Best Online Respiratory Therapy Programs

Alison PlautThomas Broderick
By
and
Updated on September 16, 2025
Edited by
Online respiratory therapy programs help you earn a degree and prepare for licensure from anywhere. Find programs that allow you to graduate in two years or less.

Respiratory therapists assist patients with breathing issues, such as asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An aging population can lead to more instances of these conditions — and a greater demand for respiratory specialists.

Respiratory therapy requires an associate degree, making it one of the quickest career paths in healthcare. In this guide, we introduce the best online respiratory therapy programs and outline some considerations to keep in mind when entering this profession.

Why Enroll in an Online Respiratory Therapy Program

  • As a respiratory therapist, you can help improve patients’ quality of life.
  • Graduates of online respiratory therapy programs can start working in the medical field after only 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.
  • You could keep a job while earning a degree online. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), in October 2024, 49.2% of full-time college students held jobs while earning their degrees.
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Top 20 Online Respiratory Therapy Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

Sinclair Community College

  • Dayton, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Located in Dayton, Ohio, Sinclair Community College provides a flexible, competitive education to students near and far. Learners seeking robust study in the respiratory therapy field will benefit from the college's associate of applied science in respiratory care. Degree-seekers benefit from learning opportunities within and beyond the classroom. They can pursue collaborative projects such as faculty-driven research, internships, and more.

The program features dual enrollment formats. Degree candidates can learn in person or remotely. Of all its programs, 14% are online. All students can access institutional resources and receive personal and professional guidance.

Sinclair Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 280

Number of Online Programs: 39

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 21%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 71%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $4,914

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 23%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,300

Average Price After Aid: $4,431

40%

Online Enrollment

$3,409

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$6,676

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
18,794
Institution Type
Public
#2

Central New Mexico Community College

  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Central New Mexico Community College connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. Students seeking robust study in the respiratory therapy field will benefit from the college's associate of applied science in respiratory care. Degree candidates seeking supplementary study can benefit from faculty-driven research projects and other collaborative learning opportunities.

The respiratory therapy program accommodates both in-person and remote study. Of all its programs, 14% are online. Whether in-person or online, degree-seekers can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance throughout their studies.

Central New Mexico Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 201

Number of Online Programs: 28

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 29%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 83%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $4,864

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 6%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $3,309

Average Price After Aid: $4,424

44%

Online Enrollment

$1,344

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

65%

Retention Rate

$7,104

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
23,096
Institution Type
Public
#3

Florida State College at Jacksonville

  • Jacksonville, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

A public institution, Florida State College at Jacksonville offers an associate of science in respiratory care. Students complete coursework and attend industry-relevant lectures. Degree-seekers can pursue further learning through internships and research projects.

Respiratory care enrollees can often take advantage of online and hybrid offerings, which add flexibility for working students. At the college, 22% of all programs accommodate remote learning. Both in-person and online students benefit from institutional resources, like academic advising and career services.

Florida State College at Jacksonville at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 166

Number of Online Programs: 36

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 37%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 71%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,084

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 21%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,414

Average Price After Aid: $3,017

74%

Online Enrollment

$2,095

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$7,947

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
24,605
Institution Type
Public
#4

Ivy Tech Community College

  • Indianapolis, IN
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ivy Tech Community College provides a flexible, competitive education to students near and far. Learners looking to advance in the respiratory therapy field should consider the college's associate of science in respiratory therapy. Degree-seekers complete coursework and attend industry-relevant lectures. Enrollees can pursue further learning through internships and research projects.

Students in the respiratory therapy program benefit from dual enrollment formats. They can learn in person or remotely. The institution notes that 21% of its programs enable online study. Degree candidates can access academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.

Ivy Tech Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 280

Number of Online Programs: 58

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 25%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 72%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,980

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 18%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,053

Average Price After Aid: $6,556

58%

Online Enrollment

$4,350

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

53%

Retention Rate

$8,511

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
72,689
Institution Type
Public
#5

Forsyth Technical Community College

  • Winston-Salem, NC
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

A public institution, Forsyth Technical Community College operates a main campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The school's associate in respiratory therapy program equips students with a well-rounded education through its rigorous curriculum. While completing coursework, students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.

