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Why Earn a Degree in Respiratory Therapy?

Students interested in pursuing a career in respiratory care therapy must enter an accredited program, earning either a associate or bachelor's degree. Students will learn a variety of sciences, as well as participate in practical supervised sessions in a clinical setting that provide students the hours and experience necessary for licensure. Students of such a programs will learn to operate the machinery that is responsible for patient breathing when they are unable to breathe on their own, as well as provide care and treatment for patients experiencing difficulty breathing. Additionally, students will learn medical terminology and the methods used for keeping and updating records in regards to patient history and treatment plans.

A curriculum in respiratory care therapy may include:

A career in respiratory care therapy requires individuals to be licensed by their state (except Alaska). Licensure procedure varies by state, though typically requires a short program of study, exam and fee. Additionally, therapists may pursue certification, which increases your chances of being hired. Certification is available through the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and offered at two levels. The first is Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), which requires a minimum of an associate degree to take. The second is Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) which requires an individual to have a CRT and a certain amount of experience in order to take the exam.

Individuals working in the field of respiratory care therapy work alongside physicians in order to provide care and support for patients. Individuals in this field will document patient progress, assist in treatment plans, provide regular care for long term patients, and maintain equipment related to machine facilitated breathing. Additionally, respiratory care therapists are responsible for the education responsible in treating respiratory conditions, such as offering instruction for patients suffering from asthma on how and when to use inhalers.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$60,640

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

38.87%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

126,770

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Respiratory Therapy Schools

St. Luke’s College is the smallest and most unique academic institution of higher learning that can be found in the heart of Sioux City, Iowa. Tracing its roots in the 1890s, the college has been providing high quality and health system-based education to individuals who plan to become competent and exceptional healthcare professionals. The college currently offers bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs in the field of healthcare.

The Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy at St. Luke’s College is an integrated program providing didactic education and clinic training in order to produce professional and competent respiratory therapists. The program covers the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains in practicing respiratory care which trains students to deliver proper and high-quality patient care. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national examination required to earn Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) credentials. Visit stlukescollege.edu to know more.

Acceptance Rate

29.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Ohio State University (OSU) or Ohio State is a public land-grant research university chartered in 1870. The university’s main campus in Columbus, Ohio is one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive campuses, housing a top-rated academic medical center and cancer hospital and research center all in one campus.

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Ohio State started offering their Respiratory Therapy programs way back in 1971 with the mission to train advanced-level therapists who can contribute to the ongoing development of the profession. The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy is a comprehensive program where students can design an individualized program of study upon the approval of the department. Students are also given the opportunity to work at OSU Wexner Medical Center to fulfill the clinical internship requirement. Students may also choose to work off-campus at Nationwide Children's Hospital. The school also offers a Master of Respiratory Therapy which is proudly the first advanced practice clinical master’s degree in the field of respiratory care in the United States. Check the program mentioned at hrs.osu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Recognized as the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota system, the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a public land-grant research university located in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. The university is one of the five universities in the country housing engineering, medical, law, veterinary medicine, and agricultural schools all on one campus.   Learn more about the majors and minors available at UM today by reaching out to the admissions team. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

First opened in 1771, Rutgers University - New Brunswick is the oldest campus among the three regional campuses of Rutgers University. Rutgers University is a member of the most prestigious group of research universities in the United States. The New Brunswick campus, located in the heart of New Brunswick, New Jersey, aims to make an impact through its scholarship, research, and community service.

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Stony Brook University (SBU) is a public research university located in Stony Brook, New York. It is one of the flagship universities of the State University of New York system founded in 1957. SBU initially aimed to provide secondary school teachers with knowledge in mathematics and science. Today, the university is recognized as one of the important centers of learning and scholarship in the country.

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care at SBU School of Health Technology and Management is a 2-year upper-division professional program that trains students to become competent respiratory therapists who specialize in assessing, treating, and caring for patients with heart, lung, and sleep disorders. The program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), includes courses in Basic Science, Health Technology and Management, and career-specific courses such as Cardiopulmonary Physiology, Pharmacology, Pulmonary Pathology, Respiratory Care, and Respiratory Care. Students also have the option to specialize in Polysomnographic Technology by taking two special courses. Access the program curriculum at healthtechnology.stonybrookmedicine.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Concorde Career College - Aurora, also known as the Denver Metro Area Aurora campus, provides career-driven healthcare programs in the fields of physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, dental hygiene, medical assisting, nursing, and surgical technology. Featuring a pool of industry-experienced instructors, the college exceeds the competence needed to help students in achieving a new healthcare career.

