Four-year respiratory therapy degree comes to Valley College

Valley will offer its first bachelor’s degree program in the Fall of 2024.

By Star Eisenberg, Staff Writer

Cheryl Pearson gives a lecture on asthma to students majoring in a newly implemented program offering a Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory therapy at Valley. (Jeremy Ruiz | Valley Star)

Valley College students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy will not have to hold their breath for long. The new BSRT program is designed to prepare students for careers in respiratory care and open doors to higher-level positions in the field.

Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in maintaining and improving lung function. These therapists work closely with physicians and nurses to provide care for patients. They are trained to evaluate, treat, and care for those with breathing difficulties and cardio-respiratory problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“It’s a great career path with a lot of opportunities in healthcare,” said Cheryl Pearson, the director of Valley’s respiratory therapy program.

The goal of the program is to provide prospective students who have an Associate of Science degree in respiratory therapy with additional clinical practice and skills. Officials say the program will allow students to meet professional goals in their chosen career path.

The job market for respiratory care is expected to grow in the coming years with a base salary for a respiratory therapist ranging from $76,875 to $91,977. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to rise 14 percent from 2021 to 2031; that's about 94,000 job openings for respiratory therapists over the next decade.

There are 23 students currently enrolled in Valley's ASRT program. Valley College officials recognize the increasing challenges of earning a four-year degree. The new BSRT program will likely save students a considerable amount in tuition and other costs.

“Being able to work while taking courses online is helpful for students’ schedules,” said Pearson. “The program is cost-effective, not cost-prohibitive because we can offer students a bachelor’s degree at a community college price point as opposed to a university price point. There are a lot of pluses that come with the BSRT program.”

Students can make an appointment to see a counselor for a transcript review or connect with program director Cheryl Pearson at pearsoch@lavc.edu for more information. Learn more about the program on theLos Angeles Valley College Respiratory Therapy webpage.