Learners from all walks of life benefit from the respiratory therapy program's flexible format. The institution notes that 14% of its programs enable online study. Enrollees can access academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.

Forsyth Technical Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 132

Number of Online Programs: 19

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 21%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 72%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,426

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 75%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,304

Average Price After Aid: $3,326

50%

Online Enrollment

$1,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

61%

Retention Rate

$6,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
7,695
Institution Type
Public
#6

Miami Dade College

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Miami Dade College reaches learners worldwide through its flexible academic programs, available in person and online. The associate of science in respiratory care prepares students for professional advancement through industry-relevant coursework, lectures, and projects. Degree candidates seeking supplementary study can benefit from faculty-driven research projects and other collaborative learning opportunities.

With the college supporting in-person and online study, learners can pursue their studies at their own pace. At the college, 17% of all programs accommodate remote learning. Degree-seekers can access academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.

Miami Dade College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 147

Number of Online Programs: 25

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 33%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 84%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,129

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 6%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,008

Average Price After Aid: $4,947

18%

Online Enrollment

$1,987

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$7,947

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
51,679
Institution Type
Public
#7

Delta College

  • University Center, MI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Delta College, a public institution in University Center, Michigan, offers programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge. The college boasts a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling personalized study and close collaboration through faculty-driven research projects and more.

Students pursuing the associate of applied science in respiratory care benefit from flexible study, with the option to pursue in-person or online learning. Degree-seekers can enroll full time or part time. When considering remote study, learners should know that 17% of the college's programs support online learning. Students can access library services, tutoring, and other campus resources during their studies.

Delta College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 142

Number of Online Programs: 24

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 15%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 77%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,236

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 16%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,236

Average Price After Aid: $3,866

33%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,910

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

62%

Retention Rate

$11,130

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
7,819
Institution Type
Public
#8

Clark State Community College

  • Springfield, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

A public institution, Clark State Community College operates a main campus in Springfield, Ohio. The college's associate in respiratory care provides students with transferrable skills and knowledge necessary for the field. With a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enrollees benefit from personalized study. Degree-seekers can participate in collaborative opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects.

The program accommodates both in-person and remote study. Enrollees benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.

Clark State Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 85

Number of Online Programs: 21

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 15%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 88%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $4,360

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 34%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,325

Average Price After Aid: $6,414

44%

Online Enrollment

$3,176

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$6,352

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
5,669
Institution Type
Public
#9

Erie Community College

  • Buffalo, NY
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Erie Community College supports in-person learning and distance learning opportunities from its main campus in Buffalo, New York. The college's associate in respiratory care provides students with transferrable skills and knowledge necessary for the respiratory therapy field. Learners benefit from a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, with many chances to interact closely with professors.

Degree-seekers can complete coursework on campus or pursue remote learning. At the college, 2% of all programs accommodate remote learning. Students can access library services, tutoring, and other campus resources.

Erie Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 91

Number of Online Programs: 2

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 25%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 82%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,726

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 26%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,341

Average Price After Aid: $4,733

29%

Online Enrollment

$4,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

56%

Retention Rate

$9,466

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
10,031
Institution Type
Public
#10

Indian River State College

  • Fort Pierce, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Indian River State College connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. The school supports programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers in their field of choice. Learners seeking supplementary study can benefit from faculty-driven research projects and other collaborative learning opportunities.

Learners from all walks of life benefit from the associate in respiratory care. When considering remote study, students should know that 10% of the college's programs support online learning. Enrollees benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.

Indian River State College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 141

Number of Online Programs: 14

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 41%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 67%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,523

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 6%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,415

Average Price After Aid: $984

45%

Online Enrollment

$2,496

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$9,360

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
16,942
Institution Type
Public
#11

Palm Beach State College

  • Lake Worth, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus
  • Accredited

Palm Beach State College supports numerous programs from its main campus in Lake Worth, Florida. The college's associate in respiratory care equips learners with industry-specific knowledge, transferrable skills, and learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of their field. While completing coursework, students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.

With the college supporting in-person and online study, degree candidates can pursue their studies at their own pace. Career services and academic advising are just two of the many campus resources available to learners.

