Respiratory Therapist Schools

Respiratory Therapist Schools

Respiratory therapy programs are designed to train students in providing therapeutic and life support services to patients with breathing problems due to emphysema and asthma. Respiratory therapy students learn to treat all types of patients such as premature infants with developing lungs as well as elderly patients with lung ailments. Respiratory therapists also provide emergency care to patients that have had a heart attack, stroke or shock.

Types of Degrees and Their Duration
Respiratory therapy programs are offered at associates, bachelors and masters levels.  An associate’s degree in respiratory therapy takes 2 years for completion while bachelor’s and master’s degree programs require 3-4 years to complete. If you take the online route, or a hybrid of traditional and online, you may possibly complete a program at your own pace.


Highlights of Coursework
Programs in respiratory therapy offer courses in anatomy, biology, CPR, microbiology, organic chemistry, patient relations, physiology, respiratory care and blood acids. Some of the advanced degree programs may also include courses in cardiopulmonary function, chest radiography, ECG's, neonatal care and ventilation systems.

Career Prospects 
Completing a respiratory therapy program and getting licensed would allow you to work in hospitals and healthcare centers. You may find jobs in respiratory care, anesthesiology or pulmonary medicine departments of various medical facilitates. Respiratory therapists may also find employment in physicians' offices as well as in nursing care facilities.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that respiratory therapists earned a median annual wage of $59,710 in May 2017.

Getting into Respiratory Therapist Schools 
Respiratory therapy programs are offered by colleges, medical schools and vocational schools.  Before applying, you should first inquire about the accreditation of an institute. Accreditation of a school stands as proof of the validity and acceptability of its degrees. The reputation of an institute, program structure and fee are some other factors that should help you focus your research.

Top Respiratory Therapist Schools

Tacoma Community College

Tacoma Community College offers an Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Respiratory Therapy, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. The program is designed to prepare students to take the National Board of Respiratory Care exam. The coursework covered in this degree includes topics such as pediatric respiratory care and pulmonary functions.

University of Alabama – Birmingham

The University of Alabama offers a highly comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy, which is one of the only two of its kind in the entire state. The program is offered at a major research and medical center and students have the opportunity to enroll in courses related to respiratory care pharmacology and pulmonary pathology. The university also boasts of a high retention rate and has a highly experienced faculty.

University of Mary/St. Alexius Medical Center

This North Dakota university offers three specialty areas in respiratory care – patient care/diagnostic, management and education. It awards a Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy, which is a 37-credit hour degree. The student to faculty ratio at the university is 4:1, ensuring that every student gets personalized attention. The high graduation rate, adequate financial resources and multiple reputed academic programs make the University of Mary/St. Alexius Medical Center an ideal place for aspiring respiratory therapists.

Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers a highly reputed Master of Science in Respiratory Leadership program, with seven specialization areas. These include health management, adult and organizational learning, higher education administration, nonprofit management, clinical trial design, regulatory affairs, project management and advanced leadership. One of the best features of this program is that it is an entirely online program, consisting of 43 quarter hours of coursework. Students can graduate within a year if they are enrolled full time. The university ranks high on student satisfaction and post-graduation success rates.

University of Kansas

The School of Allied Health at the University of Kansas offers a Bachelor of Science program in Respiratory Care. Programs are also available for students who are already registered respiratory therapists but don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree. Specialization options include education, sleep disorders, management, pulmonary rehabilitation, perinatology and adult critical care, among others. The respiratory care program also has a practical component, with hands-on clinical training provided by a highly experienced faculty.

How Long Does It Take to Graduate from a Respiratory Therapist School?

There are many schools in the US offering respiratory therapist programs, such as the California College San Diego, Grossmont College and the Orange Coast College. Students can enroll in a 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Care, or a 4-year Bachelor of Science (BS) program with an area of study in Respiratory Therapy. Some institutes also offer 20 month long online Bachelors in Respiratory Care.

What Are the Requirements to Graduate from a Respiratory Therapist School?

Students enrolled in a full time Bachelor of Science (BS) program with specialization in Respiratory Care are required to complete 120 credits and those enrolled in the Associate in Science Degree in Respiratory Care have to complete approximately 71 credits. They have to study modules like Respiratory Care Therapy, Respiratory Procedures, Pulmonary Function, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Mechanical Ventilation and Pediatric Respiratory Care.

How Much Can I Make after Graduating from a Respiratory Therapist School?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Respiratory Therapists earned an annual median pay of $60,280 in May 2018. In 2016, the number of jobs in this field was 130,200. Also, the employment in this field is projected to grow by 23% from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all other professions.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:Which degree programs are offered by accredited Respiratory Therapist Schools?

