The Inland Empire's hospitals run some of Southern California's busiest critical care and emergency departments — settings where respiratory therapists are essential members of the care team, managing ventilators, airways, and breathing treatments.
Kaiser Permanente's Ontario Medical Center anchors the local market within a dense regional network of acute care hospitals across San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
From asthma and COPD management to ICU ventilator care, respiratory therapy offers Inland Empire students a degree-level clinical career with responsibilities — and compensation — well above most entry-level healthcare roles.
Imagine America has partnered with Carrington College in Ontario, CA, whose Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC, program #200495). The Ontario campus features dedicated respiratory therapy labs with training ventilators.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your Respiratory Therapy Career with Carrington College
Carrington's Respiratory Therapy program at Ontario leads to an Associate of Science degree, combining respiratory science coursework with intensive lab work and hospital clinical rotations. Graduates are prepared for the NBRC credentialing exams on the path to CRT and RRT credentials.
- Associate of Science degree in as few as 18–19 months depending on campus schedule
- CoARC-accredited (program #200495)
- NBRC exam preparation — the pathway to CRT and RRT credentials
- Ventilator and simulation lab training on campus
What You'll Learn
The curriculum covers cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, respiratory pharmacology, mechanical ventilation, airway management, and critical care procedures, with hospital rotations placing students in real ICU, ER, and respiratory care settings.
Credentials and Licensure
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are prepared for the NBRC's credentialing exams — the TMC pathway leading to Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials required for California RCP licensure.
Where Respiratory Therapists Work
RTs work in ICUs, emergency departments, neonatal units, sleep labs, and home care. The profession's critical care role makes it one of the most respected allied health careers — and one hospitals consistently struggle to staff.
Career Outlook in the Inland Empire
An aging population and rising rates of chronic respiratory disease keep demand growing, and California is among the top-paying states for respiratory therapists. Carrington also offers an online BS in Respiratory Therapy for RTs who want to continue their education.
Training Services
- Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology
- Respiratory Pharmacology
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Airway Management
- Critical Care Procedures
- Ventilator & Simulation Lab Training
- Hospital Clinical Rotations
- NBRC Exam Preparation (CRT/RRT pathway)
Specialized Training
- Online BS in Respiratory Therapy degree completion available after graduation
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
A strong foundation from the right training program sets the stage for a successful career. Explore training programs, meet expert instructors, and discover how quality education can lead to a rewarding future.
Start Your Respiratory Care Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Ontario Respiratory Therapy program accredited?
Yes. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), program #200495 — the programmatic accreditation required for NBRC credentialing.
What credentials can I earn after graduating?
Graduates are prepared for the NBRC credentialing exams, following the TMC pathway toward Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials, which support California RCP licensure.
How long is the program?
The Associate of Science program can be completed in as few as 18 to 19 months, depending on campus scheduling.
Are scholarships available for respiratory therapy students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors, adult learners, and military members attending Carrington College. Create a free profile to see what you qualify for.
