As a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) with an associate degree, you know the value of your work. Every day, you help patients of all ages improve their lung function and live healthier lives. However, achieving career advancement may require more than on-the-job experience.
Explore how the best online respiratory therapy programs can help you earn an affordable bachelor's degree, raise your salary potential, and explore new career opportunities.
Degree at a Glance
Typical Program Length: Two years
Typical Admission Requirements: Associate degree, active RRT license
Top Skills Gained: Healthcare research, management, and advanced critical care
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Respiratory Therapy Programs 2025
Price Check
Many of the best online respiratory therapy programs offer an asynchronous curriculum, meaning you can continue to work and earn money while advancing your education.
Why Become a Respiratory Therapist?
The best online respiratory therapy programs offer practicing RRTs:
A way to qualify for more job openings.
A career-aligned curriculum.
A capstone experience that they can complete at their job site.
An education they can build upon in a master's or doctoral program.
These and other benefits make the best online respiratory therapy programs an excellent choice for learners interested in expanding their professional horizons.
Career Outlook for Respiratory Therapy Graduates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects respiratory therapist positions to grow four times faster than average from 2024 to 2034, and earning a bachelor's degree could help you negotiate a higher salary in this in-demand field.
Additionally, qualifying for some of the healthcare careers in the table below may require a bachelor's, as well as many years of professional experience.
| Job | Annual Mean Wage (September 2025) |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapy Manager | $87,870 |
| Respiratory Services Director | $88,180 |
| Respiratory Director | $109,840 |
Respiratory Therapy Licensing and Certification Requirements
Every state besides Alaska requires respiratory therapists to hold a license. Typical requirements include passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam. As of September 2025, the exam consists of a 160-question multiple-choice test lasting three hours.
Once you pass the NBRC exam, you must submit the following documents to your state's licensure board:
Completed application
NBRC exam scores
Prior state license, if applicable
Fingerprints for a background check
Check your state board's website for the latest requirements and application processing timelines.
Ways to Save on a Respiratory Therapy Degree
The best online respiratory therapy programs may offer cost savings beyond an affordable tuition rate. Explore these and other options with a financial aid advisor's help.
Buy Used Textbooks: Buying used textbooks can lower your education-related expenses significantly. Also, consider selling back any unnecessary textbooks at the end of each term.
Apply for Federal Financial Aid Programs: Submitting the FAFSA annually may qualify you for federal grants and low-interest loans. The federal government awards aid to many learners whose cost of attendance (COA) exceeds their expected family contribution.
Apply for Private Scholarships: Organizations like the American Respiratory Care Foundation award undergraduate scholarships to qualified students. Scholarships may cover most or all of your COA.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BLS reports that respiratory therapists earned a median salary of $80,450 as of May 2024 — about $30,000 more than the average job in the U.S.
You can increase your salary potential as a respiratory therapist in many ways, such as by earning a bachelor's degree or relocating to an area with many open positions.