Palm Beach State College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 124

Number of Online Programs: Data not available

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 37%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 74%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,512

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 8%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,405

Average Price After Aid: $2,833

31%

Online Enrollment

$2,424

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$8,712

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
31,289
Institution Type
Public
#12

Pitt Community College

  • Winterville, NC
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Pitt Community College supports numerous programs from its main campus in Winterville, North Carolina. Enrollees hoping to advance in a respiratory therapy-adjacent career will benefit from the college's associate in respiratory therapy. The college boasts a 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling personalized study and close collaboration. Learners complete faculty-driven research projects and more.

Degree-seekers from all walks of life benefit from the respiratory therapy program's flexible format. When considering remote study, students should know that 28% of the college's programs support online learning. Whether in-person or online, enrollees can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance.

Pitt Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 104

Number of Online Programs: 29

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 28%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,384

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 30%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $3,412

Average Price After Aid: $5,304

49%

Online Enrollment

$1,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

64%

Retention Rate

$6,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
8,237
Institution Type
Public
#13

Gulf Coast State College

  • Panama City, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Gulf Coast State College, a public college based in Panama City, Florida, provides competitive educational opportunities to learners from all walks of life. Students seeking flexible study in respiratory therapy will benefit from the college's associate in respiratory care. While completing coursework, students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.

Respiratory care students benefit from flexible study, with the option to pursue in-person or online learning. Degree-seekers can enroll full time or part time. Leading in online education, the college supports nine online degrees. Students seeking academic and career guidance can benefit from the college's many resources, such as career services and academic advising.

Gulf Coast State College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 87

Number of Online Programs: 9

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 41%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 72%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,005

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 8%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,395

Average Price After Aid: $3,496

46%

Online Enrollment

$1,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$7,064

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
4,797
Institution Type
Public
#14

Hutchinson Community College

  • Hutchinson, KS
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Hutchinson Community College, a public college based in Hutchinson, Kansas, provides competitive educational opportunities to learners from all walks of life. The college's associate in respiratory care program provides students interested in a respiratory therapy career with a world-class education. Students complete coursework and attend industry-relevant lectures. Degree candidates can pursue further learning through internships and research projects.

Learners from all walks of life benefit from the program's flexible format. Students seeking academic and career guidance can benefit from the college's many resources, such as career services and academic advising.

Hutchinson Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 77

Number of Online Programs: 18

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 42%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 92%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $4,395

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 15%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,403

Average Price After Aid: $8,168

39%

Online Enrollment

$2,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

58%

Retention Rate

$3,660

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
5,315
Institution Type
Public
#15

Henry Ford College

  • Dearborn, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Henry Ford College supports numerous degrees, both in person and online, from its main campus in Dearborn, Michigan. The college's associate of applied science in respiratory therapy equips students with industry-relevant knowledge, preparing them for the demands of a respiratory therapy career. Learners seeking supplementary study can benefit from faculty-driven research projects and other collaborative learning opportunities.

Enrollees from all walks of life benefit from the respiratory therapy program's flexible format. Online programs make up 6% of the college's programs. In-person and remote students can access campus resources, including career services and academic advising.

Henry Ford College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 161

Number of Online Programs: 10

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 9%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 83%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,983

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 22%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,436

Average Price After Aid: $2,891

31%

Online Enrollment

$4,248

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
12,146
Institution Type
Public
#16

Muskegon Community College

  • Muskegon, MI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Muskegon Community College is a Muskegon, Michigan-based college supporting academic programs in dual modalities. The school supports programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers in their field of choice. Students pursuing the associate of applied science in respiratory therapy complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining a well-rounded education.

Respiratory therapy enrollees can often take advantage of online and hybrid offerings, which add flexibility for working students. To date, 3% of the college's programs enable online study. Both in-person and remote students benefit from institutional resources, like academic advising and career services.

Muskegon Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 72

Number of Online Programs: 2

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 19%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 85%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,434

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 10%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,076

Average Price After Aid: $4,477

41%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

65%

Retention Rate

$12,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
3,999
Institution Type
Public
#17

Coastal Pines Technical College

  • Waycross, GA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Coastal Pines Technical College supports in-person learning and distance learning opportunities from its main campus in Waycross, Georgia. The school's associate in respiratory care program builds theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing candidates for many career paths in the field. Students can collaborate with faculty members on research projects and other endeavors.

