Find the Best Respiratory Therapist School – Top 25 List
Respiratory therapists are healthcare experts with specialized training in caring for patients with heart and lung problems that cause breathing difficulties. They collaborate with physicians to evaluate, diagnose, and treat individuals suffering from cardiopulmonary diseases like asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia, among others. Finding the best respiratory therapist school can be a difficult task. Pursuing a career in respiratory therapy includes exploring related healthcare professions, such as physical and occupational therapy.
These professionals cater to patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, and conduct numerous procedures like chest physiotherapy, airway management, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary function tests. Physical therapists work with patients with injuries or illnesses to enhance their mobility and reduce discomfort, whereas occupational therapists concentrate on helping patients accomplish their everyday tasks. Nonetheless, the educational paths to entering these occupations are longer than respiratory therapy. Opting for a career in respiratory therapy can expedite your entry into the medical industry.
Best Respiratory Therapy Programs
Here, we give you the top 25 best schools for respiratory therapy programs in the USA. Based on our research at college factual (https://www.collegefactual.com/) here are the following:
1. Loma Linda University
If you’re considering a career in respiratory therapy, Loma Linda University is worth exploring. It is a private, not-for-profit institution in the suburban area of Loma Linda with a small student body. In the most recent academic year, approximately 13 students obtained a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from this university.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
- Master’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
2. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio is a great choice if you’re interested in studying respiratory care therapy/therapist. This small public university in San Antonio has a good reputation for this field of study. In the most recent data year, around 36 students graduated with this degree from UT Health San Antonio.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
- Master’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
3. Upstate Medical University
SUNY Upstate Medical University is a great choice for students pursuing a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree. This small public university is located in Syracuse, a midsize city. In the most recent data year, approximately 12 students graduated with this degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
4. Rush University
Rush University is worth considering if you’re interested in a degree with respiratory care therapy/therapist. This private, non-profit university is located in Chicago, a large city with a small student population. In the most recent year, with available data, around 9 students graduated with this degree from Rush University.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Master’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
5. El Centro College
https://www.dallascollege.edu/
El Centro College is a public college located in Dallas with a relatively large student body. It’s ranked 23rd out of 116 schools in Texas for overall quality. In the most recent year, with available data, approximately 15 students graduated with a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from El Centro College.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
6. Keiser University – Ft Lauderdale
https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/
Keiser University – Ft Lauderdale is a large private, non-profit university in Fort Lauderdale, a medium-sized city. With a national ranking of #266 out of 2,241 schools, it’s considered a great university overall. In the most recent year with available data, around 18 students graduated with a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from Keiser University – Ft Lauderdale.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
7. The University of Texas Medical Branch
UTMB Galveston is a public university located on the outskirts of Galveston with a small student population. In the most recent data year, approximately 21 students graduated with a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from UTMB Galveston.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
8. Oregon Institute of Technology
OIT is a public school in the isolated town of Klamath Falls. Among 31 colleges in Oregon, this school is ranked 9th for its overall quality. According to the latest available data, around 23 students obtained a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from OIT.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
9. Foothill College
Foothill College is a public college in the extensive suburban area of Los Altos Hills, with a sizable student population. It is ranked #179 out of 2,241 schools across the nation and is considered an excellent college overall. According to the most recent data, approximately 31 students earned a degree in respiratory care therapy/therapist from Foothill College.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Basic Certificates in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
10. Indiana University – Purdue University – Indianapolis
IUPUI is a public university in the populous city of Indianapolis, with a significant student population. It is considered an excellent university, ranked #328 out of 2,241 nationwide. According to the latest available data, around 9 students received a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from IUPUI.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
11. Valencia College
Valencia College is a publicly funded educational institution in Orlando with many enrolled students. It is considered an excellent college, ranked #474 out of 2,241. According to the most recent data, approximately 46 students obtained a degree in respiratory care therapy/therapy from Valencia College.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
12. Ohio State University – Main Campus
Ohio State is a massive public university ranked #94 among 2,241 colleges in the US, making it a highly regarded institution. In the last available data, around 27 students obtained a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from Ohio State.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
- Master’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
13. Boise State University
Boise State is a public university in Boise city with a vast number of students. It has earned a Best Colleges rank of #508 out of 2,241 colleges in the country, reflecting its excellence as a university. In the most recent year, with available data, approximately 178 students received a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from Boise State.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
