A respiratory therapist cares for patients who have difficulty breathing due to conditions such as asthma or chronic pulmonary disease. They perform diagnostic tests, treat patients, monitor and record patient progress, and educate patients on how to use equipment or take medication. A respiratory therapist treats patients of all ages, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to seniors with lung disease. (1)
Students considering a career as a respiratory therapist have multiple educational pathways available to them. Here we’ll explore your options, so you can receive the respiratory therapy education that fits your goals.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory therapist students can earn an Associate of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. The associate degree prepares you to take the national credentialing exams necessary for licensure. An associate degree allows you to enter the workplace fast, but some students prefer the additional training of a bachelor’s degree, which potentially opens more career doors.
What Can You Expect From an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy?
An Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy teaches the foundational clinical skills needed for entry-level positions in the field. You’ll practice hands-on skills such as patient evaluation, treatment planning, and working with respiratory equipment. The program prepares you to take the National Board of Respiratory Care credentialing exam (2), which is required when applying for a state license. Our Respiratory Therapist Career Guide provides more information on beginning a career as a respiratory therapist.
Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.
What Can You Expect From a Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy?
The Carrington College Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy is a bridge program designed for students who have already earned their associate degree. The program builds on the clinical skills learned during the associate degree program and introduces topics such as leadership, research, critical care, and advanced professional development.
How to Choose Between an Associate’s and a Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re new to the workforce, an associate degree would be the right choice for you. A bachelor’s degree is for Registered Respiratory Therapists who already earned an AS degree and want to improve their career opportunities or plan to pursue a master’s degree in respiratory therapy.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree Better Than an Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy?
While a bachelor’s degree is a more advanced degree than an associate’s, that does not mean one degree is better than another. The best option depends on your goals, educational background, and professional interests.
Explore Respiratory Therapy Programs at Carrington College
Carrington College offers an Associate of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. Students learn in a hands-on environment with small class sizes and experienced instructors. You can earn your associate degree in as few as 18 months, or go from an associate degree to completing a Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy in as few as 16 months.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 28). Respiratory therapists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm a
- National Board for Respiratory Care. (n.d.). Home. https://www.nbrc.org/ a
