In response to rapid developments across various health fields and the growing demand for respiratory care specialists, the Respiratory Therapy Program was established within the Department of Rehabilitation Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, in 2008.

The program aims to support the healthcare sector and the community by preparing and graduating qualified respiratory therapists to work in clinical and academic settings and to provide comprehensive respiratory care to patients across all age groups.

Given the diverse responsibilities of respiratory therapists, graduates of the program have access to a wide range of career opportunities across multiple healthcare sectors and in rehabilitation and research fields. These opportunities include employment in intensive care units, rehabilitation centers, emergency departments, pulmonary function and exercise laboratories, as well as sleep centers and other related settings.

The program’s curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical and practical components over four academic years, followed by one year of clinical internship (Internship Year). Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy and become eligible to practice as respiratory therapists after passing the professional licensure examination administered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).