Enrollees can complete the respiratory therapy person in person or remotely. Of its programs, 18% allow for fully online study. In-person and remote students can access campus resources, including career services and academic advising.

Coastal Pines Technical College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 120

Number of Online Programs: 21

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 40%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 90%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,783

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: Data not available

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: Data not available

Average Price After Aid: $2,066

30%

Online Enrollment

$2,147

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

58%

Retention Rate

$4,294

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
4,498
Institution Type
Public
#18

San Juan College

  • Farmington, NM
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Located in Farmington, New Mexico, San Juan College offers a variety of academic programs in person and online. The school supports programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers in their field of choice. In the associate in respiratory therapy program, learners benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty.

Respiratory therapy students benefit from flexible study, with the option to pursue in person or online learning. Degree candidates can enroll full time or part time. Of its programs, 8% allow for fully online study. Both in-person and remote students benefit from institutional resources, like academic advising and career services.

San Juan College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 122

Number of Online Programs: 10

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 24%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 85%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,138

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 7%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,479

Average Price After Aid: $7,075

47%

Online Enrollment

$1,176

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

57%

Retention Rate

$3,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
6,741
Institution Type
Public
#19

Broward College

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

A leader in higher education, Broward College provides educational opportunities to Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based students and distance learners. The associate of science in respiratory care prepares students for professional advancement through industry-relevant coursework, lectures, and projects. The college boasts a 31-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling personalized study and close collaboration.

Depending on their needs, students can complete the respiratory therapy program in person or online. The college reports that 5% of its programs sustain online study. Whether in person or online, students can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance throughout their studies.

Broward College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 132

Number of Online Programs: 6

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 31%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 73%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,945

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 11%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,077

Average Price After Aid: $12,451

32%

Online Enrollment

$1,968

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$1,968

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
38,976
Institution Type
Public
#20

Mott Community College

  • Flint, MI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Mott Community College is a public college located in Flint, Michigan. Its programs, such as the associate of applied science in respiratory therapy, foster learning through a robust program curriculum and supportive learning community. Degree-seekers benefit from the program's collaborative nature. Enrollees can pursue research projects and other learning opportunities.

The program features a flexible format. Regardless of enrollment format, participants can access campus resources including academic advising, library services, and tutoring.

Mott Community College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 120

Number of Online Programs: 5

Admission Rate: Data not available

Graduation Rate: 15%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 88%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,463

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 31%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,210

Average Price After Aid: $5,652

21%

Online Enrollment

$4,402

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

57%

Retention Rate

$6,274

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
7,564
Institution Type
Public

Why Accreditation Matters for Respiratory Therapy

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 school, 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 Do You Learn in an Online Respiratory Care Program?

Online respiratory therapy programs take 18-24 months to complete and require courses in:

  • Medical terminology
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Airway care
  • Home care

You’ll apply what you learn in the virtual classroom to an in-person practicum. Program advisors can help you find an appropriate placement within commuting distance.

Programs may use a synchronous or asynchronous curriculum. Choose the latter if you plan to work full or part time while in school.

Your program may award an associate of science (AS) or an associate of applied science (AAS) degree. Both types of degrees can help you qualify for a license, as long as the curriculum meets your state’s requirements.

Is Respiratory Therapy School Worth It?

$80,450
Median salary for respiratory therapists

+12%
Projected job growth (2024-2034)

Source: BLS

The typical respiratory therapist earns over $30,000 more per year than the average American. This increased salary potential makes earning a degree a wise investment, especially if you attend an affordable in-state community or junior college. You can further raise your salary potential by:

  • Focusing your job search on private, state, and local hospitals
  • Gaining professional experience
  • Relocating to California, Texas, Florida, or another state that employs many respiratory therapists.

The BLS projects the need for respiratory therapists to grow at a rate four times higher than the average projected growth rate for all U.S. jobs. BLS data that supports this impressive projection includes the increasing number of older Americans with lung or breathing conditions. Other trends that support the growing need for respiratory therapists include the opening of many outpatient care clinics nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Typical admission requirements for two-year colleges include a high school or GED diploma. Before starting the program, you may need to complete prerequisites in human anatomy, composition, and chemistry. Your program may also use a GPA cutoff to accept only qualified applicants.