The Respiratory Therapy degree program at Concorde Aurora leads to an associate degree that can aid students in becoming a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) within just 18 months. The program fully prepares students for the required knowledge and clinical skills in the field which include oxygen therapy, the use of a bronchodilator, chest physiotherapy, and ECG. The program is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC). For more details, go to concorde.edu.

Acceptance Rate

61.58

Tuition

$15,955 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

41:1

Recognized as Maryland State Publications Depository, Salisbury University is a public university in Salisbury, Maryland that started as a school for teachers in 1925. The university, a member of the University System of Maryland, accommodates nearly 9,000 students from all over the world enrolled in over 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy at Salisbury is a program that prepares highly trained healthcare professionals who assist patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. The program trains students to facilitate the use of mechanical ventilators, administer drugs by inhalation, assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, monitor heart and lung functions of critically ill patients, and evaluate patients in the laboratories. Students also gain real-world experiences in the university’s Medical Simulation Center where they can practice working with medical mannequins and actors in preparation for working with real patients. Upon completion of the program, graduates are then qualified to take the national certification examinations. Inquire about the program at salisbury.edu.

Acceptance Rate

73.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Started operating as an evening college center for returning veterans in 1946, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) is a public urban research university based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The university continues to deliver high-value education in the fields of business, architecture, education, computing and informatics, healthcare, and engineering.

UNC Charlotte’s Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy is a program that provides additional knowledge and skills necessary to meet students’ professional goals in preparation for future professional practice as respiratory therapists. With courses in leadership, education, research, and critical care, the program is a 2+2 program that allows students to finish an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree online. Students in the program are able to improve their abilities in advanced critical care, advanced pharmacology, patient education, program administration, clinical outcomes evaluation, and evidence-based practice. The university also offers a fully online Master of Science in Respiratory Care ideal for practicing respiratory therapists. Check the entire program curriculum at kinesiology.uncc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

65.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Opened as Bellarmine College in 1950, Bellarmine University is a private Catholic university based in Louisville, Kentucky. With nearly 4,000 students, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, dual degrees, continuing education programs, and online certificates grounded in liberal arts education combined with the fields of business, arts and sciences, education, environmental studies, nursing, and healthcare.

The Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences at Bellarmine offers a top rated degree in Respiratory Therapy that trains future healthcare practitioners that specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiopulmonary illnesses. These also include emergency mechanical ventilation and critical-care and long-term care settings. Students in the program are required to finish over 800 hours of clinical experience caring for different patient populations in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, sleep laboratory, pulmonary clinic, home care, and trauma centers. The school also offers a two-year Master of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy that focuses on the development of strong clinical skills and preparation for careers in the areas of education and research. Learn more about the program requirements at bellarmine.edu.

Acceptance Rate

66.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

As one of the top colleges in the Northeast, Molloy College is a private Catholic college located in Rockville Centre, New York. The college, founded in 1955, accommodates over 5,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who engage in various educational experiences in their chosen fields that also enhance their intellectual, spiritual, ethical, and social development.

The Respiratory College department at Molloy College offers a two-year undergraduate program that prepares students for the credentialing examination to achieve license as Respiratory Technicians or Respiratory Therapists. The college houses on-campus, state-of-the-art equipment that allows students to work at various prestigious clinical facilities to gain real-world clinical experiences. Students learn the proper evaluation and treatment for all types of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases from premature infants to elderly people. Read more about the program curriculum at molloy.edu.

Acceptance Rate

77.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

As one of the best national universities in the United States, the University of Cincinnati is a public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio was founded as Cincinnati College in 1819. More than 44,000 students in the university enjoy a combination of educational excellence and real-world experience through various learning opportunities within and outside the institution.

The online degree in Respiratory Therapy at the University of Cincinnati is designed to enhance students’ clinical competence while preparing well-equipped respiratory therapists. The program curriculum promotes an in-depth understanding of basic and advanced healthcare operations, technology, logistics, ethics, leadership, and project management led by experienced faculty members. Overall, the program enhances respiratory therapy practice, research, and leadership opportunities with a focus on the current and future industry standards in as few as 20 months. The university also offers an online Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy designed for working professionals. For further information about the program, go to cahs.uc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

With two campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Ruskin, Florida, Gannon University is a private four-year Catholic university that accommodates nearly 4,500 students engaged in liberal arts education combined with their professional specializations. The university is dedicated to providing high-quality teaching, scholarship, and service to turn students into productive and socially responsible citizens.

