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Respiratory therapists are in high demand. And the best part? You only need an associate degree to get started in this rewarding career.
Respiratory therapists care for people who have difficulties breathing, because of undeveloped lungs, asthma, influenza, pneumonia, or similar conditions.
Our guide assesses academic quality, reputation, affordability, and programs to identify the top online respiratory therapy programs. Explore this exciting career today.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees of 2023
Read Our Methodology Here
#1 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $390 full-time; $455 part-time
Out-of-State | $390 full-time; $455 part-time
Credits to Graduate: 120, including up to 75% in transfer credits
Liberty University, based in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers a fully online bachelor of science in respiratory therapy (BST) program for registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) with associate degrees. The RRT-to-BST program takes an average of two years to complete. The curriculum emphasizes advanced ventilation modes, cardiopulmonary interactions, and maximizing patient recovery.
You develop a project or research proposal in respiratory therapy administration, clinical practice, or education and critically appraise literature related to advanced respiratory therapy.
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, KS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $342
Out-of-State | $342
Credits to Graduate: 120, including up to 90 transfer credits
The University of Kansas offers an online advancement program for registered respiratory therapists (RRT) interested in earning a bachelor's in respiratory therapy. In addition to RRT credentials, you need an associate in respiratory therapy from an accredited school and program, a 2.5 GPA, and 53 credits of prerequisite coursework in science, math, and the humanities.
The curriculum includes specialty credential preparation courses, individual special studies or projects, and a capstone project in your clinical specialty areas.
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,196
Out-of-State | $1,196
Credits to Graduate: 120, including Block Grant and prerequisite credits
If you're a practicing registered respiratory therapist (RRTs), you can earn your bachelor of science in respiratory therapy online from Nova Southeastern University. The Fort Lauderdale-based, post-professional program offers in-depth courses in sleep medicine, evidence-based practice, and legal issues.
You can access coursework 24/7, hone skills through internships, practicums, or scientific investigations, and finish in 18 months. RRTs may qualify for 45-credit Block Grants.
You must have National Board for Respiratory Care registration and RRT licensing, C grades in liberal arts prerequisites, and a 2.0 GPA before applying.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
Carlow University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 30
Pittsburgh's Carlow University offers a fully online bachelor's in respiratory therapy degree completion program with no fieldwork requirements. You can complete the asynchronous program in 18 months. The curriculum centers on managerial skills, evidence-based research, new pathology and pharmacology, and patient safety improvements.
Carlow accepts applications from registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) and certified respiratory therapists (CRTs). Admitted CRTs must earn their RRT credentials before their second semester. You must also have a 2.0 GPA and a respiratory care associate degree from an accredited school.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 180, including up to 105 quarter unit transfer credits
Loma Linda University's post-professional bachelor of science in respiratory care allows respiratory care practitioners to complete their undergraduate degrees. You can enroll full- or part-time and begin at the start of any quarter. Full-time enrollees can finish in one year.
The curriculum covers skills in pulmonary physiology, diagnostics, comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation, and research. You must have an associate degree in respiratory therapy and science, math, and humanities prerequisites.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
University of Southern Indiana
- Evansville, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $345
Out-of-State | $345
Credits to Graduate: 120, including transfer credits
The University of Southern Indiana offers an online program for registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) to earn their bachelor of science in respiratory therapy degrees. Designed for working RRTs, the program features six start dates per year, and you can finish in four semesters.
The curriculum focuses on skills for advanced clinical respiratory therapists. Indiana residents aged 25 or older may qualify for a $2,000 Adult Student Grant. To apply, you must have an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program, a 2.3 GPA, and an RRT credential.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
Northern Kentucky University
- Highland Heights, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $461; $275 for first-time NKU online students
Out-of-State | $461; $275 for first-time NKU online students
Credits to Graduate: 30
You can finish an online bachelor of science in respiratory therapy at Northern Kentucky University in 12 months. Core courses include advanced critical care, healthcare management, teaching and learning in healthcare education, and an accelerated respiratory care capstone project in a chosen focus area, such as administrative, clinical, education, or population-based.
