Online Degrees in Respiratory Therapy
An online degree in respiratory therapy can provide individuals with the education, training, and credentials they need to become licensed respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists, provided that they are licensed by the state, can practice with only an Associate or Bachelor degree as their education. However, opportunities for advancement may be better if an individual acquires a Masters or Doctorate degree in respiratory therapy. Unfortunately, due to the hands-on nature of this career, Masters and Doctorate programs for respiratory therapy are hard to come by online.
- Online Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree prepares students with the basic training and education that they need to begin the licensure process. Once licensed, they may become entry level licensed respiratory therapists. However, a higher degree may be required for advancement.
- Online Respiratory Therapy Bachelor Degree provides students with the training and education they need to begin the licensure process and enter a career as a respiratory therapist. An online Bachelor degree in respiratory therapy promotes opportunities for advancement.
Online Respiratory Therapy Courses
Coursework in programs for online respiratory therapy degrees may vary depending on the college and degree level. However, some common courses to expect include information on human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, mathematics, diagnostic procedures, and patient assessment ; cardiopulmonary pharmacology, applications of clinical procedures, essentials of respiratory therapy, concepts of critical care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pediatrics, use of respiratory equipment, and clinical guidelines.
Respiratory Therapy Degree Careers and Salary Information
An online degree in respiratory therapy enables people to enter a career as a respiratory therapist. The median entry level salary for people with a degree in respiratory therapy is $56,148. However, this may range from $48,520 to $64,811 depending on the person's employment setting, level of education, and on-the-job experience. Employment settings may include hospitals (i.e. departments of respiratory care, anesthesiology, or pulmonary medicine), offices of physicians and other health practitioners, companies that supply respiratory equipment for home use, nursing care facilities, home health care services, and others. The number of respiratory therapy careers is projected to grow by 19% by 2016, which is faster than the average for all occupations. As the middle-aged and elderly populations grow, more respiratory therapy services will be in demand, resulting in an increased demand for respiratory therapists.