Designed to prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care, the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care at Gannon’s Erie campus is a program that provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of respiratory illnesses. The program enhances students’ competence in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains of the practice as well as career preparedness to be able to work hand-in-hand with physicians and healthcare professionals. Students also get training in polysomnography to become sleep disorder specialists. Access the entire program curriculum at gannon.edu.

Acceptance Rate

75.52

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Recognized as a Doctoral/Professional Institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, Samford University is a private Christian university located in Birmingham, Alabama. It was founded in 1841 as Howard College making it the 87th oldest institution of higher learning in the nation. With nearly 6,000 students, Samford offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on arts and sciences, divinity, business, law, nursing, health professions, and public health.  Reach out to the College of Health Sciences at Samford University today to find the ideal academic programs for you. 

Acceptance Rate

83.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Chartered in 1787 by the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, York College of Pennsylvania is a public research university in York. Pennsylvania where talents, passions, and personal growth are nurtured and emphasized. The college aims to provide cutting-edge academic programs that challenge its students to become the best versions of themselves.

Offered by Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions at York College, the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care is a program that prepares students for a career as registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). As a vital part of the healthcare industry, students learn the basic concepts in the field through a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical training that can aid in understanding the diagnosis, treatment, management, and preventative patient care for individuals with chronic cardiopulmonary situations. Students are required to finish the general education requirements as well as major-specific courses such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Molecular Biology, Mechanical Ventilation, Pulmonary Diseases, and Pulmonary Physiology. In collaboration with WellSpan York Hospital, students finish their clinical practice requirements in the said hospital or any other college-accredited location like John Hopkins,  Hershey Medical Center, University of Maryland, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. For additional information about the program, visit ycp.edu.

Acceptance Rate

68.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

With more than 50 years of experience in healthcare education, Concorde Career Institute - Jacksonville has been serving professionals through several career-focused programs and hands-on training. The campus, located in Jacksonville, Florida offers diploma and associate degree programs in the fields of nursing, medical office administration, physical therapist assistant, dental assistant, surgical technology, and many more.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC), the Respiratory Therapy degree at Concorde Jacksonville is an associate degree program that trains students who plan to pursue a career as a Respiratory Therapist. The 18-month program focuses on the prevention and diagnosis of respiratory illnesses as well as different treatment options, management, and rehabilitation of the disease. Students are expected to demonstrate excellence and professionalism in the clinical training required in the program. Access the program requirements at concorde.edu.

Acceptance Rate

76.61

Tuition

$50,048 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

38:1

With several campuses across Pennsylvania, Laurel Business Institute (LBI), also known as Laurel Technical Institute, is a private technical college that aims to provide on-campus and online programs and training for individuals entering the workforce. The college, established in 1985, has locations in Uniontown, Meadville, Hermitage, and Sharon, Pennsylvania as well as in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Available at Hermitage and Uniontown campuses, the LBI School of Healthcare offers a Specialized Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy that offers instruction on patient care involving individuals with chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. Students are trained on the ways for disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary or related disorders. By starting to develop basic medical skills such as taking vital signs and using oxygen delivery devices, students can eventually dive into the use of advanced technology and understand advanced medical topics such as cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, pulmonary functions, and critical care issues. Prior to graduation, students are required to finish an internship where they can apply what they have learned in the program. Graduates can then take the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) and the Clinical Simulation (CSE) examinations to become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) or Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs). More information about the program is available at laurel.edu.

Acceptance Rate

91.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

With 200,000 alumni worldwide, Ball State University (BSU) is a public research university headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. The university embraces academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and courage together with its students, faculty, and staff through offering programs in the areas of social sciences, humanities, business, health, fine arts, communications, and architecture.

Offered by BSU’s Department of Nutrition and Health Science, the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy is a program that trains students to become competent respiratory therapists through coursework and training in managing mechanical ventilation, providing pulmonary rehabilitation, and administering advanced cardiac life support. Students also become knowledgeable in different procedures like aerosolized medication delivery, bronchopulmonary clearance techniques, administration of medical gases, and lung expansion therapy. After a series of courses in the university core curriculum, students take courses under the professional studies phase of the program at the IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Upon program completion, graduates are qualified to sit for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examinations through the National Board for Respiratory Care. Read more about the program requirements at bsu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

76.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

As one of the top regional academic institutions in the Northeast, Canisius College is one of the few private Jesuit, Catholic colleges in the country based in Buffalo, New York. The college, founded in 1870 by German Jesuits, was named after one of the original members of the Society of Jesus, St. Peter Canisius. Today, Canisius offers more than 130 comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.

At Canisius’s School of Education & Human Services, the Master of Science in Respiratory Care is an online program designed for Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) seeking to advance their career and become experts in the field of respiratory care. Within 1 year of full-time study, students are able to finish seven courses in the core curriculum and four courses in the specialty track which can either be Respiratory Therapeutics or Respiratory Care Education. Students in the program gain the necessary technical knowledge and clinical skills that can improve their competencies in clinical practice, supervision, education, and research. To check the entire program curriculum, go to canisius.edu.

Acceptance Rate

82.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Marywood University is a coeducational, Catholic liberal arts university founded in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. With over 3000 students on its campus in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in the areas of arts and sciences, social work, fine arts, music, and nursing.

The Respiratory Therapy program at Marywood’s College of Health and Human Services gives two options to individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their careers in the field. The first option is a four-year Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy that concentrates on the prevention, treatment, management, and care of patients with cardiopulmonary problems. Some of the covered topics and skills in the program are the ventilation of patients, interpretation of lab results and X-ray images, and operation of oxygen therapy devices. The second option is an online Degree Advancement Program (RRT to BSRT) that is ideal for working professionals who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field as the program focuses on networking with other practicing professionals. Compare the two programs at marywood.edu.

Acceptance Rate

77.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a public research university in Bowling Green, Ohio that provides exceptional real-world experiences and learning opportunities to a learning community of more than 19,000 students from all over the world. Founded in 1910, it is one of the top public universities in the country with a strong commitment to first-year programs that lead to student growth and career success.

Offered at one of the undergraduate colleges of BGSU in Huron Ohio, the Respiratory Care Program at BGSU Firelands is a program that provides learning opportunities and training to students on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). Some of the basic competencies taught in the program are the assessment of the cardiopulmonary status of patients, assistance in obtaining blood samples, pulmonary function testing, blood gas analysis, and polysomnography, the establishment of therapeutic goals for patients as well as the development of respiratory care plans, and promotion of cardiopulmonary wellness, disease management, and disease prevention. Students who successfully complete the program are qualified to take the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examinations from the National Board for Respiratory Care. Go to bgsu.edu to view the program requirements.

Acceptance Rate

71.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Concorde Career College – San Diego is a campus within the Concorde system of schools and is located just off Imperial Avenue.  The allied health programs available at this accredited school provide a solid academic foundation for students of all ages.  Whether you are a professional looking to sharpen your skills or working to gain entrance into the healthcare sector, take the time to research the on-campus and online learning options at CCC in San Diego.

Acceptance Rate

90.96

Tuition

$35,469 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Concorde Career College - San Bernardino is one of the campuses of the Concorde Career College system located in California. Offering diverse, career-focused healthcare diploma and associate programs, students are well-equipped in starting a career in different fields such as dental hygiene, medical assisting, respiratory therapy, neurodiagnostic technology, and vocational nursing.

With a combination of online and on-campus classes, the Respiratory Therapy degree at Concorde San Bernardino is an associate degree program preparing students to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The courses included in the 18-month program are Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, General Psychology, Elements of Human Communication, Introduction to & Applied Respiratory Therapeutics, and many more. Overall, the program trains students in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains in practicing respiratory care. More details can be seen at concorde.edu.

Acceptance Rate

92.57

Tuition

$16,010 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

29:1

Listed as one of the best national universities in the United States, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public historically black land-grant university based in Tallahassee, Florida. The university has been offering a large selection of bachelor's, master's, professional, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of biology, business administration, allied health, criminal justice, and many more since its founding as the State Normal College for Colored Students in 1887.

