Respiratory Therapy

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Why Respiratory Therapy?

Respiratory therapists help patients breathe easier when it matters most. In this program, you’ll learn to care for individuals with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to older adults with respiratory disease. You’ll also gain experience responding to medical emergencies, supporting patients through trauma, and improving quality of life through skilled respiratory care.

At Mid-State, you’ll study airway management, life support, pulmonary rehabilitation, medication delivery, and the use of therapeutic medical gases. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences using real equipment and working with patients at local hospitals and healthcare agencies. Students benefit from hands-on simulation experiences in the Healthcare Simulation Center that enhance and support their clinical training. Graduates are prepared to work under medical direction in a variety of healthcare settings where respiratory expertise is essential.

  • Provide respiratory care to patients across all stages of life.
  • Apply critical-thinking skills in fast-paced, high-pressure medical situations.
  • Develop strong communication skills for patient education and care coordination.
  • Train through clinical experiences using real patients and respiratory equipment.
  • Build confidence managing airways, therapies, and life-support interventions.
  • Enter a respected healthcare profession focused on improving patient outcomes.
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Program Facts

Total Credits
70 Credits
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Program Length
Two Years
Delivery Method
In Person, Hybrid
Location
Marshfield
Start Dates
Fall
Estimated Program
Cost
$15,218.79
View Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid Eligibility
Fully Eligible
View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Cardiopulmonary Technician
Polysomnography (Sleep Lab) Technician
Pulmonary Function Technologist
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Respiratory Therapist
$59k Median Annual Salary
Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $59,174. Source: Lightcast Data Set
170
 Average Monthly Hires
170 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set
100%
 Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate
Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Meet our full-time instructors.

Nick Goldberg, AAS, BS, RRT
Nick earned his BS in career and technical education from UW-Stout. He also holds an associate degree in applied science in respiratory care from Mid-State Technical College and is a licensed respiratory therapist with national certification. He has worked as a respiratory therapist at Marshfield Medical Center for 17 years and was a clinical preceptor for Mid-State’s Respiratory Therapy program at Marshfield Medical Center for 8 years prior to accepting his current position as program director for the Respiratory Therapy program. 

"I enjoy spreading my knowledge of respiratory care to the future respiratory therapists now coming through the program. I love seeing the “aha” moments and hearing the excitement in a student’s voice when they gain an understanding of new concepts."  

Holly Klumb, AAS, BS, RRT
Holly holds a BS in kinesiology from UW-Eau Claire in addition to associate degrees in respiratory therapy and educational sign language interpreting. She is a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of Wisconsin and a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Holly’s work experience includes six years as a respiratory therapist, with experience in critical care units as well as emergency room and neonatal care. She was a member of the NICU transport team for three years and a member of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease educational team, where she worked with patients to support healthy lifestyle changes. She is certified in Basic Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support.

"I really enjoy being able to share my passion for respiratory therapy. It is incredible to be able to take part in the education of future respiratory therapists, watching them begin with basic knowledge and skill and later flourishing into individuals with a whole realm of skills in airway management, including intubation and ventilator management."

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

  • Apply advanced-level respiratory therapy concepts to patient care situations.
  • Demonstrate technical proficiency required to fulfill the role of an advanced-level respiratory therapist.
  • Practice respiratory therapy according to established professional and ethical standards.

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Explore the resources and next steps below. Your academic advisor will help you know what to complete and when.

Criminal Background Form

Respiratory Therapy Program FAQs (PDF)

Career Pathways

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

  1. Credit for Prior Learning
  2. High School Dual Credit
  3. Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students
“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”
- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”
- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”
- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”
- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”
- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”
- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad

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