According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 13% through 2032. Students can prepare for jobs as respiratory therapists by earning a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. The median annual salary for a respiratory therapist is $77,960. With further education, students who earn an online degree in respiratory therapy can pursue careers as registered nurses ($86,070 annually) or clinical lab technicians ($60,780 annually).
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for an undergraduate degree program is $7,998 at public universities and $34,923 at private institutions.
How to Choose an Online Respiratory Therapy Degree Program
Choose your area of study
The first step in the college selection process is clarifying your career goals, including what type of job you want to be qualified for after graduation. This clarification will help you determine what kind of program you need regarding your degree and curriculum.
Clarifying career goals involves researching various respiratory therapy concentrations, like gerontology, pediatrics, home health, pulmonary rehabilitation, or sleep laboratories. Depending on their education level, students can pursue the following degrees:
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
Upon completing a bachelor’s degree, students wanting advanced degrees can pursue an online master’s in respiratory therapy degree program.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your online respiratory therapy program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Professionals (CAAHEP).
Students with an associate degree in respiratory therapy who want to complete their bachelor’s should speak to a transfer admissions counselor to confirm that their previously earned credits will transfer to their new degree.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
The admissions department’s web page offers great information on what is needed to apply and the deadlines for submission. You can also chat directly with a program representative to verify how to prepare for tests and applications. While application requirements vary by school, students will likely need to prepare the following:
- Application
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts showing previous education
- Personal statement
Standardized test scores are sometimes a requirement for online respiratory therapy degree programs. Bachelor’s programs typically accept ACT or SAT scores. Master’s programs may require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
There are numerous avenues students can explore to help them pay for an online respiratory therapy degree, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, work-study jobs, and student loans.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in finding out what kind of aid you’re eligible for. Other resources students can explore include tuition assistance benefits from employers, tax benefits for education, and GI Bill benefits for veterans and military service members.
Contact the university’s financial aid office early in the application process for help accessing funding opportunities.
Best 50 Accredited Online Respiratory Therapy Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
Our list focuses on Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in respiratory therapy. Bachelor’s programs are typically designed for individuals with an associate degree in respiratory therapy and looking to advance their careers. Meanwhile, master’s programs focus on advanced clinical therapy or leadership skills. All listed programs can be completed online, although some schools also offer courses on campus. You can select the program delivery type that best suits your learning preferences and availability.
The schools included on this list have accreditation through regional or national accrediting bodies. Most programs also have specialized accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), which guarantees excellence in education and training for respiratory therapists.
We reviewed each program’s faculty, cost, flexibility, reputation, and course strength. Then, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Respiratory Therapy Degree Program?
An AS or AAS in respiratory therapy will require at least 60 credit hours, while a BS or BAS requires 120 credit hours.
Students enrolled in an online respiratory therapy degree will learn skills for delivering patient care, operating equipment, completing documentation, and assisting physicians. In addition to coursework, there will be a clinical component in which students get hands-on experience in a respiratory therapy environment.
It’s essential to confirm that the program prepares students for the certification process for credentialing and, eventually, state licensure. Most U.S. respiratory therapist jobs require certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care. To get certified, students must pass an exam and provide documentation of coursework that meets educational standards.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online respiratory therapy degree program
- Ethics and Laws in Respiratory Care. Students learn to make the best decisions when caring for respiratory therapy patients. The class covers the code of ethics and laws that apply to the industry, including privacy, boundaries, therapist-patient relationships, conflicts of interest, integrity, and state and federal laws.
- Pharmacology for Respiratory Therapy. Students will learn the standard medications for respiratory treatments, their actions, and their interactions. They also learn what to do in case of adverse effects.
- Assessing Patients. Students learn to identify symptoms by assessing vital signs, observing patient behaviors, and using the stethoscope to listen to breathing patterns. They also learn how to gather as much information as possible to aid doctors in developing a treatment plan.
- Mechanical Ventilation. Students learn the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and their role when ventilating a patient. They also learn how to avoid dangers like ventilator-associated pneumonia and remove the ventilator safely.
What Can I Do With an Online Respiratory Therapy Degree?
A respiratory therapy degree provides graduates with skills and experience that they can apply to various healthcare positions, including patient assessment, clinical decision-making, emergency response, and data analysis.
Graduates work in various healthcare sectors, including nursing, medical technology, healthcare administration, patient education, and more. Hospitals, nursing homes, and private physician offices are the most common locations where graduates are employed.
An associate degree in respiratory therapy qualifies graduates for most entry-level positions. Mid- and upper-level positions often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in respiratory therapy.
Career outlook
- Respiratory therapist — Care for those with troubling breathing due to conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These individuals examine patients, perform tests, provide treatment, and monitor progress.
- Median annual salary: $77,960
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New jobs projected: 8,600
- Clinical laboratory technologist — Perform tests and procedures ordered by physicians or surgeons to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.
- Median annual salary: $60,780
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 24,000
- Medical and health services manager — Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of a healthcare facility, clinical department, or medical practice, including hiring, scheduling, and monitoring compliance.
- Median annual salary: $110,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 28%
- New jobs projected: 54,700
Online Respiratory Therapy Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online respiratory therapy degree program?
In most cases, students can apply to a respiratory therapy degree program by submitting their application and supporting materials online. Find out if the school has deadlines or accepts applications on a rolling basis.
Students must provide documentation from their prior education, usually in official transcripts. Some schools require students to have a minimum GPA from previous education, ranging between 2.0 and 3.0. Contact the school for more information if you need clarification on your eligibility.
How much does an online respiratory therapy degree program cost?
The cost of an online respiratory therapy degree depends on various factors, such as the school’s status as a public or private institution. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, though public schools typically charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online respiratory therapy degree?
For full-time students, an associate degree in respiratory therapy typically takes two years, while a bachelor’s degree usually takes four. However, various factors can impact program duration, including:
- Part-time versus full-time status
- Accelerated or degree-completion programs
- Program format, structured versus flexible
- Retaking a class due to a withdrawal or failing grade
- Unexpected obstacles, including problems at work or home
Is a respiratory therapy degree worth it?
An associate or bachelor’s degree is the prerequisite for all respiratory therapy positions. Without completing a degree, individuals cannot find employment in the field due to the technical skills and training required. All states except Alaska require respiratory therapists to be licensed, as well.
A bachelor’s degree qualifies individuals for a broader range of positions and increases their earning potential. Those without a college degree earn a median weekly salary of $992, while those with a bachelor’s degree earn a median weekly wage of $1,493.