Respiratory Therapist Schools

“Go into the profession with the idea that if you seek to treat each patient like your favorite family member, you likely always do the right thing for that person in need. Oh, and don’t forget: compassion doesn’t cost hardly anything except a bit of time and effort, so give it freely.”

– Tim Gilmore, PhD, Associate Professor of Cardiopulmonary Science (CPS), Louisiana State University Health Shreveport

George Steinbrenner—a successful businessman and former Yankees owner—famously exclaimed, “Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.” Even for a fiercely competitive man such as Steinbrenner, breathing was more important than anything.

While many take it for granted, the sad truth is that breathing is a daily struggle for some people. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 25.2 million people suffer from asthma, more than 8 percent of the population. As pollution levels continue to climb and cities grow more congested, this figure may continue to rise in the coming years. From emphysema to other chronic respiratory diseases, from smoking-related maladies to birth defects, several people rely on the help of medical professionals specializing in breathing assistance and rehabilitation. Enter the respiratory therapists.

These professionals monitor, diagnose, and treat breathing abnormalities to make people’s lives easier. Respiratory therapy is a growing career in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) projects that job openings for respiratory therapists will increase 13 percent between 2023 and 2033, more robust than the average growth expected for all occupations (4 percent). Most of these jobs will be in hospitals and private practices (82 percent), and with median annual salaries of $80,340, it’s a relatively well-compensated career (BLS May 2023).

So, how does a person become a respiratory therapist? Students typically begin with a two-year associate’s degree through a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Once candidates pass a national exam, they can receive the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Some choose to complete a four-year degree and attain the higher Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) designation or even continue with a master’s degree in respiratory management or education.

The following sections explore possible educational paths for people interested in attending an accredited program. Many flexible and reputable respiratory therapist schools are available, including those offering traditional campus experiences and partially online (i.e., hybrid) programs. There are also hundreds of CoARC-approved programs that can help a person become certified and assist in job placement upon graduation.

As natural as breathing” has become a clichéd expression, and people have continually compared this most essential of human activities to natural, unstoppable, or inevitable things. For people looking to make a real difference in the world, a career in respiratory therapy may be an excellent option

Meet the Expert: Tim Gilmore, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, CPFT, AE-C

Tim Gilmore, PhD

Dr. Tim Gilmore is an associate professor of cardiopulmonary science (CPS) and the CPS program director at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport. He earned a PhD in health science from Nova Southeastern University, a master’s in health sciences, a bachelor’s of science in cardiopulmonary science from LSU Health Shreveport, and an associate’s of science in respiratory therapy from Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC).

Dr. Gilmore’s research interests include ICU care, mechanical ventilation, asthma, and patient education. He is a member of the Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care, the American Association for Respiratory Care, and the National Board for Respiratory Care. He is a registered respiratory therapist with specialty credentials as a neonatal pediatric specialist and adult critical care specialist, and he holds national certifications as a pulmonary functions technologist and asthma educator. He also serves as a peer reviewer for the Respiratory Care Journal and an item writer for the NBRC.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about respiratory therapists?

Dr. Gilmore: I believe if the general public understood the depth of knowledge, expertise, and training that respiratory therapists (RTs) possess and the fact that the RT role on the healthcare team is deeply integrated with the physician and nurse, the profession would be less obscure.

The RT profession came from humble beginnings and has only been formalized as an occupation since the 1970s. RTs are highly trained and extremely skilled, and many are not only nationally credentialed and hold a medical license but possess additional certifications and have undergone further specialized training. To put into perspective, when someone is declared in “critical condition” on “life support,” the RT is the healthcare professional that manages the life support machine, among many other critical diagnostics and therapeutics, when patients are diseased, debilitated, and ailing.

In summary, the RT is typically the specialized clinician on site to help assess, diagnose, and treat someone when they present to an emergency department with distress from any heart or lung condition. The RT is also an integral part of the healthcare team every step of the way after patients are admitted to the hospital, and RTs play a vital role in every patient population from birth to the end of life.

MedialTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring respiratory therapy students?

Dr. Gilmore: Many respiratory therapists (RTs) seem to have initially stumbled upon the profession through either a personal experience (in the hospital as a patient or family member of a patient) or by a chance encounter with someone, whether it be from that acquaintance’s own experience or by happenstance through an advisor or recruiting event.

Any potential respiratory therapy student should first research the profession and, after that, seek out someone who is a respiratory therapist. In my experience, the formula is simple: the students who make the best RTs tend to have a natural interest in science, particularly anatomy and physiology, with an innate drive to help others and attention to detail.

Lastly, go into the profession with the idea that if you seek to treat each patient like your favorite family member, you likely always do the right thing for that person in need. Oh, and don’t forget: compassion doesn’t cost hardly anything except a bit of time and effort, so give it freely.

Respiratory Therapy Degree & Certification Programs – On-Campus

Several levels of respiratory therapy education can lead to certification. The first step is typically an associate degree program. An associate of science (AS) or associate of applied science (AAS) degree from an accredited CoARC school makes students eligible to sit for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam.

