Aug. 28, 2025
South College Nashville is now enrolling students for a new Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program.
Respiratory therapists consult with and assist physicians to diagnose, treat and manage breathing problems and cardiopulmonary diseases and disorders. Students in South College Nashville’s Respiratory Therapy program will study a variety of respiratory care therapies, devices and techniques through online and in-person classes along with hands-on experience.
“Healthcare careers are growing at a fast pace, especially in the Nashville area, and our mission is to add programs that offer students the opportunity for success upon graduation,” said Nick South, campus president for South College Nashville. “South College can offer the skills and training needed to enter the respiratory therapy field, and we’re ready to welcome students.”
The new program has achieved the requisite provisional accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), which allows the first cohort to enroll and start classes this fall.
Students will have the opportunity to develop essential skills, including 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.
Students will complete labs and clinical practice to gain practical experience with respiratory therapy equipment, procedures, imaging and lab data and patient care. The program is designed to prepare graduates for national credential examinations administered by The National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2024 median pay for respiratory therapists is $80,450 per year. Additionally, the field is expected to grow at 13% through 2033, fueled by an aging population, which leads to a rise in chronic respiratory conditions.
The campus is located at 616 Marriott Drive in Nashville. Interested students may call the admissions team at 615-334-4632 or visit south.edu/nashville.
About South College
South College serves nearly 17,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 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; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and Competency-Based Education (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.
