$191 to start
$2,200 total
$233 to start
$4,000 total
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
No cost info
Financial aid (may be available)
$4,147 total
$8,046 total
This Registered Respiratory Therapy program is 100% online and is designed as a nontraditional track for individuals who have completed an associate's degree in respiratory care and have already earned the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential granted by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Our courses are taught by full-time faculty who are Registered Respiratory Therapists with advanced degrees and extensive clinical training and experience.
No cost info
The University of Cincinnati's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program is designed to improve real-world clinical competence while preparing active respiratory therapy professionals for a lasting future in the healthcare industry. The robust and engaging curriculum challenges students, promoting a deeper understanding of advanced healthcare operations, logistics, technology, leadership, ethics, and project management. Delivered by the industry-experienced faculty in the UC College of Allied Health Sciences, the online program advances respiratory therapy practice and research by focusing on current and future industry standards. The end result is a clinician who can make significant contributions to the field while positively affecting the future of respiratory care for a diverse range of patients. Build on your experience, define your practice, and prepare for the future. Develop the expertise needed for advanced practice and leadership opportunities. Interact and network with an industry experienced faculty and healthcare professionals. Earn a bachelor of science in respiratory therapy in as few as 20 months (5 semesters). Continue working while your learn with flexible, 100 percent online classes.
No cost info
A bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from MU will help you provide the hands-on care that assists in recovery and management of a wide range of medical conditions. If you hold the NBRC RRT credential or the Canadian equivalent, this may be the degree for you.
No cost info
Working primarily in hospital settings, respiratory therapists are responsible for an extremely wide range of patients. From the smallest infants to the elderly, from long-term disease to emergencies, respiratory therapists must be prepared for everything. Our program will give you access to expert instruction and the cutting-edge skills you need to advance your career.
This is a degree completion program. Students must have earned an associate degree in respiratory care, hold your RRT from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), and currently licensed to practice to be eligible for admission.
No cost info
No cost info
Respiratory Therapy careers are projected to grow 23% by 2026, and because East Tennessee State University allows more transfer credits than most universities, an online B.S. in Respiratory Therapy from ETSU can save you valuable time and tuition dollars while helping you move forward faster.
The Respiratory Therapy (Cardiopulmonary Science) Completion Program at ETSU is an accredited, online program dedicated to providing advanced instruction emphasizing best practices in clinical respiratory therapy based on scientific inquiry.
No cost info
If you are interested in a rewarding healthcare career that allows you to work closely with patients and medical staff, becoming a Respiratory Therapist might be the perfect fit for you. This blog post will guide you through the process of becoming a Respiratory Therapist in Columbia, focusing on the essential training requirements, daily class expectations, and certification process.
A Respiratory Therapist is a healthcare professional specializing in the assessment and treatment of patients with both acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. They work with patients of all ages, from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients dealing with diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
The path to becoming a Respiratory Therapist typically involves the following steps:
Earning a high school diploma or equivalent
Completing a two-year associate degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program
Passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)'s certification exam
Most programs provide a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on training in laboratories or clinical settings.
When searching for Respiratory Therapist classes, students should consider several factors:
Accreditation: Ensure that the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Curriculum: Look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers all essential aspects of respiratory care.
Clinical Experience: A good program will provide students with ample opportunities for hands-on clinical experience.
For more insights on choosing the right class, you can refer to this guide.
In a typical Respiratory Therapist class, students can expect:
Classroom Instruction: This includes lectures on subjects like anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, and pharmacology.
Laboratory Sessions: Here, students get to practice procedures such as pulmonary function testing and mechanical ventilation.
Clinical Rotations: These offer real-world experience in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home care environments.
After completing their training, students must pass a certification exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential is the first level of certification. After gaining some experience, therapists can advance to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Once certified, Respiratory Therapists can find job opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home healthcare services. Networking, utilizing job search websites, and leveraging the career services of your training program can be effective ways to find job opportunities.
After becoming a Respiratory Therapist, individuals may choose to further their knowledge by taking additional classes or earning advanced degrees. Potential options include:
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Bachelor or Master degree in Respiratory Therapy or a related field
Further training can open up opportunities for roles in education, research, or management within the field of respiratory care.
Respiratory Therapists need to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in medical knowledge and techniques. Regular continuing education is essential for maintaining certification and delivering the best patient care. Many professional organizations offer continuing education opportunities.
After gaining experience, Respiratory Therapists can choose to specialize in areas such as neonatal/pediatric care, critical care, sleep medicine, or pulmonary rehabilitation. Specialization often requires additional training and certification.
Joining professional organizations such as the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) can offer valuable networking opportunities, access to resources, and continuing education options.
Technology plays a crucial role in respiratory care, with therapists utilizing equipment for ventilation, oxygen delivery, and diagnostic testing. Understanding and staying current with technological advancements is vital for modern Respiratory Therapists.
Becoming a Respiratory Therapist can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. With the right training and dedication, you can make a significant difference in the lives of patients. Whether you're just starting your career journey or looking to specialize further, resources like those found on Dreambound can provide valuable guidance. Remember, the journey to becoming a Respiratory Therapist is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right mindset and resources, you can reach your career goals in Columbia and beyond.
Dreambound has written many guides to help you understand what it takes to get this certification. If you're curious about the process or requirements in other states, check out our other guides below:
Contemplating a change in your career path? Dreambound has written many comprehensive guides to aid you in making well-informed decisions.
Dreambound's platform allows prospective students to find the right educational program for them through searching, filtering, and connecting with our extensive selection of career & technical education partners.
Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
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