NDSU’s respiratory care program includes two or more years of academic coursework and a 15-month, full-time, professional-level internship at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. Students in the internship apply their class and clinical education to respiratory care practice in the field. 

Senior Ashley Guerrero chose the program because of the hands-on experience and student-focused faculty. In addition, NDSU respiratory care graduates are prepared for success in a variety of specialty areas within the discipline.

“The best part of being in the NDSU program is the clinical experience I’ve gained,” said Guerrero, from Moorhead, Minnesota. “We spend a lot of time in the classroom and a lot of time in clinical rotations at local hospitals. Those rotations give us a chance to provide care to patients using knowledge we gained through classroom lectures. It’s extremely gratifying.” 

A degree in respiratory care from NDSU can lead to a rewarding career as a respiratory therapist, registered sleep center technologist, sleep disorder specialist, pulmonary function technician, adult critical care specialist, neonatal or pediatric specialist, among many more.

Our graduates are immediately eligible to complete a series of national certification exams offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. 

The NDSU respiratory care program exceeds the national averages for on-time graduation rate, job-placement rate and success rate for certified respiratory therapist and registered respiratory therapist certification exams.

“The communication and teamwork skills I’ve gained at NDSU sets me apart from other graduates,” said Guerrero, who plans to start her career in the Fargo-Moorhead area. “I gained these skills by collaborating with classmates on campus and with respiratory therapists during clinical rotations. My communication and teamwork skills contributed to my success as an NDSU student and will help me succeed as a respiratory therapist.”

Learn more about the NDSU respiratory care program and apply today.