Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees and Careers
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.
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.
From associate's and bachelor's to master's degrees in health education and business, with Independence University you can achieve greater success through distance learning programs that suit your busy schedule, with experienced, student-oriented staff to assist you throughout your distance education.
- Respiratory Therapy (AS)
- Respiratory Care - Management (BS)
- Respiratory Care - Clinical Practice (BS)
Study online with California University of Pennsylvania. We offer certificate and bachelor's and master's degree programs in a wide variety of fields that can be completed 100% online.
- Post-Masters Cert: Exercise Science and Health Promotion: Rehabilitation Science
- MS: Exercise Science and Health Promotion: Rehabilitation Sciences
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)
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
