Best Online Respiratory Therapy Programs

Why We Chose This Superlative: Most Accessible Program With Flexible GPA and Licensure Requirements

East Tennessee State's online BS in respiratory therapy is a degree-completion program designed for licensed or license-eligible respiratory therapists with an AAS in respiratory therapy. The program offers three start dates per year, asynchronous courses, and the option to complete clinical requirements at your current workplace. With scholarship opportunities and a transfer-friendly structure, students can finish in as little as two semesters.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $487
Out-of-State | $558

Why Students Choose ETSU:

• Head Start: You will receive 43 bridge credits automatically for prior associate degree work. 
• Flexible Admissions: ETSU accepts licensure-eligible applicants, not just licensed RTs.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Access three program-specific scholarships for respiratory therapy majors.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA on transferable coursework.
• Graduates are eligible to take National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Cheapest In-State and Out-of-State Tuition Rates for Online Students

UNC Charlotte offers an online BS in respiratory therapy completion program designed for working professionals who already hold the RRT credential. North Carolina residents pay a highly competitive tuition rate of $190, while out-of-state students pay just under $350, both among the lowest rates on our list. You can also apply for early entry into the MS in respiratory care while completing your bachelor’s.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $190
Out-of-State | $348-$865

Why Students Choose UNC Charlotte:

• Pay Less: Start under $200 per credit as a North Carolina resident, among the lowest in the country.
• Study Fully Online: The program is fully online, requires no campus visits, and offers flexible schedules that can be customized around work.
• Finish Faster: Graduate in as little as 12 months full-time or two years part-time.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Admission requires an RRT credential from NBRC, an associate degree in respiratory therapy, and a respiratory care license in good standing.
• Acceptance to UNC Charlotte does not guarantee admission to the respiratory therapy program; you must be admitted to both.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Ability to Enroll Across 6 Start Dates Per Year (2 Per Semester)

Southern Indiana offers an online BSRT degree program with accelerated seven-week courses designed for working professionals. With two start dates per semester — six per year — USI's program provides flexibility for when you want to enroll. You can transfer up to 77 credits, including prior learning, such as professional experience and nationally recognized certifications.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $354
Out-of-State | $354

Why Students Choose USI:

• Flexible Start: Choose from six start dates annually, giving you flexibility for when you want to start.
• Transfer-Friendly Program: Transfer up to 77 prior learning credits, including professional certifications, such as pulmonary function technologist, neonatal/pediatric specialist, and adult critical care specialist.
• Accelerated Format: Finish your degree in as few as four semesters.

Know Before You Enroll:

• USI has no transfer credit limit, but you must complete at least 30 credit hours at USI.
• USI may award up to 50 credits for an AS degree with RRT certification and licensure.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Accept Up to 90 Transfer Credits With Multiple Credit-Granting Options

Youngstown State's online BS in respiratory care, a completion program, stands out for its transfer-friendly structure. You can apply up to 90 transfer credits from prior coursework, RRT credentials, CLEP and AP exams, and life or work experience. 

Transfer students are also eligible for transfer scholarships of up to $1,500 annually. The fully online program is designed for practicing respiratory therapists with an associate degree and offers advanced placement toward a master of respiratory care degree or a specialization in sleep diagnostics.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $460
Out-of-State | $465

Why Students Choose YSU:

• Transfer-Friendly: Transfer up to 90 credits and apply prior coursework, credentials, exams, and life or work experience to your degree.
• Success Rate: Youngstown reports 94% national credentialing exam pass rates among graduates.
• Flexible Pathways: The fully online program has accelerated courses, multiple start dates, and master’s-level advanced placement.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Admission requires an associate degree in respiratory care from a CoARC-accredited program and an NBRC CRT or RRT credential.
• Transfer scholarships of up to $1,500 annually are available through the YSU Foundation, based on GPA and credit hours.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Yellow Ribbon School With Strong Military Tuition Support and Dedicated Resources

The University of Cincinnati offers a fully online BS in respiratory therapy for practicing RTs that can be finished in under two years, and accepts up to 70 transfer credits. As a Yellow Ribbon partner, UC supports more than 2,000 military-affiliated students with tuition assistance, veteran-specific programs, and personalized guidance. Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to qualify for the accelerated BSRT-to-MSRT track.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $590
Out-of-State | $605

Why Students Choose UC:

• Military-Friendly: As a Yellow Ribbon partner, UC provides a dedicated veterans programs and services office, and full access to military tuition assistance.
• Accelerated Master's: Seamlessly transition from a BSRT to an MSRT with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Fully Online: With no campus visits required, you can study during active duty or after relocation.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Admission requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, an associate degree in respiratory care or therapy, and an RRT credential (or CRT eligibility for advanced coursework).
• To use VA benefits, submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and eBenefits proof of eligibility to UC.