You must be a registered respiratory therapist to apply and have an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program with a 2.5 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
Kent State University at Ashtabula
- Ashtabula, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $316-$371
Out-of-State | $326-$381
Credits to Graduate: 39
In partnership with Ohio's Cleveland Clinic, Kent State University at Ashtabula offers a fully online bachelor of science in respiratory care degree completion program for certified respiratory therapists (CRTs) or registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). In addition to CRT or RRT credentials, you must hold an associate degree in respiratory therapy with a 2.0 GPA.
The curriculum prepares you for advanced clinical practice, education, management, or research roles through accelerated, seven-week courses. You learn leadership skills, disease management, and sleep medicine.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $293
Out-of-State | $293
Credits to Graduate: 120, including transfer credits
The online bachelor of science in respiratory care at Ohio's Youngstown State University provides degree advancement and completion opportunities. You study advanced cardiopulmonary disease management; advanced clinical applications; and clinical research, leadership, and technology.
You must have an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and credentials as a certified respiratory therapist or registered respiratory therapist. The program also offers an advanced placement master's option if you have junior standing and a 3.2 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees
University of Michigan-Flint
- Flint, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $516
Out-of-State | $570
Credits to Graduate: 124, including transfer credits
University of Michigan-Flint's online completion program for registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) awards a bachelor of science in respiratory therapy. You can enroll full or part time and complete the program in 12 months. The curriculum covers advanced respiratory care in specialty areas that include critical care, disease management, and diagnostics.
You need an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and an RRT credential. Certified respiratory therapists may be admitted but must become RRTs prior to taking the practicum and capstone courses.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Why Get an Online Degree in Respiratory Therapy?
- With a diploma from one of the many online respiratory therapy programs, you can start your career learning from home.
- Respiratory therapists help improve their patients' quality of life.
- Respiratory therapists earn a median salary of $61,830, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- The BLS projects that the number of respiratory therapist jobs will grow 14% between 2021 and 2031.
- Respiratory therapists can work in a variety of settings, such as neonatal intensive care units, emergency and ICU departments, home care, nursing homes, and hospitals.
- The demand for respiratory therapists is likely to continue growing as the population ages and pollution and air quality worsen in many areas.
How Much Does a Degree in Respiratory Therapy Cost?
The cost of a respiratory therapy (RT) degree depends on what kind of school you attend. If you attend a non-residential public two-year college, the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) reports an average annual tuition of $3,501.
Meanwhile, a four-year on-campus or online respiratory therapy program at a public school costs $21,337 per year on average. A four-year private school costs an average $46,313 each year.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist: 3 Steps
Like other healthcare careers, you must earn a degree, pass a certification examination, and apply for a state license (in all states but Alaska) to become a respiratory therapist.
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You can earn either a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor degree for an entry-level RT position. Some employers prefer four-year graduates, especially for higher-level positions as your career advances. You must graduate from an accredited program to apply for certification examinations. All programs on our list are accredited.
-
2
Complete Licensure Requirements
There are two primary RT certifications, the certified respiratory therapist (CRT) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Both start with the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) examination. If you pass the TMC, you can apply for a CRT license.
If your TMC score is high enough, you can take the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to become an RRT. Except for the state of Alaska, you must also apply for a state license. Some states require the RRT to earn a state license, while others require just the CRT.
-
3
Fulfill Continuing Education Hours
Each state has its own requirements for maintaining your license. Most states require a certain number of continuing education hours. You can complete these by attending classes, conferences, webinars, or other approved learning opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory Therapy Degrees
How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist?
The minimum degree required to become a respiratory therapist is a two-year respiratory therapy associate degree. Once you graduate, you can apply to become a certified respiratory therapist.
Do respiratory therapists need a license to practice?
You must have a license to practice respiratory therapy in every state but Alaska. Alaska recommends but does not require certification. Check your state for its specific requirements.
How much money do respiratory therapists make?
The median salary for respiratory therapists is $61,830, according to the BLS. The bottom 10% of earners make $47,380 or less, and the too 10% earn at least $95,540. Salaries depend on experience, local demand, and other local factors.
Is respiratory therapy harder than nursing?
Whether respiratory therapy is harder or easier than nursing depends on your own scope of interest and knowledge.
Both nurses and RTs spend a great deal of time on their feet and hold a great deal of responsibility. Nurses generally need to know about many more different subjects, while respiratory therapists have to understand the respiratory system in great depth.
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