A:The well reputed Respiratory Therapist Schools offer associate's degree that lasts for 2 years. Besides that, students can get enrolled in 4 years bachelor's degree programs or a master's degree program that is typically 1-2 years long. Accredited universities like provide students with the benefit of distance learning as well.

Q:Are there any schools offering the respiratory therapist online training?

A:Yes. There are a bunch of online schools offering the respiratory therapist training. These include Grand Canyon University, A.T. Still University, Pinnacle Career Institute Penn Foster Career School, and Utica College.

Q:Is it mandatory to opt for the certified Respiratory Therapist training online programs to get related jobs?

A:The certified Respiratory Therapist training online programs are mandatory to get relevant jobs. Only certified respiratory therapists can work in most of the states around the U.S. The examination offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care is essential since it is recognized nationwide.

Q:what colleges offers Bachelors in Respiratory Therapy?

A:Our website lists some of the top institutes offering the Bachelors in Respiratory Therapy degree program. The most prominent such institutes include Utica College, Grand Canyon Institute, A.T. Still University, and Penn Foster Career Schools. All of these institutes offer online programs to facilitate students.

Q:Can I take respiratory at Penn Foster Career School?

A:Yes. Penn Foster Career Schools offers a number of respiratory programs and is listed in our accredited online institute's list. The school offers diplomas and certificates in respiratory care. These can be completed within six months to one year. However, the program can be completed in more or less time than that if it is pursued online. Online programs are self paced and hence can be completed in as much time as the applicant sees fit.

Q:Where can I find a list of accredited online respiratory therapist programs?

A:You have come to the correct website to look for accredited respiratory programs. Our website offers a list of accredited online Respiratory Therapist programs being provided by a number of renowned online institutes. These include Grand Canyon University, Utica College, and Penn Foster Career School. Students can opt for the Bachelor in Respiratory Care and the Associate in Respiratory Therapy.

Q:As I read on the jobs you can obtain with Respiratory Therapy degree, there was mention of the course on College Mathematics. What is taught in this course?

A:It is common to find a discussion on the course of College Algebra while reading on the jobs you can obtain with Respiratory Therapy degree programs. This course is worth 4 credits in total and allows the students to obtain mathematical skills as well as the various concepts of this subject that are applied and used extensively in healthcare services.

Q:As I went through the list college with Respiratory Therapist program, it mentioned a course on Body Rhythms and Mental States. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is common to get to read about the course on Body Rhythms and Mental States while going through the list college with Respiratory Therapist program. This is a 3 credits worth course and stresses on providing the students with ample experience and understanding of the various rhythms of sleep, contemporary hypnosis, exploration of the dream world, etc.

Q:While going through how to get online Respiratory Therapy classes, I got to wonder what are the prerequisites of getting into Respiratory Therapy certification?

A:Queries regarding how to get online Respiratory Therapy classes might get a little bit confusing. However the prerequisites for getting Respiratory Therapy certification are, shadowing a Respiratory Therapist who has been a professional in the field and graduating into a relevant field. If you get to pass the test, you will be certified Respiratory Therapist.

Q:What are the benefits of attending online respiratory therapy schools?

A:The benefits of attending online respiratory therapy schools are enormous. Online schools offer accredited programs that are recognized and comprehensive. These courses are specifically designed to help students study at their own convenience. Online schools are comparatively cheaper as well with students saving money on travel and accommodation. Students interested in online schools can search our website for an extensive list.

Q:What are the contents of the course on Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy in the quick Respiratory Therapy program school?

A:The Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy course of the quick Respiratory Therapy program school are of 4 credits in total. This course is intended at making the students understand the various techniques of therapy used in Musculoskeletal system. Students are also provided with substantial hands on experience as well as internships and electives to exercise their skills.

Q:What is included in the course on critical care monitoring in institutes for respiratory therapy?

A:Course on critical care monitoring is an essential part of the curriculum is institutes for respiratory therapy. This course is worth 3 credit hours and deals with techniques and methods of critical care patients. Students learn about arterial blood gases, hemodynamic measurements and physiological effects of mechanical ventilation. Prospective students are recommended to check the accreditations of the institution and the course before enrollment.

Q:While looking for programs that help you become a good Respiratory Therapist I came across Associate in Respiratory Therapy program. Can you give me the course overview?

A:Associate in Respiratory Therapy is one of the programs that help you become a good Respiratory Therapist. The program is of two years and teaches you all the essentials required in the field. The curriculum is made up of courses such as respiratory ventilation, respiratory anatomy and physiology, respiratory rehabilitation, critical patient care techniques and cardiopulmonary processes.

Q:In an article on how to become a Respiratory Therapist online, I came across the mention of Principles of Mechanical Ventilation course. What is it about?

A:Respiratory Therapist Online programs offer a number of courses; Principles of Mechanical Ventilation is one of them. In this course, the students get to study about basic concepts of the mechanical ventilation for adult patients. They also get to study the monitoring and assessing of critically ill patients, and ways of managing critical situations.