The RRT exam is usually only taken by students who have completed a four-year or two-year degree in addition to a CRT certification. The bachelor’s of science (BS) in respiratory therapy or respiratory care is the chosen program level for students interested in the RRT certification.

Finally, students interested in respiratory research or management may want to pursue a master’s degree. This advanced degree is often required to get some of the highest-paying jobs, such as hospital administrators or research lab employees.

Pima Medical Institute (AAS)—Pima Medical Institute has campus locations offering its AAS program across the western part of the U.S., including Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Students who complete this program put in over 2,000 contact and learning hours, making it one of the most extensive associate degree programs available.

Each campus has different student success rates, but more than 85 percent of all PMI students pass the CRT examination, with some boasting success rates up to 96 percent.

• Location: Campuses across the United States
• Duration: 21 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Georgia State University (AS, BS, MSHS-RT) – Ranked #4 on the list of Most Innovative Schools by the U.S. News and World Report (2022), Georgia State University in Atlanta offers an affordable and acclaimed respiratory therapy program in the Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions.

GSU offers both a traditional BS degree and a professional AS-to-BS bridge degree for those students who have already completed an AS at a CoARC-accredited school and are Registered Respiratory Therapists but want to earn a bachelor’s degree. In addition, GSU provides an accelerated program for completing a bachelor’s and master’s of science health sciences in respiratory therapy. GSU has incredibly high student outcomes, with a 100 percent job placement and a 100 percent pass rate on the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and CRT exams.

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Duration: Two to four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Bellarmine University (BS) – Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, was named on the list of Best National Universities in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Bellarmine offers a standard bachelor of health science (BHS) track, an AS to BHS bridge program for registered respiratory therapists, a master of health science (MHS) health promotion and social change track, and an MHS leadership track.

Students in this program earn over 800 hours of clinical experience in healthcare settings such as intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, pediatric intensive care units, emergency rooms, and sleep laboratories. This range of options makes Bellarmine attractive to aspiring respiratory therapists at virtually any career level.

• Location: Louisville, KY
• Duration: Two to four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Louisiana State University School of Health Sciences (BS) – LSU Health Sciences offers a four-year degree in cardiopulmonary science with an emphasis on respiratory therapy at its New Orleans campus. The bachelor of science program can be completed in two or four years and accepts students who have earned two years of general college or university credits.

This program prepares graduates to become registered respiratory therapists at the national and state levels. CoARC has awarded LSU a Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award for its record of credentialing 90 percent of its graduating classes in the past eight years.

• Location: Shreveport, LA
• Duration: Two to four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Hybrid & Online Respiratory Therapy Degree Programs

There are hybrid and fully online programs for students who need more flexibility in getting their degree. Usually, a fully online program requires a student to already have an associate degree from a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). For students without any prior experience, a hybrid program is a good option. This allows students to take didactic courses online and complete hands-on components in an approved on-site clinical location.

Here are some featured flexible online programs in respiratory therapy.

Southeast Community College (AAS) – Southeast Community College offers an associate of applied science in respiratory care, which can be completed in just over one year. With a comprehensive curriculum, graduates will be prepared to take the National Board for Respiratory Care exams and apply for state licensure.

The respiratory therapy program accepts students for fall and spring semesters and is recognized in all 50 states. As a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA), Southeast Community College is dedicated to providing quality education to students nationwide.

• Location: Campuses across Nebraska
• Duration: Four semesters
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

University of Missouri Online (BS) – The University of Missouri’s online Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with an emphasis in respiratory therapy is designed for those already working in the field. Up to 30 transfer credits can be accepted, making it easy for respiratory therapists to continue their education while maintaining their current job. The program is 100 percent online, allowing students flexibility and convenience.

Students are taught by faculty from the University of Missouri-Columbia’s School of Health Professions and Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences. Applicants with the NBRC RRT credential or Canadian equivalent are eligible for this program, ensuring a high level of education and expertise. And with a 100 percent job placement rate, graduates can feel confident in their future career prospects. This program offers respiratory therapists the opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills while remaining in the field.

• Location: Columbia, MO
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Oregon Institute of Technology (BS) – The bachelor’s degree of respiratory care at the Oregon Institute of Technology is one of the finest hybrid programs in the nation, with a CRT pass rate of more than 97 percent and a job placement rate of over 95 percent. Students in this program must already have an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited school and be working at an approved respiratory therapy practice.

• Location: Klamath Falls, OR
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

University of Kansas (BS) – The University of Kansas Medical Center offers a fully online RT-to-bachelor’s-degree program for students who already have a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification. In addition to being one of the most flexible programs for gaining a bachelor’s degree, it also has a good CRT success rate, with 97 percent of graduates passing the exam.

Graduates from this program are eligible to take specialized credentialing exams, including adult critical care specialist (ACCS), neonatal and pediatric specialist (NPS), and/or the asthma educator (AE-C) national board exams.

