Respiratory Therapy Program
Train for a Career That Helps People Breathe - Respiratory Therapy A.A.S. coming soon to our Wheeling Campus!
WHAT IS A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST?
Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who help patients breathe easier.
They work with people of all ages—from newborns to seniors—treating conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, and emergency breathing issues. Respiratory therapists are often on the front lines in hospitals, helping patients in critical care situations.
This is a career where your work truly makes a difference every day.
WHY CHOOSE RESPIRATORY THERAPY?
- High-demand healthcare career
- Competitive salary potential
- Work directly with patients
- Make a life-saving impact
- Opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and more
- Train locally at our Wheeling campus
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
In the Respiratory Therapy program at Northern, students gain both classroom knowledge and hands-on clinical experience.
You will learn how to:
- Assess and treat patients with breathing disorders
- Operate respiratory therapy equipment and ventilators
- Administer oxygen and aerosol medications
- Respond to emergency respiratory situations
- Work as part of a healthcare team
- Provide care in critical care and hospital settings
Students will train in lab environments and gain real-world experience through clinical placements with regional healthcare providers.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the program can pursue careers such as:
- Respiratory Therapist
- Pulmonary Care Specialist
- Critical Care Respiratory Therapist
- Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapist
Where You Can Work:
- Hospitals
- Emergency rooms
- Intensive care units (ICU)
- Rehabilitation centers
- Long-term care facilities
- Healthcare employers in the Ohio Valley continue to have a strong need for respiratory therapists.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Hands-on lab training
- Clinical experience with local healthcare providers
- Small class sizes
- Knowledgeable faculty
- Affordable tuition
- Career-focused education
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Students must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the
- American Heart Association prior to the start of the program
Basic Life Support (BLS) classes are available at the College through our Continuing Education, or you can search for local options through the American Heart Association.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid information is currently being finalized.
READY TO START YOUR PATH TOWARDS A CAREER IN HELTHCARE?
Train for a high-demand, life-saving profession right here at Northern.
West Virginia Northern Community College is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for the Respiratory Therapy program. However, WVNCC can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Therapy (CoARC).