Q:Why is there a course on patient assessment and clinical application in the best college for respiratory therapist program?

A:Course on patient assessment and clinical is an integral part of the best college for respiratory therapist program. This course is worth 10 units and deals with both theory and application of respiratory therapy. This course includes airway management, pulmonary assessment, cardiopulmonary physiology, and pharmacology. Students also learn on how to test and examine pulmonary patients. This course has a practical module for better understanding.

Q:As I read on how to become a Physical Therapist in Florida, there was mention of the course on Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is quite common to get to read about the course on Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy while reading on how to become a Physical Therapist in Florida. This course is usually of around 4 credits in total. It is shaped up to provide the students with the understanding of the various exercise of the muscles that are interlinked with the spinal cord and the main skeletal structure in human beings.

Q:AARC was mentioned when searching for respiratory therapist colleges in California. How is this organization related to respiratory therapists?

A:AARC would be mentioned when searching for respiratory therapist colleges in California. AARC stands for American Association for Respiratory Care. This is a nonprofit organization responsible for promoting and supporting respiratory care all over the United States. It also supports and provides information about respiratory care as a profession. There is huge potential for students interested in this profession.

Q:My search for respiratory therapist programs in Michigan mentioned National Board of Respiratory Care. What is the purpose of this organization?

A:National Board of Respiratory Care would be mentioned when searching for respiratory therapist programs in Michigan. This organization is responsible for credentialing professionals through examinations, and promotes educational programs. It is a nonprofit organization that serves as an information portal for students and professionals in this field. Individuals looking to pursue a career in this field are required to sit for examinations conducted by this organization.

Q:Course on Neonatal respiratory care was mentioned when searching for respiratory therapist schools in Los Angeles. What is included in this course?

A:Course on Neonatal respiratory care would be mentioned when searching for respiratory therapist schools in Los Angeles. This course is deals with fetal cardiopulmonary development. Students with the help of this course get an opportunity to understand specific diseases affecting neonatal patients, physical assessment and adaptation of respiratory care. Prospective students interested in this course are advised to search our website for more information.

Q:My search for respiratory therapist schools in Miami got me thinking about the job description. What are these professionals supposed to do?

A:Searching for respiratory therapist schools in Miami would get anyone thinking about the job description. These professionals are required to examine patients and assist with their concerns. These professionals train patients on precautionary measures, monitor oxygen levels, analyze oxygen levels and check the amount of oxygen and carbon mono oxide being inhaled. Students interested in this profession are advised to search our website for more information.

Q:How can I apply for Federal financial aid for respiratory therapist schools in Michigan?

A:Applying for Federal financial aid is easy. Students interested in attending respiratory therapist schools in Michigan are recommended to submit the FAFSA form before the appointed deadline. It is important for students to apply within the deadline date otherwise some of the aid options might not available. Students are also recommended to visit the school's official website in order to find out if any other forms are required.

Q:Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation was mentioned when searching for respiratory therapist schools in Southern California. What is the premise of this course?

A:Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation is an essential part of respiratory therapist schools in Southern California. This course guides students on pulmonary diagnostics, bronchoscope, polysomnography, nutritional assessment and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. With the health care industry experiencing exponential growth all over the United States, this sector has huge potential. Prospective students interested in this course are advised to search our website for an extensive list of institutions offering this course.

Q:There was a course on Pulmonary Diseases included in respiratory therapy schools in Missouri. What is included in this course?

A:Course on Pulmonary Diseases is an essential part of the curriculum at respiratory therapy schools in Missouri. This course is worth 3 credit hours and deals with pathophysiology. Students with the help of this course also get an opportunity to learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and clinical signs of the most common pulmonary diseases. Students interested in this course are advised to check our website for more information.

Q:What is the importance of the course on Biomechanics in top physical therapy schools in Florida?

A:Course on Biomechanics is an important part of the curriculum at top physical therapy schools in Florida. With this course, students learn about components of normal movement, principals of biomechanics, histology and embryology. It is an important part of the respiratory therapy syllabus, students interested in this course are advised to search our website for a comprehensive list of accredited online institutions.

Q:As I read about the colleges best known for respiratory therapist degree, there was mention of the course on Introduction to Accounting. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is common to get to read about the course on Introduction to Accounting while going through the Colleges Best Known for Respiratory Therapist Degree. This course is worth 2 credits in total. It is designed to provide students with ample understanding of the double entry book keeping and methods to record the financial transactions. Hands on experience is also provided.

Q:Patient Management was mentioned when searching for respiratory therapist schools online. What is the premise of this course?

A:Patient Management is integral part of the syllabus at respiratory therapist schools online. This course is usually worth 4 credit hours and deals with pediatric medical ventilation. Students with the help of this course also learn about respiratory care in traditional settings, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and mechanical ventilation. Prospective students interested in this course are advised to search our website for more information.

