(FORT MILL, S.C.) Laurel College of Technology is excited to announce the launch of its new 20-month Respiratory Therapy degree program at the Fort Mill campus, with classes officially beginning this October. Designed to address the growing regional demand for specialized healthcare professionals, the program provides hands-on, comprehensive training for students seeking careers in cardiopulmonary care.
The curriculum combines classroom instruction with clinical experience, preparing graduates to assess, treat, and manage patients with acute and chronic breathing disorders ranging from premature infants to the elderly. Students will gain practical expertise in airway management, mechanical ventilation, medical gas administration, and critical care emergency response.
Respiratory therapists are vital frontline specialists who evaluate, treat, and manage patients suffering from life-threatening cardiopulmonary conditions. From managing mechanical ventilators in intensive care units to delivering emergency airway management during trauma resuscitation, their expertise directly saves lives. Beyond critical care, respiratory therapists help patients control chronic conditions through rehabilitation and education. By reducing hospital readmissions and stepping in during critical cardiac and pulmonary events, they serve as essential healthcare partners who keep communities breathing easier every day.
“Respiratory care practitioners play a vital, life-saving role across hospitals, intensive care units, and specialized clinical settings,” said Mary Mitweede, Regional Director of Respiratory Therapy for Laurel College of Technology and Laurel Technical Institute. “Expanding this high-demand program to our Fort Mill campus allows us to support regional healthcare providers while offering local students a direct pathway into a rewarding medical career.”
Upon completing the 20-month specialized Associate Degree program, graduates are prepared to sit for the Respiratory Therapy Exam (RTE) to earn credentials as Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).
“Our hands-on clinical partnerships are a win-win for Fort Mill and neighboring areas,” added Douglas Decker, Chief Operating Officer for Laurel College of Technology and Laurel Technical Institute. “As our students complete their clinical hours alongside veteran professionals in local hospitals and clinics, they aren’t just learning; they are actively supporting frontline staff, expanding local patient care capacity, and building a reliable talent pipeline that directly strengthens our community’s healthcare infrastructure.”
Enrollment is currently open for the inaugural October class start. Prospective students interested in learning more about admission requirements, course schedules, or financial aid options are encouraged to visit laurel.edu to request more information from the Admission team.
Unique hands on lab spaces are key to integral learning for this exciting new program.
About Laurel College of Technology
Laurel College of Technology’s campus in Fort Mill, SC (a division of Laurel Institutes) provides high-quality, career-focused, hands-on training designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. Located at 345 Patricia Lane in Fort Mill, S.C., the campus serves students throughout York County, Rock Hill, and the South Charlotte suburbs, offering specialized programs in high-demand fields including Practical Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology, and Electrical Systems Technology. Learn more at laurel.edu.