- Master’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
14. Stony Brook University
SUNY Stony Brook is a public university in the suburb of Stony Brook, which has a considerable number of students. It has earned a Best Colleges rank of #206 out of 2,241 schools across the US, indicating its excellence as a university. According to the latest available data, approximately 22 students completed a respiratory care therapy/therapist program from SUNY Stony Brook.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
15. Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College is a public college in Annandale with many students. Its excellence as a college is demonstrated by its Best Colleges rank of #304 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide. In the most recent year for which data is available, about 15 students earned a respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from Northern Virginia Community College.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
16. Broward College
BC, a public college in the midsize city of Fort Lauderdale, is ranked 22nd among 77 schools for its overall quality in Florida. In the most recent year for which data is available, around 17 students completed their respiratory care therapy/therapist degree at BC.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
17. Hillsborough Community College
HCC is a public college located in Tampa, a large city in Florida. It is ranked 23rd out of 77 schools for its overall quality in the state. According to the latest available data, around 23 students completed their respiratory care therapy/therapist degree at HCC in the recent year.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
18. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
PA College is a non-profit, small-sized private college in Lancaster’s suburban area. In the most recent data year, approximately 9 students received their respiratory care therapy/therapist degree from this college.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
19. Houston Community College
Houston Community College is a public college with a significant student population in Houston. It is ranked 26th among 116 schools for its overall quality in Texas. According to the latest available data, around 11 students completed their respiratory care therapy/therapist degree at Houston Community College in the recent year.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
20. Lone Star College – North Harris Campus
https://www.lonestar.edu/northharris.htm
North Harris Montgomery is a public college located in Woodlands city with a considerable student population. It is ranked 40th out of 116 schools for its overall quality in Texas. According to the latest available data, approximately 40 students completed their respiratory care therapy/therapist degree at North Harris Montgomery in the recent year.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
21. Gwinnett Technical College
GTC is a public college with a moderate student population in Lawrenceville’s suburban area. It has been ranked #365 out of 2,241 schools nationwide, making it a great college overall. According to the latest available data, around 19 students completed their respiratory care therapy/therapist degree at GTC in the recent year.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
22. San Jacinto Community College
San Jacinto College is a public college located in the large suburb of Pasadena, with a considerable student population. It is ranked 46th out of 116 colleges for its overall quality in Texas. According to the latest available data, approximately 39 students completed their respiratory care therapy/therapy degree at San Jacinto College in the recent year.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
23. Siena Heights University
Siena Heights University is a small, non-profit private university in Adrian, a distant town. It is ranked 23rd out of 57 colleges for its overall quality in Michigan. According to the latest available data, approximately 24 students received their respiratory care therapy/therapist degree at Siena Heights University in the recent year.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
24. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
https://www.methodistcollege.edu/
Nebraska Methodist College is a private, non-profit college in Omaha, a large city with a small student population. According to the latest available data, approximately 13 students completed their respiratory care therapy/therapist degree at Nebraska Methodist College in the recent year.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
- Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
25. Tarrant County College District
Tarrant County College is a public college located in Fort Worth city with a considerable student population. It is ranked 33rd out of 116 schools for its overall quality in Texas. According to the latest available data, approximately 15 students completed their respiratory care therapy/therapist degree at Tarrant County College in the recent year.
Respiratory Care Therapy Degrees Available:
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
How To Become A Respiratory Therapist
To become a respiratory therapist, individuals must hold a minimum associate degree in respiratory therapy, although employers often prefer a bachelor’s degree. Graduates are also required to pass credentialing exams, and in all states except Alaska, licensure is mandatory for respiratory therapists. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is the primary credentialing organization for respiratory therapists, providing two certification levels: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). To obtain the advanced RRT certification, applicants must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice Exam mandatory for the CRT credential and a Clinical Simulation Exam. However, once you are qualified it can be well paid trade job.
How long does it take to earn a respiratory therapy bachelor’s degree?
Schools offer two types of respiratory therapy degree programs: degree advancement programs and traditional programs. The degree advancement program is designed for students who have previously completed an associate degree or have college credits and want to focus on clinical respiratory care supervision. This accelerated two-year program is suitable for students who want to work in management roles.
On the other hand, the traditional program is intended for students without respiratory care experience who want to work in therapy roles. Students who want to finish their degree quickly can choose an accelerated program but must confirm with the school that their credits are transferable. The degree advancement program requires 30 or more credits, while traditional programs need 120 or more.