Q:What will be my major job responsibilities after I complete Respiratory Therapist Schooling?

A:Once you have completed education from a respiratory therapist school, you are eligible to apply for a practicing license. The job duties you will be expected to perform include the following: assisting patients with breathing disorders, control patients blood oxygen levels, utilize equipment and machines effectively, monitor patients, perform emergency routines, and diagnose various respiratory conditions.

Q:Am I eligible for student aid if I choose to join respiratory therapist schools online?

A:Before the year 2006 the federal government did not offer any financial aid to distant learners or online students. But now since the idea has become very popular and most respectable schools now offers courses online- all kinds of federal financial aid is available to students pursuing degree programs online.

Q:While I was searching for a popular Respiratory Therapist School Online, I came across some major pre-requisites. Can you explain a few?

A:When applying for admission in a Respiratory Therapist School Online, you may have to fulfill certain requirements for major courses. First of all, you will be required to submit a minimum B grade in courses of anatomy and human physiology. Other requirements include a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or 2.5, a GED certificate, and a background check report.

Q:Do schools with respiratory therapy programs offer degree programs at all levels?

A:Most schools with respiratory therapy programs offer degree programs at all major levels of education. These usually include respiratory therapy degree programs at associate level, bachelor level, and master's level. A few vocational schools also offer a range of certificate programs, diploma programs, and professional training programs in this academic field.

Q:What kind of financial aid can I look forward to for accredited online respiratory therapy schools?

A:If you are looking forward to enrolling in accredited online respiratory therapy schools but are worried about costs, you can always apply for financial assistance. This is available through a number of federal sources as well as private banks. These are need based programs that are geared towards helping students fulfill their academic goals. Aid programs typically include loans, grants, scholarships, and student employment programs.

Q:What kind of work will I do after graduating from respiratory therapy schools?

A:After graduating from respiratory therapy schools, you will take care of patients who have trouble breathing, due to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or emphysema. You will deal with a variety of patients from premature infants to elderly patients, who have diseased lungs. As a respiratory therapist, you will also give emergency care in heart attack, drowning, or shock.

Q:As I was searching for colleges for neonatal respiratory therapy, I came across the job description of these professionals. Can you give me some detail about this?

A:Neonatal respiratory therapists perform critical care respiratory procedures for newborns. These professionals are skilled in managing all kinds of respiratory equipment. Many hospitals, clinics, and maternity centers require the services of neonatal respiratory therapists. They are required to assist doctors and other physicians in diagnosing any respiratory health conditions and diseases.

Q:Tell me about online respiratory therapist program?

A:Respiratory therapy programs are about teaching students the therapeutic and life support services. The course includes learning about administrating gasses and aerosols, ventilator and cardiopulmonary assessment and monitoring. Students in Respiratory Therapist Schools learn about treating premature babies who cant breath on their own and elderly patients with lung diseases. They also learn how to handle patients with heart attack, stroke or shock.

Q:What types of degree programs are offered in respiratory therapist online schools?

A:Respiratory Therapist schools offer degrees of different levels from associates, bachelors to masters degrees in this specialized field. An associate's degree takes about 2 years to complete, while bachelor's and master's require 3-4 years to completion. This duration may vary if you are taking these degree programs online. The course structure in respiratory therapy programs include courses in anatomy, biology, CPR, microbiology, organic chemistry, patient relations, physiology, respiratory care and blood acids.

Q:Respiratory therapist programs online can be completed in a short time period?

A:Yes, respiratory programs can be completed in a short time period if you opt for accelerated programs. These programs are designed to prepare students for the job role of a respiratory therapist. Unlike the regular bachelor or masters programs, accelerated programs tale less than the usual time to be completed. But it is important to know that these programs demand a lot of hard work.

Q:How can I look for associate's degree online respiratory therapy programs?

A:If you are looking for suitable respiratory therapy programs, your preference should be accredited programs. Accredited programs can have a lot of impact on the quality of education you receive, as well your career. You can browse through our website to find out accredited programs in respiratory therapy. You may contact the admission office of your preferred institute to find specific details.

Q:Why should I choose an accredited Respiratory Therapist School?

A:When searching for respiratory therapist schools you will find many options, however, not all of them will be accredited. While the un-accredited programs may be attractive because of their reduced fees, do not be fooled. State or national accreditation is what sets apart the actual schools, universities and colleges from the scamming programs.

Q:Why should I go to Online Schools for Respiratory Therapy?

A:Enrolling in an online school for respiratory training will allow you to become well versed in the methods related to life support and respiratory services to help people who are ill and hospitalized. This training at the bachelors and masters degree level will help you build a career as a respiratory therapist.

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