• Location: Kansas City, KS
• Duration: Four semesters
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Core & Elective Courses in Respiratory Therapy Programs

At typical respiratory therapy schools, students complete both classwork and hands-on training throughout the program. Initially, students may need to complete core curriculum like English, math, and biology. This eventually gives way to studies of anatomy, medical terminology, medical law, and ethics.

Once fully accepted into a respiratory care program, students will need to complete vital courses such as:

• Mechanical ventilation: This course is focused on teaching students the theory and practical applications of using typical mechanical respiration devices. Specific topics include negative pressure ventilation, correcting gas exchange abnormalities, and identifying different types of respiratory monitoring for various illnesses.
• Cardiovascular diagnostics: Students in this course identify and analyze the various diagnostic assessments used in cardiopulmonary healthcare. Specific diagnostic exams may include blood gas levels, pulmonary function testing, EKGs, chest radiographs, spirometry, and other advanced diagnostic studies.
• Pediatric and geriatric pathobiology and critical care: These two courses study the respiratory care of the very young and very old. Specifically, students will learn how to monitor respiratory diagnostics during sleep, set up initial monitoring equipment for those with high potential risks, and use different therapeutic interventions for these demographic groups.
• Pharmacology: In this course, students learn the effects of typical cardiopulmonary medications and what they are typically prescribed for. They also learn the typical side effects and what medicines cannot be prescribed concurrently (i.e., contraindications). Specific types of medicines include adrenergic bronchodilators, mucus-controlling medications, and xanthines.
• Clinical practicum: This is a series of hands-on training sessions in an approved hospital or clinical setting. Students will learn how to assess and monitor the respiration of various types of patients. They will also learn to analyze diagnostic results in a real-world setting and counsel attending professionals regarding diagnosis and pharmacological options. In the later stages of the practicum, students may also receive direct training on how to pass the CRT exam.

Accreditation of Respiratory Therapy Programs

Students must carefully choose an appropriately accredited program or may not be eligible for certification upon graduation. To receive a license in all states except Alaska, students must complete a degree program from a college approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The CoARC has a list of approved programs and their student outcomes—including graduation rate, job placement rate, and CRT exam pass rate—available on its website.

Universities must undergo a rigorous process to meet the criteria CoARC sets. First, the university must be regionally accredited by a body approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Then, the program undergoes a thorough review, which includes an assessment of the staff, facilities, and curriculum. Finally, several on-site visits verify the program’s strength and that all areas of the program correlate with the proposed plan.

Remember, applicants need to ensure that a school has also been regionally accredited through a body affiliated with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

In addition, it is in a student’s best interest to ensure that their chosen school is endorsed by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). These two endorsements guarantee that the degree will allow graduates to sit for the national exam and receive a CRT license.

Career Outlook

Respiratory therapy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, probably due to the increased need for healthcare among the baby boomer generation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), jobs in the respiratory therapy industry are projected to increase by 13 percent from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations. This figure may also reflect an increased need for respiratory specialization due to potentially declining air quality over the next decade.

Respiratory therapists have a large projected job pool and can expect to be some of the highest-paid non-doctoral healthcare workers in the next decade. Although the average wage is $80,340 annually, the highest-paid respiratory therapists can make more than $104,480 annually.

Like many other healthcare careers, education is major in whether graduates can land top-paying jobs. Those who become Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) or Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) often have the best job prospects in the highest-paying areas—outpatient care centers and universities.

Although California, Texas, and Florida are the most highly concentrated areas for jobs in the respiratory therapy industry, they are not the only states that need these healthcare professionals the most. In fact, some of the best-paying jobs are in more rural areas—such as Alaska and Hawaii—with average wages hovering around $95,000 per year. The BLS suggests that respiratory therapists who are willing to commute to these remote areas will have the best job prospects in the next decade, from 2023 to 2033.

Licensing & Certification

To become licensed as a respiratory therapist, it is necessary to gain certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This requires that a prospective respiratory therapist not only complete a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Care Education Programs (CAAHEP) but also pass the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination.

Once a student has completed an accredited program and passed the CRT examination, they are credentialed with the NBRC and eligible to be certified in whatever state they choose. Successful completion of the CRT exam makes an individual eligible to go on to complete the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential by sitting for another exam and submitting to a clinical skills simulation examination. Additionally, most states require a state-specific medical law and ethics course to receive a license to practice as a CRT or RRT.

Licensure is required to become a respiratory therapist in all states except Alaska. While completing an accredited program is the most traditional way to gain a license, it is possible to gain certification with an appropriate set of passing exam scores in addition to significant experience as a respiratory therapist in a professional setting.

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Writer

Rachel Drummond has contributed insightful articles to MedicalTechnologySchools.com since 2019, where she offers valuable advice and guidance for those pursuing careers in the healthcare field, combining her passion for education with her understanding of the critical role that healthcare professionals play in promoting physical and mental well-being.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

With her passion for uncovering the latest innovations and trends, Kimmy Gustafson has provided valuable insights and has interviewed experts to provide readers with the latest information in the rapidly evolving field of medical technology since 2019. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.