Key Takeaways
- Hollywood, Florida students have access to several top-tier, CoARC-accredited respiratory care programs within a short commute.
- The strongest programs offer high NBRC exam pass rates, robust clinical rotations, and strong hospital partnerships.
- Broward College and nearby Miami Dade College consistently stand out for affordability, accreditation, and outcomes.
- Most programs take 2 years to complete and prepare students for the RRT credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
- Respiratory therapists in Florida earn competitive salaries, with strong hiring demand across South Florida.
Why Choose a Respiratory Care Program in Hollywood, Florida?
Respiratory therapists are essential healthcare professionals who treat patients with breathing disorders, from asthma to critical care ventilation management. With Florida’s growing and aging population, demand for licensed respiratory therapists continues to rise.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow steadily through 2032. In Florida, wages typically range from $60,000 to over $80,000 annually depending on experience and setting.
Hollywood, FL is strategically located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, giving students access to large hospital systems such as Memorial Healthcare System and Broward Health. That proximity creates excellent clinical rotation and job placement opportunities.
What Makes a Respiratory Therapy School “The Best”?
The best respiratory therapist schools in Hollywood FL and surrounding areas are evaluated based on objective factors:
1. CoARC Accreditation
Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) ensures the program meets national educational standards and qualifies graduates to sit for NBRC exams.
2. NBRC Exam Pass Rates
High pass rates on the Therapist Multiple-Choice Exam and Clinical Simulation Examination reflect strong curriculum quality.
3. Clinical Training Hours
The strongest programs include extensive in-hospital clinical rotations, often 600 to 1,000 hours.
4. Tuition and Value
Public colleges often provide significantly lower tuition for Florida residents, especially compared to private institutions.
5. Job Placement and Local Hospital Partnerships
Programs connected to major South Florida health systems offer smoother transitions into employment.
Top Respiratory Care Programs Near Hollywood, Florida
1. Broward College – Associate of Science in Respiratory Care
Location: Davie, FL (approximately 20 minutes from Hollywood)
Accreditation: CoARC Accredited
Broward College consistently ranks as the top option for Hollywood-area students. The Associate of Science in Respiratory Care prepares graduates for Registered Respiratory Therapist credentials and Florida state licensure.
Program Highlights:
- Comprehensive classroom and lab instruction
- Extensive clinical rotations at local hospitals
- Strong NBRC credentialing preparation
- Affordable in-state tuition
The program requires prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and general education. Admission is competitive and may include GPA and limited-access criteria.
Learn more at Broward College’s official website.
Why It Stands Out: Exceptional value for Florida residents and strong hospital partnerships throughout Broward County.
2. Miami Dade College – Associate in Science in Respiratory Care
Location: Medical Campus, Miami, FL (approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Hollywood)
Accreditation: CoARC Accredited
Miami Dade College offers one of the most established respiratory therapy programs in South Florida. Its medical campus provides a healthcare-focused learning environment alongside nursing and allied health programs.
Program Benefits:
- High-quality simulation labs
- Strong board exam preparation
- Well-developed hospital training network
- Day program structure
This program emphasizes advanced respiratory care techniques, neonatal and pediatric care, and critical care ventilation management.
Visit Miami Dade College for application deadlines and admission requirements.
Best For: Students seeking a large, resource-rich medical campus environment.
3. Keiser University – Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy
Location: Multiple South Florida campuses
Accreditation: Verify CoARC status for specific campus
Keiser University offers a private college alternative with smaller class sizes and structured scheduling.
Key Features:
- Career-focused curriculum
- Flexible scheduling options
- Personalized academic support
Tuition is typically higher than public institutions but may appeal to students who prefer smaller class settings or need alternative scheduling structures.
More information is available at Keiser University.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Top Programs
SchoolAccreditedApprox. Distance from HollywoodProgram LengthBest ForBroward CollegeYes (CoARC)20 Minutes2 YearsAffordability and local hospital accessMiami Dade CollegeYes (CoARC)30 to 40 Minutes2 YearsAdvanced medical campus resourcesKeiser UniversityVaries by CampusVariesApprox. 2 YearsSmaller classes and structure
Admission Requirements for Respiratory Care Programs
While each school differs slightly, most respiratory therapist programs in South Florida require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite college courses
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Background check and immunizations
- CPR certification
Because many programs are limited-access, early application is strongly recommended.
Clinical Training and Certification Path
All accredited programs include hands-on clinical experiences at area hospitals. Students rotate through:
- Emergency departments
- Intensive care units
- Neonatal intensive care units
- Pulmonary rehabilitation centers
Graduates must pass NBRC exams to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. Florida also requires state licensure through the Florida Board of Respiratory Care.
Salary and Job Outlook in South Florida
Respiratory therapists in Florida earn competitive wages. According to data from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, Florida employs one of the highest numbers of respiratory therapists in the country.
In Broward and Miami-Dade counties:
- Entry-level salaries typically start around $55,000 to $65,000 annually
- Experienced RRTs can earn $75,000 to $85,000+
- Overtime and hospital shift differentials increase earning potential
Major employers include Memorial Healthcare System, Broward Health, Jackson Health System, and HCA Florida Healthcare.
How to Choose the Right Respiratory Therapy Program
Ask About Outcomes
Request recent NBRC pass rates and job placement statistics.
Compare Total Cost
Factor in tuition, books, uniforms, testing fees, and transportation to clinical sites.
Visit the Campus
Tour labs and ask about instructor-to-student ratio.
Understand Schedule Requirements
Most programs require daytime availability for clinical rotations. Working full time during the program can be challenging.
Confirm Accreditation Status
Always verify CoARC accreditation directly through the official website before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Therapy Schools near Hollywood, Florida
How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist near Hollywood, Florida?
Most CoARC-accredited programs at schools like Broward College and Miami Dade College take about 2 years of full-time study. After you graduate, you sit for the NBRC exams from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential and apply for Florida licensure.
Do I need to attend a CoARC-accredited program to work as a respiratory therapist in Florida?
Yes. To sit for NBRC exams and qualify for Florida licensure, you should complete a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Always confirm the accreditation status of the exact campus you plan to attend.
What salary can you expect as a respiratory therapist in South Florida?
In Broward and Miami-Dade counties, entry-level respiratory therapists often earn around $55,000–$65,000 a year, while experienced RRTs may make $75,000–$85,000 or more. You can review current wage data for Florida on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
What are the typical admission requirements for these programs?
You usually need a high school diploma or GED, required college prerequisites (often anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and basic math or English), a minimum GPA, a background check, immunizations, and current CPR certification. Each college lists its detailed criteria on its website, such as Broward College or Miami Dade College.
What kinds of clinical experiences will you get in a respiratory care program?
You rotate through hospital departments such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, and pulmonary rehab centers. In the Hollywood–Miami–Fort Lauderdale area, this often includes large systems like Memorial Healthcare System and Broward Health, which give you experience with a wide range of patient cases.
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