSP 133 Principles of Mechanical Ventilation
Respiratory Care students

Learn in advanced healthcare environments

Goodwin students gain hands-on experience through clinical partnerships across Connecticut, including training opportunities with Hartford HealthCare’s nationally recognized Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation (CESI).

Affordable Degree Guide

Invest in yourself with a Goodwin Respiratory Care degree

We believe a quality education should be within reach. Our financial aid team works one-on-one with every student to help make it happen. Goodwin University was ranked the #3 most affordable university in Connecticut for associate degrees.3

Financial aid options include:

  • Grants and scholarships
  • Federal and state student loans
  • Work-study opportunities
  • Dedicated advisors who build a plan around your budget
Learn more about financial aid →

3 Affordable Degree Guide, 2025

headshot of Beth Gilbert

“I love how invested the teachers are in their students. I haven’t been in a single class where I didn’t feel like I could go to the teacher for help.”

Newsweek: America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026

Named #1 college for women in CT

Goodwin University was named the #1 college for women in Connecticut by Newsweek, recognizing our commitment to access, support, and career-focused education.

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Accredited Respiratory Care program

Goodwin University’s Respiratory Care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), reflecting our commitment to preparing students for successful careers through high-quality education and clinical training.

Ready to get started?

We’re ready when you are.

Take the next step toward a rewarding career in respiratory care. At Goodwin University, you’ll gain the education, clinical experience, and support needed to prepare for success as a respiratory therapist.

Or call us at 800-889-3282