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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
PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
126,770Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Respiratory Therapy Schools
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
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
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
Acceptance Rate
91.39
Tuition
$32,883 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
22:1
Concorde Career Colleges, Inc. owns and operates proprietary, postsecondary institutions that offer vocational career training programs in the growing healthcare field. Concorde serves the segment of population seeking career-oriented education. We currently operate campuses at 15 locations in seven states. Concorde's campuses generally enjoy long operating histories in their local markets.
Concorde was formed in 1988 as a Delaware corporation. Our principal office is located at 5800 Foxridge Drive, Suite 500, Mission, Kansas 66202 (telephone: (913) 831-9977).
Concorde's 15 campuses are located in Garden Grove, North Hollywood, San Bernardino, and San Diego, California; Aurora, Colorado; Jacksonville, Miramar, Orlando, and Tampa, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; Portland, Oregon; Memphis, Tennessee; and Arlington, Dallas, and San Antonio, Texas.
Concorde's programs of study are intended to provide students with the knowledge and job skills for positions in their chosen career field. The programs are Vocational Nurse/Nursing, Practical Nursing, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology/Technologist, Pharmacy Technician, Radiologic Technology, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Professional, Medical Assistant/Assisting, Dental Assistant/Assisting, Patient Care Technician, Dental Hygiene, Medical Office Administration, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Massage Therapy. Program offerings vary by campus. The Aurora, Kansas City, North Hollywood, Garden Grove, San Bernardino, San Diego, Portland, Memphis, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miramar campuses offer selected associates degree programs. Campuses utilize different program titles pursuant to state regulations.
Acceptance Rate
95.22
Tuition
$31,866 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
27:1
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
Acceptance Rate
88.09
Tuition
$16,875 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
44:1
Acceptance Rate
93.86
Tuition
$17,701 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
45:1
About
Concorde Career College has fifteen campuses in seven states. The school is dedicated to providing a quality career education through its 23 program offerings in the field of allied health. Concorde Career College has been providing health care education for over forty years with the goal of preparing individuals as professionals in the field that they choose.
Academics
Concorde Career College offers 23 programs of study to prepare students for entry level positions in allied health care. The school combines classroom education with practical training to ensure individuals have the skill and experience to begin working immediately after graduation. The school further assists students through their career placement program after graduation.
Programs offered include:
- Dental Assistant – Diploma
- Medical Assistant – Diploma
- Medical Office Administration – Diploma
- Polysomnographic Technology – Diploma
- Practical Nursing – Diploma
- Respiratory Therapy – Associate
- Surgical Technology – Associate
Admissions and Financial Aid
Financial aid is only available for those who qualify. Students interesting in enrolling at Concorde Career College may begin by completing the online application available on the website. Once completed, the student will shortly thereafter be contacted by a school representative to assist in the process. Financial aid is available through various federal programs. Students will be assisted by financial aid specialists to help determine eligibility and determine payment methods.
Acceptance Rate
96.23
Tuition
$16,516 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
34:1
Acceptance Rate
88.35
Tuition
$43,552 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
36:1
The St Louis College of Health Careers offers a wide range of career options in the health field. The goals of the college is to provide all students with a flexible and supportive place to learn, to create graduates that will be self sufficient, to provide career training opportunity and to help with career preparation and job search.
The Fenton campus is conveniently located only 3 minutes west of I-270 on I-44 at Bowles exit.
Admission to St Louis College of Health Careers is open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED. To complete the application process, you will need to fill out an admission application and enrollment agreement, provide proof of high school diploma or equivalency and college transcripts if applicable and complete financial aid forms.
The St Louis College of Health Careers offers excellent medical training in fields such as Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist Assistant and Medical Billing and Coding.
The St Louis College of Health Careers provides its graduates with career counseling and job placement services. Support includes resume writing, interviewing skills and professional development.
Acceptance Rate
100
Tuition
$30,466 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
30:1
Acceptance Rate
91.67
Tuition
$16,395 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
40:1
Acceptance Rate
93.38
Tuition
$15,840 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
35:1
Acceptance Rate
94.92
Tuition
$16,805 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
34:1
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
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$36,900 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
34:1
Overview
The Carver Career and Technical Center located in Charleston, West Virginia provides post secondary education, college courses, and career education programs. Occupational training is offered in the following areas:
- Automotive Technology
- Business Technology
- HVAC Technology
- Plumbing Technology
- Construction Technology
- Collisions Repair Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Health Occupations Science Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Pharmacy Technician
- Respiratory Care
- Veterinarian Technician
- Agriscience
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Drafting
- Industrial Fire Management
- Legal Administrative Assistant
- Manicuring
- Welding
- Event Planning and Design Production
CCTC offers a Career Plus program which is designed to assist former high school students in acquiring their diploma. CCTC services also include:
- Career Counseling
- Interview Training
- Special Needs Coordination
- On the Job Training
- Resume Preparation Training
- Clinical Training
Admission Process
The admission process for entry into a training program offered by CCTC requires a high school diploma. Students may apply by downloading an application from the school website. Financial aid is available for students in need of tuition assistance. CCTC provides Job Placement Assistance for students who have successful completed a training program.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,653 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$36,900 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
37:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$14,882 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$21,092 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
For those living in the Midwest and looking to start a new career, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center (CGCTC) is probably one of the places you want to start looking. Located in Cape, Girardeau, Missouri, a middle sized town of about 38,000 people, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center has garnered a reputation for producing high quality graduates who know how to go out into the workforce and get jobs. Cape Girardeau is a great place to do it too, since the region has seen growth in between censuses and technical trade employment has been increasing throughout the city. The city is the site of many historical landmarks, many that have to do with Native Americans and their relationship with early American settlers of the land.
In 2012, tuition at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center was $13,194, and enrollment was at 195 students. The center has a very solid retention rate of 77%, and with open admissions students can apply and get in as long as there are open spots available. There are plenty of very talented instructors at the center, and the school offers a wide variety of programs to choose from. Here are some of those programs:
- Auto Tech
- Computer Programming
- Business
- Radio/TV
- Marketing
- Nursing
With the growing city of Cape Girardeau as the backdrop and bigger metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Memphis only a short drive away, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is a great choice for those who are looking to build their skills for a career. Financial aid is available from grants, scholarships, and loans from the federal government.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$8,400 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
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:
- Mechanical ventilation
- Medical gas therapy
- Airway management
- Airway clearance therapy
- Aerosol therapy
- Humidity therapy
- 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.
- American Association for Respiratory Care
- National Board for Respiratory Care
- American Lung Association
- American Medical Association
- American Public Health Association
- Association of Asthma Educators
- Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions