Respiratory Therapist schools near me in St. Louis
In the St. Louis metro area, the average cost of a Respiratory Therapist class is $18300 and the average class length is approximately 82 weeks long
Healthcare classes near
St. Louis, MO 63101Online classes
Financial aid
Southern New Hampshire University
BA Psychology with concentration in Mental Health
- Complete your degree at your own pace
- 24/7 online accessibility
Southern New Hampshire University
BS Healthcare Administration
- Complete your degree at your own pace
- 24/7 online accessibility
MedCerts
Fully online Phlebotomy class
- Fully online, at your own schedule 24/7
- In-person externship matching done after class
Programs not available on Dreambound
Northland Community & Technical College
Respiratory Therapy A.A.S.
- ['High demand for Respiratory Care Practitioners', 'Eligible for national credentialing examinations']
No cost info
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts - Online
A.O.S. in Respiratory Therapy
- Earn your full-time online degree in 36 months with flexible scheduling
- Preparation for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examinations
Financial aid (may be available)
Divinity Institute Of Allied Health
Respiratory Therapy Programs
- Hands-on experience in various healthcare settings
- Certification opportunities through the National Board for Respiratory Care
No cost info
University of Antelope Valley
Respiratory Care - BACHELOR'S DEGREE (BSRC)
- Build advanced skills
- Study in Antelope Valley
No cost info
Florida National University - South
Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy
- ['Prepares students for entry and advanced respiratory care board exams.', 'Includes credit-hour components of general education/liberal arts courses']
No cost info
The University of Toledo
Online Respiratory Therapist Classes
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
University of Cincinnati - Online
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy
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
Missouri Online
Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy
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
Ferris State University
Online Respiratory Therapist Classes
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
East Tennessee State University
Online Respiratory Therapist Classes
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
Respiratory Therapist Classes Near Me in St. Louis
Introduction
As the health industry continues to expand, the demand for skilled healthcare professionals, like respiratory therapists, is on the rise. If you're based in St. Louis and interested in joining this rewarding field, you're at the right place. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need on becoming a respiratory therapist, from training requirements and what to expect from a class to the certification process and finding related jobs.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who works with patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or emphysema, as well as acute conditions such as shock, trauma, or recovery from surgery. They play a crucial role in hospitals, clinics, and home health settings, helping patients breathe easier and improving their quality of life.
Training Requirements
Respiratory therapists must have at least an associate degree, although many employers favor those with a bachelor's degree. These programs will teach you the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this profession, such as patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pulmonary function testing, and life support technologies.
What to Look For in a Class
When choosing a respiratory therapy class, consider the following factors:
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Accreditation: The program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
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Curriculum: The course should cover key topics like anatomy, physiology, pathology, and patient care.
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Clinical Experience: Hands-on experience in a clinical setting is essential for gaining real-world skills.
What to Expect from the Day-to-Day Class
In a respiratory therapy class, you can expect a mix of classroom learning, laboratory work, and clinical experiences. You will learn about respiratory care procedures, medical terminology, and the use of respiratory equipment. You'll also gain hands-on experience in a clinical environment under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Certification Process
After completing your education, you will need to pass a national exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). After earning your CRT, you can pursue more advanced certifications like the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
How to Find Related Jobs
Once certified, you can look for jobs in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and nursing homes. Networking with professionals in the field and searching job boards can be effective strategies.
Other Classes to Take After Becoming a Respiratory Therapist
After becoming a respiratory therapist, you might want to expand your skills with additional training. Some options could include:
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Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
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Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
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Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
These courses can help you specialize in different areas of respiratory care, increasing your employment opportunities.
Other Allied Health Careers in Missouri
Becoming a respiratory therapist is just one of many paths you can take in the allied health field in Missouri. Here are a few other careers you might consider:
These careers also require vocational training and offer rewarding work in the healthcare industry.
The Role of Respiratory Therapists in Public Health
Respiratory therapists play a vital role in public health, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They are instrumental in managing patients with respiratory illnesses, providing life-saving interventions, and educating the public about respiratory health.
The Impact of Technology on Respiratory Therapy
Technology is transforming the field of respiratory therapy, with new tools and devices improving patient care and outcomes. From advanced ventilators to portable oxygen devices and telemedicine, technology is enabling respiratory therapists to provide better, more efficient care.
Professional Development for Respiratory Therapists
Continuing education and professional development are key for respiratory therapists to stay updated with the latest practices and technologies in the field. This can include attending workshops, seminars, and industry conferences, as well as pursuing additional certifications.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to become a respiratory therapist can lead to a fulfilling career in healthcare, where you can make a real difference in people's lives. With the right training and certification, you can embark on this rewarding journey in St. Louis. Remember, the journey doesn't end with becoming a respiratory therapist. The field of healthcare offers countless opportunities for further learning and growth. Whether it's specializing in a particular area of respiratory care or exploring other allied health careers, the possibilities are endless.
Dreambound has an extensive collection of guides that dive deep into how to get started in the field, tailored for various cities. For those based in different locations or planning to move, we recommend exploring our other guides.
- How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia
- How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky
- How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska
- How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey
- How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Virginia
Thinking about making a career switch? Dreambound has written thorough guides to help you understand different options available to you.
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