Best Online Respiratory Therapy Programs
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.
Top Online Respiratory Therapy Programs
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.
59%
$3,536
50%
$7,072
- Acceptance Rate
- 100%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,724
- Institution Type
- Public
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.
68%
$6,420
60%
$6,720
- Acceptance Rate
- 100%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,646
- Institution Type
- Public
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.
61%
$2,496
N/A
$9,360
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 15,104
- Institution Type
- Public
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.
68%
$1,987
N/A
$7,947
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 39,139
- 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 (2024)
+12%
Projected job growth (2024-2034)
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.
