Online Associate Degree Programs in Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory care practitioners work in hospitals and other medical settings. Work in respiratory therapy jobs consists of evaluating and treating patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. A respiratory therapist works under the supervision of a physician to provide direct care to patients for therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures. These responsibilities typically involve the use of oxygen or oxygen mixtures, aerosol medications, and chest physiotherapy. Maintaining and cleaning the necessary respiratory equipment is required.
The minimum required education for respiratory therapy jobs is an associate's degree. Many students pursue a bachelor's degree to increase employment and advancement opportunities.
Licensure is required in every state except Alaska and Hawaii. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) establishes the primary certification requirements for respiratory therapists. The board offers the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) certificate to qualifying applicants graduating from entry-level or advanced programs accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is earned by CRTs who graduate from advanced programs. The successful passing of examinations is required at both levels.
Employment prospects for respiratory therapists are expected to increase by 21 percent from 2008 to 2018. The average annual wage in May 2009 for respiratory therapists was $53,330.
Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education. Eligible students can receive college credit for prior military experience and coursework—up to 75 percent of the credit needed for a Kaplan University undergraduate degree.*
- AS in Health Science - Physical Therapy Assistant (Military Only)
You can advance your career 24/7 with online education at Independence University, your proven partner with over 30 years of experience in delivering quality distance education right to our students. Our programs are designed to allow you to continue working and earning as you pursue your online degree.
- Respiratory Care - Management (BS)
- Respiratory Care - Clinical Practice (BS)
Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more.
- Physical Therapy Aide
