Oct. 19, 2026
South College Indianapolis has launched a new Associate of Science program in Respiratory Therapy and is now enrolling students for the first cohort.
The hybrid program combines online and in-person learning to prepare graduates in cardiopulmonary pharmacology, mechanical ventilation and airway management, emergency and critical respiratory care, neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, pulmonary rehabilitation and home care, and cardiopulmonary testing and sleep studies.
“Demand for respiratory therapists is growing in the Indianapolis region, especially as the population ages,” said Courtney Sechler Kane, campus president for South College Indianapolis. “South College provides high-quality instruction, modern labs and technology, and opportunities for clinical practice to equip graduates to pursue this professional path.”
Respiratory therapist Lora Maxwell joined the Indianapolis campus a year ago to help prepare for the program’s launch. Students can enroll now for the winter 2027 cohort.
“We are ready to welcome our first group of students,” Maxwell said. “Respiratory therapy is a very rewarding profession and adding this program at South College will help fill a tremendous need in healthcare.”
Respiratory therapy students can experience simulated patient care, including high-fidelity simulation manikins that mimic real carbon dioxide exhalation and are designed to be intubated and connected to a ventilator. Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience with respiratory therapy equipment, procedures, imaging and lab data, and patient care.
Respiratory therapists consult with and assist physicians to help diagnose, treat and manage breathing problems and cardiopulmonary diseases and disorders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2025 median pay for respiratory therapists nationally was $82,280 per year $39.56 per hour, and employment in the field is expected to grow at 9% through 2035.
Learn more about the program online at south.edu/program/associate-of-science-in-respiratory-therapy.
South College Indianapolis opened in 2021 and offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in Health Science, Imaging Science, and Respiratory Therapy; certificate, associate and bachelor’s degrees in Nursing; a Physician Assistant master’s program; certificate and associate degrees in Medical Assisting, and an associate degree in Surgical Technology. The campus is located at 301 Pennsylvania Parkway.
For more information about South College Indianapolis, contact the admissions team at 317-316-9477 or visit south.edu/indianapolis.
South College offers more than 150 academic programs and concentrations at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio, as well as Online and through Competency-Based Education (CBE).
About South College
South College serves more than 22,000 students and is proud of its more than 25,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
