Best Online Respiratory Therapy Programs

There are currently 104 bachelor’s programs in respiratory therapy accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), respiratory therapists earned a median annual wage of $77,960 as of May 2023, so these programs can be worth the investment.

Respiratory therapists need state licensure in every state except for Alaska. Many programs require internships or lab work as part of the curriculum. As the demand for these professionals grows, more colleges are offering online degrees in this field.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Newberry College is the only online respiratory therapy program that passes our rigorous standards, which factor in graduation and retention rates in addition to affordability.

The BSRT degree-completion program stands out for its emphasis on patient education, critical care monitoring, and emergency preparedness. Newberry also awards 15 credits for licensure and locks in your tuition rate to make your costs predictable. As an online learner, you’ll receive access to student services and may qualify for a South Carolina tuition grant.

Dedication, problem-solving skills, and physiology knowledge are essential for success in online respiratory therapy programs. You should be as good at nurturing a patient through uncomfortable news as you are crunching numbers in the lab.

Most online bachelor’s degrees in respiratory therapy consist of around 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete. Many students choose to complete an associate degree in the field at a community college before transferring into a four-year program.

Not sure where to start when it comes to researching online programs? Here are some factors that can help you find the right fit for your needs and budget.

Are you already a respiratory therapist, or are you new to the field? The answer will help you determine the right program type. Registered respiratory therapists can enroll in a degree completion program to earn their bachelor’s degree.

Often known as an RRT-to-BS in Respiratory Care, these programs offer flexibility and career specialization options. You can also earn a bachelor’s in respiratory therapy without prior training. These programs may include in-person requirements.

Many online respiratory therapy programs offer asynchronous learning, which provides additional flexibility by eliminating all live, scheduled course sessions. Some programs also offer a choice between full-time and part-time enrollment if you have significant professional or personal commitments.

Researching the cost of online college can help you compare the cost of respiratory therapy programs. Tuition is highly variable, but in-state programs at public colleges are often the most affordable. Some online programs offer the same tuition rate for out-of-state learners.

If you’re already a registered respiratory therapist, check with your employer — some offer tuition reimbursement programs. You can also apply for financial aid to cover costs.

Most online respiratory therapy programs include certain in-person requirements, as you need to gain real-world experience in healthcare facilities.

Sometimes, it’s easier to arrange placements for practica and internships if you attend a school close to home. If a program has on-campus requirements, you can also save on travel costs.

Getting a degree from an accredited institution is incredibly important. CoARC awards programmatic accreditation in the field. You should also attend a regionally accredited school, as you can only receive federal financial aid if you do.

As an online student, it’s important to look for programs that offer robust student support services. This can include services like career support, academic advising, and tutoring.

Some programs also provide networking and internship opportunities and may even have direct relationships with local hospitals and facilities that hire program graduates.

As specialists in breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders, respiratory therapists help patients improve their breathing. With a bachelor’s degree, respiratory therapists can move into specialized roles and increase their job opportunities. Some employers only hire respiratory therapists who hold a bachelor’s degree.

Respiratory therapists specialize in several areas, including working with premature infants in neonatal facilities or treating patients in the ICU. They may also specialize in treating sleep apnea or helping patients recover lung functioning after quitting smoking.

Common respiratory therapist job titles include:

According to the BLS, respiratory therapists earned a median annual salary of $77,960 as of May 2023. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS projects 13% job growth for these professionals.

Below are the different industries you can find work as a respiratory therapist.

Respiratory therapists can enter the profession with an associate degree. So why should you consider earning a bachelor’s degree?

Advancing your degree can mean new opportunities and a higher earning potential, according to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). In their most recent survey of respiratory therapists, AARC found that professionals who advanced their education saw a boost in their annual earnings of at least $3,000.

You’ll also qualify for more opportunities, including as a clinical specialist or manager, by advancing your education. For many respiratory therapists, investing in a bachelor’s degree can pay off.