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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.
- Respiratory therapists earn about $15,000 more than the median salary for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Did You Know?
-
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.
Top 20 Respiratory Therapy Programs
Read About Our Methodology Here
These rankings include
#1 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#2 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#3 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#4 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#5 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#6 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Miami Dade College
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#7 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Delta College
University Center, MI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#8 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Clark State Community College
Springfield, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#9 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Erie Community College
Buffalo, NY - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#10 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#11 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Palm Beach State College
Lake Worth, FL - 4 years
- Campus
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
#12 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#13 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Gulf Coast State College
Panama City, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#14 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson, KS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#15 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Henry Ford College
Dearborn, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#16 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Muskegon Community College
Muskegon, MI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#17 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Coastal Pines Technical College
Waycross, GA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#18 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
San Juan College
Farmington, NM - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#19 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#20 20 Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Mott Community College
Flint, MI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
Explore Our Featured Healthcare Programs
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:
- Cardiorespiratory diseases
- General respiratory care
- Integrative systems physiology
- Introduction to mechanical ventilation
- Life support
- Medical ethics
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 $61,830 in 2021.
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 $92,660 in 2021. In Mississippi, however, they earned just $52,060.
The BLS projects a 14% job growth for respiratory therapists between 2021 and 2031. That's an addition of more than 18,000 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 — $96,470. Employment services come next at $87,410.
The states that pay respiratory therapists the highest average salaries are:
- California: $92,660
- Alaska: $83,530
- New York: $83,510
- Hawaii: $80,140
- Massachusetts: $78,470
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.