The field of respiratory therapy offers a rewarding and stable career path, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a robust growth of 19% through 2029. This rate is significantly faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting the increasing demand for skilled respiratory therapists. With an average annual salary of $62,810, a career in respiratory care provides both professional fulfillment and financial security. The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Respiratory Care Program stands as a premier choice for individuals seeking to enter this dynamic healthcare sector.
Respiratory therapists play a vital role in healthcare, working with patients of all ages who suffer from breathing difficulties and cardiopulmonary disorders. Graduates of respiratory care programs find employment in diverse healthcare settings, each offering unique challenges and opportunities to make a difference. These settings include:
- Hospitals, providing critical care in intensive care units, emergency rooms, and general medical floors.
- Cardiopulmonary diagnostic laboratories, conducting tests to diagnose and monitor heart and lung conditions.
- Skilled nursing facilities, offering long-term respiratory care for patients with chronic conditions.
- Home health care agencies, delivering essential respiratory services to patients in the comfort of their homes.
- Rehabilitation centers, helping patients recover lung function after illness or injury.
Image alt text: Respiratory therapists working in diverse settings such as hospitals, home health care, and rehabilitation centers, highlighting the varied career environments available after completing a respiratory care program.
FSCJ Respiratory Care Program: Accreditation and Excellence
Choosing an accredited respiratory care program is crucial for ensuring quality education and career readiness. The FSCJ Respiratory Care A.S. degree program (#200223) holds the prestigious “Continuing Accreditation” status from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). CoARC is the leading accreditation body for respiratory therapy education programs in the United States, ensuring programs meet rigorous national standards. This accreditation signifies FSCJ’s commitment to providing an outcome-based education, where program effectiveness is measured by student achievement and the fulfillment of educational goals. The program’s dedication to these standards was recently affirmed by CoARC, with the next comprehensive evaluation scheduled for no later than 2029. For further inquiries regarding accreditation, CoARC can be reached at 817-283-2835 or through their website CoARC.
Image alt text: The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) seal, representing the accreditation and high standards of respiratory care programs like the FSCJ program.
The Programmatic Outcomes Data, verified by CoARC through the Annual Report of Current Status (RCS), further demonstrates the Fscj Respiratory Care Program’s effectiveness. This data, based on a 3-year average, is publicly available on the Programmatic Outcomes Data section of the CoARC website, offering transparency and accountability.
Licensure and Certification: Your Path to Practice
For students considering practicing respiratory care outside of Florida, FSCJ provides resources to ensure program curriculum alignment with other state requirements. Prospective students can click here to verify that the FSCJ program meets the necessary criteria for licensure or certification exams in their desired state of practice. Successful completion of the FSCJ Respiratory Care A.S. degree program and passing the required examinations positions graduates for a successful and fulfilling career as registered respiratory therapists.
Student Success: Outcomes and Engagement
FSCJ’s Respiratory Care program prioritizes student success, consistently monitoring institutional goals and sharing results with the program’s Advisory Committee and administration. This commitment to high-quality education is reflected in the program’s impressive student success rates. Furthermore, FSCJ Respiratory Care students actively engage in volunteer efforts, contributing to community health and professional development through events such as the Fight to Breathe 5K Run, the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb, and local health fairs. The program’s participation in the Florida Society for Respiratory Care’s annual Sunshine Seminar Student Sputum Bowl, where FSCJ students were recognized as the 2018 State Champions and 2017 Runner-up, showcases their exceptional skills and knowledge.
| Years | TMC Examination Pass Rate (high-cut score) | Clinical Sim Examination (CSE) Pass Rate | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 75% | 93% | 87% | — |
| 2021 | 88% | 83% | 80% | 94% |
| 2020 | 80% | 73% | 87% | 90% |
| 2019 | 77% | 100% | 81% | 76% |
Image alt text: Table displaying student success rates for the FSCJ Respiratory Care Program across multiple years, showcasing strong TMC Examination pass rates, Clinical Simulation Examination pass rates, graduation rates, and employment rates.
Take the First Step Towards a Respiratory Care Career
The FSCJ Respiratory Care Program offers a comprehensive and accredited pathway to a rewarding career in respiratory therapy. With strong student success rates, dedicated faculty, and a curriculum designed to meet industry demands, FSCJ provides the ideal environment to launch your healthcare career.
For admissions information and to learn more about the program, please visit Admissions Information.
