Financial aid (may be available)
$299 to start
$1,599 total
Financial aid (may be available)
Start for as low as $59/month
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
Are you in Pittsburgh and interested in pursuing a career as a Respiratory Therapist? This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a Respiratory Therapist, including training requirements, what to look for in a class, what to expect from day-to-day classes, and what the certification process looks like. Also, we will delve into how to find related jobs and what other classes someone can take after becoming a Respiratory Therapist.
A Respiratory Therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who has been trained to provide treatment, evaluate, and care for patients who have breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who may have diseased lungs. They are also responsible for providing emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, stroke, drowning, or shock.
The path to becoming a Respiratory Therapist typically involves the following steps:
Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
Complete a degree program in Respiratory Therapy.
Obtain state licensure to practice Respiratory Therapy.
Consider becoming certified in a specialty area.
Each of these steps involves specific training and education requirements. For instance, to be a Respiratory Therapist, one must complete an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program. Some people also opt for a bachelor's degree for more advanced opportunities. After education, all states require Respiratory Therapists to be licensed, and while requirements vary by state, it typically involves passing a state or professional certification exam.
When looking for a Respiratory Therapist class, there are several important factors to consider.
Accreditation: The program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Curriculum: The program should offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers all necessary areas, including both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience.
Faculty: The instructors should be experienced professionals in the field.
Facilities: The program should have the latest equipment and resources for training.
Student Support: Look for programs that offer strong student support services, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Respiratory Therapist classes typically involve both classroom learning and clinical experience. During classroom learning, students learn about different aspects of respiratory care, such as patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, respiratory health promotion, and disease prevention. They also learn about the equipment and technology used in respiratory care. During the clinical experience, students get hands-on experience providing respiratory care to patients under the supervision of experienced professionals.
After completing the educational requirements, Respiratory Therapists must pass a national exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). After gaining some experience, they can then take another exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Some Respiratory Therapists also choose to become certified in specialty areas, such as pediatrics, neonatal, or pulmonary function technology.
After becoming a Respiratory Therapist, there are several resources you can use to find related jobs. These include job boards, networking events, professional organizations, and career services at your school. You can also find opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.
After becoming a Respiratory Therapist, you might consider furthering your education and skills by taking additional classes. These could include:
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)
These additional certifications can open up opportunities for advancement and specialization within the field of Respiratory Therapy.
Continuous learning is paramount in the medical field, including Respiratory Therapy. As medical techniques and technologies evolve, continuous learning can help you stay up-to-date with the latest best practices. This could involve attending workshops, seminars, or taking additional courses related to your field.
With the advancement of technology, it's important for Respiratory Therapists to be adept at using various medical equipment and software. This includes ventilators, diagnostic equipment, and medical record software. Having a strong grasp of these technologies can enhance patient care and make you more marketable to employers.
Joining professional associations can provide numerous benefits, including networking opportunities, access to continuing education resources, and staying up-to-date with industry news and developments. Associations like the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) can provide valuable resources for Respiratory Therapists.
As a Respiratory Therapist, it's crucial to adhere to a high standard of ethics and professionalism. This includes respecting patient dignity, maintaining confidentiality, and providing competent care. Understanding and adhering to these principles can help you build trust with patients and colleagues.
Becoming a Respiratory Therapist can be a rewarding career path for those interested in helping others and working in the healthcare field. It requires specialized training and certification, but offers opportunities for continuous learning and advancement. If you're looking for Respiratory Therapist classes near you in Pittsburgh, it's important to consider the factors discussed in this guide to make an informed decision about your education.
Dreambound has written dozens of in-depth guides on how to get started in this field, with information specific to your city. If you're located somewhere else or thinking about moving, check out some other guides we've written:
If you're exploring various professional paths, Dreambound has in-depth guides to help assist you. Explore a few of these resources below.
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