NSCC’s Respiratory Care program is closed for Fall 2025.
Train to be a licensed Respiratory Care therapist in four semesters.
Respiratory Therapy is among the Best Health Care Jobs by US News & World Reports and health care organizations on the North Shore are hiring now!
The Respiratory Care program at NSCC is fully accredited and combines lectures, laboratory
activities, and hospital experience that lead to an Associate in Science degree, eligibility
for the national examinations, and entrance into the Massachusetts licensure process.
Respiratory therapists are licensed health care professionals who evaluate, treat,
and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders such as asthma,
chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis or sleep apnea. They also have the
skills to respond to some emergency situations, like those experiencing a heart attack
or suffering a stroke.
The Respiratory Care Program Goal:
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 (RRT’s).
There are 4 National Board for Respiratory Care scholarships valued at $1,000.00 each are available for accepted students. Information regarding the application process will be sent to students once accepted into the Respiratory Care Program.
Free Community College
Massachusetts allows all residents without a bachelor’s degree to attend North Shore Community College for free.
No tuition. No fees. Both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.
Respiratory Care Quick Facts
13%
Growth in jobs over the next 10 years is stable
$70,540
Median annual wage for respiratory therapists
4
Number of semesters to complete this degree as a full time student
Next Steps
NSCC’s Respiratory Care associate degree program offers courses during the fall, and spring semesters.
Expand AllCollapse AllAll applicants to the Respiratory Care associate degree program are required to attend a Mandatory Information Session. Mandatory Information Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom or in-person at the Danvers campus. Each session lasts approximately one hour. For virtual information sessions, Zoom links will be sent 24 hours ahead of the session. Please see the information below for date, time and location of information session.
Students who complete this degree program at North Shore Community College have an opportunity to seamlessly transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.
North Shore Community College will help you transfer and prepare for the transition to a baccalaureate program. We have created many transfer agreements designed specifically to plan a curriculum that will fit your chosen bachelor degree or college, and maximize the number of credits that transfer. Your success is important to our entire college community! Students are also encouraged to consult with their advisor, program coordinator or the Student Support and Advising Center.
Student Learner Outcomes for NSCC’s Respiratory Care associate degree program are detailed in NSCC’s Academic Catalog.
The total tuition and General and Technology Fees for In-state Residents without financial aid is $15,164 for the 68-credit Respiratory Care associate degree program (fees vary by program).
Additional Program Fees: $450 per term
Books and course materials, transportation, and health insurance expenses are not included in the tuition and fee costs.
The Board of Trustees reserves the right to increase fees without prior notice. The MA Board of Higher Education reserves the right to increase tuition without prior notice.
The Respiratory Care Program has the following clinical affiliations:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Franciscan Hospital for Children
Massachusetts General Hospital
Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital
