Key Takeaways
- Modesto-area students have access to accredited respiratory therapy programs within driving distance, including associate and bachelor’s pathways.
- Accreditation by CoARC is essential for California RCP licensure eligibility.
- Top nearby options include Modesto Junior College (pre-health pathway), San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC), and programs in the Central Valley and Bay Area.
- Graduates in California benefit from strong demand, with average annual salaries often exceeding $85,000 depending on experience and setting.
- Choosing the right program depends on clinical partnerships, credentialing exam pass rates, cost, and scheduling flexibility.
Why Study Respiratory Therapy in Modesto, California?
Respiratory therapists are critical healthcare professionals who assess and treat patients with breathing disorders, from asthma and COPD to trauma and neonatal respiratory distress. In Modesto and Stanislaus County, demand is driven by an aging population, regional hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Major healthcare employers near Modesto include Doctor’s Medical Center of Modesto, Memorial Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Health locations throughout the Central Valley. Many respiratory therapy programs in or near Modesto maintain clinical partnerships with these facilities, giving students direct exposure to real-world patient care.
Accreditation and California Licensing Requirements
Programmatic Accreditation
To become licensed in California as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), you must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Attending a CoARC-accredited school ensures eligibility to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams.
Licensure in California
After graduation, candidates must:
- Pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination
- Earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential
- Apply for RCP licensure through the California Respiratory Care Board
Always verify a program’s accreditation status directly through CoARC before applying.
Top Respiratory Therapy Programs Near Modesto
SchoolDistance from ModestoDegreeDurationAccreditedHighlightsSan Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) – ModestoIn ModestoAssociate of ScienceApprox. 18-24 monthsCoARC AccreditedAccelerated format, strong local clinical sitesOhlone College – NewarkApprox. 1.5 hoursAssociate in Science2 yearsCoARC AccreditedCompetitive public college tuitionCosumnes River College – SacramentoApprox. 1.5 hoursAssociate Degree2 yearsCoARC AccreditedHigh NBRC pass rates, reputable clinical trainingModesto Junior College (MJC)In ModestoPre-Health PathwayVariesN/A for RTTransfer prep and prerequisite coursework
1. San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) – Modesto Campus
SJVC offers a direct Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy at its Modesto campus. This is one of the most accessible options for local students seeking an accelerated private-college pathway.
Program Features:
- Focused technical curriculum in adult, pediatric, and neonatal respiratory care
- Hands-on lab simulation training
- Clinical rotations at regional healthcare facilities
- Career services support
This program is ideal for students seeking faster entry into the workforce and structured academic support.
2. Ohlone College
Ohlone College provides an Associate in Science in Respiratory Therapy. While located farther from Modesto, many Central Valley students choose it for its public tuition rates.
Program Highlights:
- Strong academic foundation in cardiopulmonary sciences
- Competitive admissions process
- Clinical experiences in major Bay Area hospitals
3. Cosumnes River College
Located in Sacramento, Cosumnes River College offers a well-regarded associate degree program with strong credentialing exam performance.
Best For: Students seeking a cost-effective public option with established healthcare partnerships.
4. Modesto Junior College (MJC) – Pre-Requisite Pathway
While MJC does not currently offer a standalone respiratory therapy degree, it provides prerequisite coursework required for transfer into accredited RT programs. Many students complete anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and general education courses here before applying elsewhere.
Curriculum Overview
Most respiratory therapy programs include both classroom and clinical components.
Core Courses
- Respiratory Care Procedures
- Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Pharmacology for Respiratory Care
- Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
Clinical Rotations
Students train in ICUs, emergency departments, and pulmonary labs. In the Modesto region, possible training partners may include Doctor’s Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center, and surrounding long-term care facilities.
Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition varies significantly between public and private institutions.
- Public Colleges: Often $5,000 to $10,000 total in-state tuition.
- Private Career Colleges: May range from $30,000 to $50,000.
Students should:
- Complete the FAFSA to access federal grants and loans
- Explore California Promise Grant options for community colleges
- Ask about healthcare workforce scholarships in Stanislaus County
Admissions Requirements
Most respiratory therapy programs require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite science courses
- Minimum GPA, often 2.5 to 3.0
- Background check and drug screening
Public programs may use a point-based or lottery-based admission system due to high demand.
Career Outlook for Respiratory Therapists in Modesto
California consistently ranks among the top-paying states for respiratory therapists. According to statewide labor data, respiratory therapists in California frequently earn average annual salaries between $85,000 and $100,000, depending on experience and specialty.
In the Modesto region, employment settings include:
- Acute care hospitals
- Neonatal intensive care units
- Outpatient pulmonary clinics
- Home healthcare services
Advanced career paths include becoming a clinical educator, pulmonary function technologist, or pursuing a bachelor’s degree for leadership or management roles.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
When comparing respiratory therapy programs near Modesto, consider the following criteria:
1. NBRC Pass Rates
Ask each school for its recent TMC and RRT credentialing exam pass rates.
2. Clinical Partnerships
Strong hospital affiliations in the Modesto or Central Valley area can improve hands-on learning experiences and job placement opportunities.
3. Total Cost of Attendance
Calculate books, lab fees, transportation, and uniforms in addition to tuition.
4. Graduate Outcomes
Request job placement statistics and employer partnerships.
5. Schedule Flexibility
If you are a working adult, look for evening or hybrid options where available.
Application Checklist for Modesto Students
- Verify CoARC accreditation
- Complete prerequisite courses
- Submit FAFSA
- Prepare official transcripts
- Attend program information sessions
- Track application deadlines carefully
Starting early is critical, as many respiratory therapy programs admit only once per year and fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Therapy Programs near Modesto
How do you become a licensed respiratory therapist in California?
You must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam, earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, and then apply for Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) licensure with the California Respiratory Care Board.
Does Modesto have an accredited respiratory therapy program?
In Modesto, San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) offers a CoARC-accredited Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy. Modesto Junior College (MJC) does not have its own RT degree, but you can complete many prerequisites there before transferring to an accredited program.
How long does respiratory therapy school take near Modesto?
Most associate degree respiratory therapy programs near Modesto take about 18 to 24 months of full-time study after you finish your prerequisites. This includes classroom work, labs, and clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics.
What does respiratory therapy school cost in this region?
Public community college programs often cost around $5,000 to $10,000 in in-state tuition, while private career colleges can range from about $30,000 to $50,000. You should also budget for books, fees, uniforms, and commuting costs, and complete the FAFSA to explore aid options.
What is the job outlook and salary for respiratory therapists in Modesto?
Respiratory therapists in California are in steady demand, and statewide average salaries often range from about $85,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on your experience, certifications, and work setting. In the Modesto area, you can work in hospitals, NICUs, clinics, and home care services.
How should you choose between respiratory therapy programs near Modesto?
You can compare programs by checking CoARC accreditation, NBRC exam pass rates, local clinical sites, total costs, schedule options, and job placement data. If you live or work in Modesto, also look at commute time and whether the program’s hospital partners are in the Central Valley.
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