Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Respiratory therapists assist patients with breathing issues, such as asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An aging population will lead to more of these conditions — and a greater demand for respiratory specialists.
Respiratory therapy requires an associate degree, making it one of the quickest paths among healthcare degrees and careers. In this guide, we introduce the best respiratory therapy programs and outline some considerations to keep in mind when entering this profession.
Why Enroll in a Respiratory Therapy Program?
- As a respiratory therapist, you can help improve patients’ quality of life.
- Graduates of respiratory therapy programs can start working in the medical field after just two years of schooling.
- Respiratory therapy is a great way to get started in healthcare, providing you with basic medical knowledge and an understanding of how healthcare facilities work.
- According to the American Lung Association, COPD is the country’s leading cause of death and disability.
- In 2019, only 10% of respiratory therapy programs were at full enrollment capacity.
- According to the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), more than 90,000 respiratory therapists will leave the field by 2030.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government purchased up to 200,000 new ventilators, which often require respiratory therapists to operate.
- Cardiorespiratory diseases
- General respiratory care
- Integrative systems physiology
- Introduction to mechanical ventilation
- Life support
- Medical ethics
- California: $103,060
- New York: $98,770
- District of Columbia: $95,240
- Alaska: $94,590
- Washington: $93,820
Did You Know?
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How Does Accreditation Work for Respiratory Therapy Programs?
Accreditation does much of the school and program vetting process for you. Accredited institutions meet a high standard of academic quality, making your college selection process a little easier.
When you choose an accredited program, you know you’ll have access to federal financial aid. Graduate schools and potential employers will recognize your degree as well.
In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure to look for programmatic accreditation of any respiratory therapy programs you’re considering.
You must graduate from a respiratory therapy program that’s been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) in order to qualify for NBRC’s professional credentialing exams. Most states require NBRC credentials for licensing and employment as a respiratory therapist.
What Courses Do You Take in a Respiratory Therapy Program?
Respiratory therapy programs let you hone your critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills.
In this program, you’ll learn how to give oxygen, operate mechanical ventilators, and measure lung function. You’ll also study math so you can perform key tasks, such as measuring patients’ medications.
Here are some common courses in associate respiratory therapy programs:
How Much Do Respiratory Therapy Programs Cost?
Respiratory therapy programs cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars in tuition and fees per year.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, public two-year colleges cost an average of $3,900 in tuition and fees, whereas private nonprofit two-year colleges cost around $18,000 in 2020-2021.
You can reduce your education costs in several ways. You should submit the FAFSA and apply for other forms of financial aid, including scholarships and private loans.
If you wish to save as much money as possible, choose a local program so you can qualify for in-state or in-district tuition rates.
How Much Can You Make With a Respiratory Therapy Degree?
According to the BLS, respiratory therapists earned a median annual salary of $77,960 in May 2023.
Many factors can influence how much you earn as a respiratory therapist, including your state, your employer, and how much experience you have.
In California, for example, respiratory therapists earned an average of $103,060 in May 2023. In Mississippi, however, they earned just $75,150.
The BLS projects a 13% job growth for respiratory therapists between 2022 and 2032. That’s an addition of more than 8,600 jobs.
Do You Need Licensure to Become a Respiratory Therapist?
According to the American Association for Respiratory Care, all U.S. states except Alaska require respiratory therapists to have a license.
Exact licensure requirements vary by state, but you’ll generally need a respiratory therapy degree from an accredited program and an NBRC respiratory therapy credential.
NBRC offers two credentials: certified respiratory therapist (CRT) and registered respiratory therapist (RRT). For either credential, you must be at least 18 years old and pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination.
A low score can get you the CRT credential, whereas a high score can get you the CRT credential and qualify you for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). If you pass the TMC and the CSE, you’ll get the RRT credential.
Both exams feature questions on patient data, control of devices and infection control, and interventions. The TMC costs $190, while the CSE costs $200. State licensure fees fall between $30 and $340.
Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory Therapy Programs
It typically takes about two years to complete a respiratory therapy program. The time it takes to pass licensure exams varies, but you can usually finish the licensure process in just a few weeks.
While most respiratory therapist jobs only require an associate degree, you can earn up to a doctorate in this field. Some employers require or strongly prefer respiratory therapists to hold a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy.
You can also get a master’s in respiratory therapy or a doctoral degree in a related area, such as respiratory medicine.
As with many healthcare fields, respiratory therapy programs can be challenging. These programs cover an array of critical health and science topics, including anatomy and advanced diagnostics. You must understand care principles and master various technical skills.
Clinical elements may prove tricky for some students as well, so be prepared to work hard in your respiratory therapy program.
According to the BLS, respiratory therapists earn the highest average salaries in outpatient care centers — $110,970. Management of companies and enterprises come next at $103,480.
The states that pay respiratory therapists the highest average salaries are:
For many people, a respiratory therapy degree is worth the time and cost. This degree can get you into a rewarding and in-demand medical career in just two years or less. You’ll also likely earn a solid salary.