Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy
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Program Details
What Will I learn
Carrington College’s Respiratory Therapy program builds on your clinical experience and affords excellent opportunities for professional growth and development. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
- Critically evaluate information from multiple sources for application in professional settings.
- Apply current research and data interpretation techniques to identify and evaluate solutions for emergent issues impacting the profession.
- Assess respiratory therapy role effectiveness as it applies to professional behavior and continuous quality and technological improvement.
- Utilize evidence-based practice to evaluate, interpret, and recommend appropriate therapeutic intervention.
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Cost & Financial Aid
Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, as well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.
Academic Cost
For complete details on current tuition costs, please refer to the Academic Catalog.
Location Availability
At Carrington College, we believe learning should be accessible. That’s why we offer the Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy online to allow students to learn “anytime, anywhere” while continuing to work for their current employer.
Accreditation & Approvals
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.
For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.
Course Catalog
Program Specific Disclosures
Continuing Education For Graduates
Student Outcomes
REAL-WORLD SKILLS
START YOUR PATH
FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS
AFFORDABLE TUITION
Career Opportunities
A respiratory therapist treats patients who have difficulty breathing. Respiratory therapists may care for individuals who have respiratory diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, or pneumonia. Their patients have a wide age range, from infants with lung development issues to seniors with breathing disorders. Additionally, respiratory therapists provide emergency care for individuals dealing with heart attacks or shock. (1)
Common respiratory therapist job duties include: (1)
- Interviewing and examining patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders
- Consulting with physicians to develop patient treatment plans
- Performing diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity
- Treating patients by using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications
- Monitoring and recording patients’ progress
- Teaching patients how to take medications and use equipment, such as ventilators
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy online program is designed for working Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) who have graduated from a CoARC- or CAAHEP-accredited associate degree program. They’re looking for career advancement opportunities in leadership, education, research, and critical care within the field of respiratory care.
Designed for Today’s Respiratory Care Professionals
If you’ve been working toward becoming a respiratory therapist or have already started in the field, you’ve probably come across different program paths. The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program at Carrington College is designed for respiratory therapists and healthcare professionals who want to build on their education while continuing to work. (2)
This program provides a pathway for professionals who already hold an associate-level credential to expand their knowledge through advanced coursework focused on leadership, patient care practices, and healthcare systems. (2)
Key Features of the Program
Online Coursework: Students complete the academic portion of the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program online. (2) This flexible structure allows students to pursue their degree while maintaining professional and personal responsibilities.
Supportive Online Learning Environment: The program uses a learning management system designed to support collaboration and communication with instructors. Students can access coursework, assignments, and learning materials while interacting with faculty and classmates throughout the program.
Professional Certifications Integrated into the Curriculum: The program includes coursework that may align with training relevant to certifications commonly used in healthcare settings, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). (2)
Focused on Career Advancement: For professionals already working in respiratory care or who have completed Carrington College’s Respiratory Therapy program, earning a B.S. degree in respiratory therapy may support expanded responsibilities in areas such as respiratory department leadership, education, quality improvement, and advanced clinical practice. (3)
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program FAQs
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Respiratory therapy education may include hands-on clinical training. However, the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program at Carrington College delivers academic coursework fully online. (2)
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A Bachelor of Science degree builds on the foundation of an associate degree with education in leadership, education, research and critical care.
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Respiratory therapy education is considered a specialized healthcare education pathway designed to prepare students for professional practice in respiratory care. It combines medical science coursework, clinical training, and preparation for professional credentialing.
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The best school for online respiratory therapy programs is whichever one best fits your needs, your future, and your life. If you have an associate degree and are currently credentialed and licensed, you may be looking for online respiratory therapy programs to help you move ahead in your career. At Carrington College, we can help you move from an associate degree to a bachelor’s in as few as 16 months with the fully online BSRT Degree. (2)
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Admission requirements are designed for individuals who have already completed foundational respiratory therapy education. (2)
Common requirements include:
- Associate degree completion: Hold an Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy from a program accredited by CoARC or CAAHEP, with a minimum of 70 semester credits. (2)(4)
- Professional credentials: Hold a current, unencumbered credential licensure as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and a current, unencumbered licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in California or in the state of your current employment. (2)
- Technology access: Consistent, reliable internet access to support online coursework. (2)
Prospective students should review full admissions details and connect with an enrollment services associate for guidance on the application process.
References:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Respiratory Therapists.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm
- Carrington College. “Academic Catalog.” https://carrington.edu/admissions/catalog/
- American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). “Position Statement: Respiratory Therapist Education.” https://www.aarc.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/statement-of-respiratory-therapist-education.pdf
- Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). “Accreditation Standards for Degree Advancement Programs.” https://coarc.com/accreditation/degree-advancement-standards/
- National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). “Credential Maintenance and RRT Renewal Requirements 2026.” https://www.nbrc.org/nbrc-credential-maintenance-state-license-renewal/