Originally called the Respiratory Therapy program, the Cardiopulmonary Science (CPS) program at FAMU Division of Cardiopulmonary Science is a program leading to a bachelor’s degree that provides instruction for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Some of the common diseases treated by respiratory therapists are asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and coronary heart disease. The program curriculum consists of 71 credits for the Pre-Professional phase where students complete general education courses and courses related to respiratory therapy and 56 credits for the Professional phase where students take a series of technical and clinical courses that lead to a deeper understanding of the profession. Go to famu.edu to learn more about the program curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

35.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, the University of Mary is one of the top private, Christian, Catholic, Benedictine universities in the country that has locations in Kansas, Arizona, Montana, Minnesota, and even in Rome, Italy. The university, known for providing exceptional yet affordable education, offers distinguished on-campus and online academic programs grounded in the liberal arts to more than 3,800 students. 

Offered at Mary’s main campus, the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) is a four-year program that prepares students in providing patient care for individuals suffering from various respiratory and cardiopulmonary illnesses. Students are trained to assess patients, develop a respiratory care plan, implement treatments, evaluate its effectiveness, and provide guidance to patients for self-management of their conditions. Graduates of the BSRT program are qualified to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examination from the National Board for Respiratory Care. The university also offers an online RRT to BSRT program for professionals with RRT credential or associate degree in the field who want to earn a bachelor’s degree, as well as an on-campus Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy for professionals engaged in other disciplines. Check out all the programs mentioned at umary.edu.

Acceptance Rate

73.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

From its original name of College of St. Catherine, St. Catherine University (St. Kate), is a private, Catholic university that is committed to providing exceptional higher education grounded in the liberal arts and catholic values. The university, established in 1905 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is among the largest private women's universities in the United States based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

As one of the few universities in the Midwest offering a respiratory care program, St. Kate’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care is a program where students receive a comprehensive curriculum that integrates respiratory care courses with liberal arts and sciences topics. The program aims to produce competent healthcare professionals who demonstrate a high level of competency in the field. Some of the courses in the program are Introduction to Respiratory Care, Principles of Patient Management, Advanced Therapeutics, and Pathophysiology in Critical Care. Students are also required to finish 900 hours of clinical experience in various settings such as critical care, home care, pediatric intensive care, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Explore the program curriculum at stkate.edu.

Acceptance Rate

67.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Top Respiratory Therapy College

Below you will find a list of the accredited college and universities offering degree programs in respiratory therapy. The types of schools offering RT degree programs include vocational schools, community colleges, and 4-year colleges.

Community Colleges Within the RT field, a community college will offer two types of college degrees which are the Associate of Applied Science or Association of Science. Both degree types are widely recognized by employers and hospitals across the country with AS being more research focused and the AAS more career focused. Upon completion of the RT degree programs at a community college, students will be eligible to sit for credential exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

Vocational Schools A vocational school offering programs for respiratory therapy can also be known as a medical school or technical school. In either case, these entities focus on career-oriented programs for future respiratory therapists that result in a certificate, diploma, or degree. The combination of academic preparation, clinical exposure, and labs prepare students to sit for CRT and RRT credential exams.

Four-Year Colleges As a matter of course, a 4-year college or university will provide students with a broad array of classes including general education coursework plus professional curriculum for RTs. Accredited colleges and universities have constructed two primary tracks for students to pursue towards a bachelor of science degree in respiratory therapy. The first is a two-year program designed to be additive with an associate degree in respiratory therapy. The other is a 4-year inclusive program for students with no prior RT experience or training.

Skills of Respiratory Therapists

An extensive set of data from the AARC reveals a set of core attributes, skills, and knowledge expectations for respiratory therapists. As with any job, some of the core competencies listed below are part and parcel of a college education while others are learned on the job.

Pulmonary Function Technology

  • Comprehend basic spirometry plus coaching, counseling, test result analysis, and remediation.
  • Properly evaluate pulmonary function test results such as plethysmography, diffusion capacity, esophageal pressure, metabolic testing, and diaphragm stimulation.
  • Evaluate and contrast respiratory sleep disorders.

Comprehend various aspects of invasive and noninvasive diagnostic procedures such as:

  1. Mechanical ventilation
  2. Medical gas therapy
  3. Airway management
  4. Airway clearance therapy
  5. Aerosol therapy
  6. Humidity therapy
  7. Lung expansion therapy

Disease Management

  • Understanding and management of the anatomy, diagnosis, etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases and associated care plans.
  • Assessing patient wellness through integrative process (social, emotional, spiritual needs) and process-based steps like patient charting, patient satisfaction, and clinical guidelines.

Critical Care and Emergency Care

  • Perform basic life support, advanced cardiovascular life support, and pediatric life support as needed.
  • Provide airway management ventilator life support services.
  • Have working knowledge of noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilators.

