Best Master’s in Respiratory Therapy Programs

Respiratory therapy represents a medical specialty addressing pulmonary or lung-related conditions like asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A master’s in respiratory therapy takes about two years to complete. Students might shorten that time by enrolling in an accelerated online program.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate tuition and fees cost an average of $19,792 per academic year in 2020-2021. Private and out-of-state graduate school students typically pay more. In addition to tuition, students should consider other costs like transportation, student services, books and supplies, and technology fees. Students wanting to save money can pursue an online master’s in respiratory therapy, which can help them avoid paying for housing and some on-campus services.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that respiratory therapy jobs will grow 23% between 2020-2030, exceeding the average growth rate of 8% for all occupations. Respiratory therapists earned a median annual salary of $61,830 in 2021, which exceeds the average salary of $45,760 for all occupations. The bottom 10% of professionals in this field made less than $47,380, while the top 10% earned over $95,540 in the same year.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

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

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Master’s in Respiratory Therapy ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 17 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

Yes. Earning an online master’s degree in respiratory therapy does not limit students who want to keep their employment options open. This degree provides access to jobs in education, administration, case management, and various healthcare specialties.

In addition to the BLS’s projected growth rate of 23% for respiratory therapy jobs, this career might appear especially rewarding to professionals who care about making a difference in patients’ lives.

A master’s in respiratory therapy enables individuals to work in pediatrics, adult critical care, sleep disorders, and neonatal care. These individuals provide care to patients coping with breathing issues like COPD or asthma. Some professionals with advanced degrees also pursue leadership positions.

Most respiratory therapists work closely with physicians, nurses, and other providers when caring for patients. However, duties vary depending on the workplace setting and occupation. Most successful respiratory therapists exhibit compassion and good communication skills. They also possess science and math proficiencies.

Yes. According to the BLS, the respiratory therapy field continues to expand, and the growing number of older adults needing hands-on respiratory care drives the demand. The BLS projects about 10,100 new openings for these therapists each year on average from 2020-2030. Training in cardiopulmonary care prepares graduates for various medical careers, making them employable in many healthcare settings.

Many respiratory therapists receive relatively competitive pay, and earning a master’s degree can increase a person’s earning potential. The BLS reports that respiratory therapists’ salaries ranged from below $47,380 to above $95,540 in 2021, varying by location, experience, and occupational setting. Therapists working in private, local, or state hospitals tend to earn slightly more than people who work for physicians or nursing homes.

The BLS reports that the top 10% earners among respiratory therapists made more than $95,540 in 2021. Also, therapists working in hospitals tend to earn higher salaries. Graduates with an online master’s in respiratory therapy can pursue high-paying jobs, such as positions in healthcare administration and management.

For example, according to the BLS, medical and health services managers earned a median salary of $101,340 in 2021, higher than the median of $97,630 for other management occupations in the same year. Managers working in hospitals or government agencies can earn even more.

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