South College Asheville launches Respiratory Therapy program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 10, 2024

South College Asheville is now enrolling students for a new Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program.

Respiratory therapists consult with and assist physicians to diagnose, treat and manage breathing problems and cardiopulmonary diseases and disorders. Students in the South College Asheville Respiratory Therapy program will work to earn this degree through a mix of online and in-person learning, studying a wide variety of respiratory care therapies, devices and techniques.

“Our institution is committed to delivering relevant programs for students, and respiratory therapy is a growing and rewarding profession, serving people of all ages and abilities,” South College Asheville President Dr. Danielle Kwasnik said. “We’re excited to launch this program, welcome students and help provide solutions for community and regional demand for professionals in this field.”

This program helps students develop essential skills, including cardiopulmonary pharmacology; mechanical ventilation and airway management; emergency and critical respiratory care; neonatal and pediatric respiratory care; pulmonary rehabilitation and home care; and cardiopulmonary testing and sleep studies.

Students will complete labs and clinical practice to gain hands-on experience with respiratory therapy equipment, procedures, imaging and lab data and patient care. The program is designed to prepare graduates for national credential examinations administered by The National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median pay is for respiratory therapists is $77,960 per year. Additionally, the field is expected to grow at 13% through 2033. This growth is fueled by a large aging population, which leads to a rise in chronic respiratory conditions.

The Asheville campus is located at 140 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville. Interested students may call the admissions team at 828-630-8104 or visit south.edu/asheville.

About South College

South College serves more than 14,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.