Leadership Skills

  • Collaborate and communicate effectively with team members and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Deep understanding of healthcare regulatory requirements.
  • Possess a set of exceptional written and oral communication skills.

Top Respiratory Therapy Degrees

The types of respiratory therapy degree programs include the following list of options for students to consider pursing:

  • AAS – Associate in Applied Science
  • AS – Associate of Science
  • BS – Bachelor of Science
  • MS – Master of Science

The most popular college degree track for students to pursue is the associated degree track.  In fact, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care estimates 8 of 10 degrees awarded are for the AS or AAS programs from accredited colleges and universities.  Thus leaving the bachelor and master degree tracks to account for less than 20% of the remaining degrees conferred to respiratory therapists.

Associate Degrees in Respiratory Therapy

A 2-year degree program in respiratory therapy will likely lead a student to an Associate of Science or Associate in Applied Science.  A typical associate degree program will split academic requirements with active learning opportunities.  The academic piece will often include anatomy, principles of respiratory science, physiology, therapy procedures while active learning includes labs and clinical rotations.  Upon earning an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, students can sit for the CRT and RRT exams.

Bachelor Degrees in Respiratory Therapy

A bachelor’s degree in RT can either be a 2-year extension from an associate’s degree or 4-year inclusive program.  The degree types conferred to these students will most likely be the BSRC or BSRT.  Both the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care and the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy will have a year of general education and three years of professional core curriculum, followed by a set of clinical rotations.

Master Degrees in Respiratory Therapy

While limited, the number of accredited schools offering master’s degree in RT prepare professionals to become teachers, researchers, subject matter experts, and/or practitioners in respiratory therapy.  The intensive curriculum is designed to posture graduates for career advancement in variety of healthcare tracks.

Most Popular Careers in Respiratory Therapy

Polysomnography & Sleep Disorder Specialist – With the rapid advances in sleep care, the polysomnographic area of specialization has grown substantively.  The respiratory therapists working in the dynamic sleep field will often work with sleep laboratories working evenings when patients can be observed sleeping.  An RT within the sleep disorder field will hold a RRT, CRT, or RPSGT credential.

Case Management – A RT case manager specializes in helping patients successfully transition from a hospital to a home care situation.  Think of case managers as a specialized project manager tasked to address all aspects of the patient’s transition from logistics to emotional care to service management.

Pulmonary Diagnostics – A pulmonary function specialist work in a hospital or physician’s office to conduct and analyze patient lung health.  The field of pulmonary diagnostics will often require a specialized degree such as a CRT, RRT, CPFT, and/or RPFT.

Long-Term Care & Home Care – Patients suffering from diseases such as emphysema will often have respiratory specialized assigned to come to their home.  Although these specialized RT’s may work for a respiratory hospital or similar healthcare provider, they have home care equipment making them quite mobile.

Neonatal-Pediatrics – A neonatal-pediatric respiratory therapist will work in a general hospital’s neonatal care division or a children’s hospital to assess and treat infants and young children with breathing disorders.  These specialist will possess credentials that may include AE-C, NPS, CRT, and/or RRT.

Surface and Air Transportation – The purpose of a surface and air transportation RT is to safely and successfully move patients to designated critical care units via medical helicopters and ambulances.  A surface and air transportation respiratory therapist will work with EMT’s, doctors, and nurses to properly attend to patients in critical situations.

RT Manager or Supervisor – Virtually every respiratory care department has an on-site team leader or manager and qualified RT’s are often the first tabbed to step into these roles.  Job responsibilities include everything from staffing to budget management to healthcare policy administration.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation – The field of pulmonary rehab is focused on helping patients with a chronic lung disease such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and/or emphysema to best manage and cope with their disease(s).  Treatment plans may include a combination of education and exercise depending on the care plan provided. Pulmonary rehab RT’s will hold a RRT, CRT, and/or AE-C credential.

Critical Care – A critical care respiratory therapist thrive within a high-demand setting like an intensive care unit.  A critical care RT will often be tasked to work with seriously ill patients using leading-edge technology.  The bulk of critical care respiratory therapists will have earned an advanced level RRT credential.

Additional Resources for Respiratory Therapists

Below you will find a list of national resources for respiratory therapists and the RT profession.  From specialty organizations like asthma educators to respiratory therapist associations, there are many support systems in place to help professional RT’s at every step of their career.

Respiratory Therapy Career Outlook

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