Respiratory Therapy, BS, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 120 (transfer credits apply) | Estimated Time to Completion: 4 years | Cost Per Credit Hour: $480.65 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Science / major
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Health and Human Sciences, College of (Dean's Office)
- School/Department
- School of Allied Health
Program Contact
- Stacia Biddle PhD, RRT
-
Associate Professor, Program Director
330-972-7906
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Respiratory Therapy designed for credentialed registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) seeking to advance their education and careers. This flexible degree advancement program is open to individuals who have earned an associate degree in respiratory therapy and hold an active RRT credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Students enroll as transfer students and build upon their previous education while developing advanced clinical, leadership, and professional skills.
Respiratory therapists assess, treat, and care for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders across a variety of health care settings. Through advanced coursework in respiratory care, leadership, research, ethics, and health care management, students prepare for expanded professional opportunities beyond bedside care. Graduates are positioned to pursue leadership, education, management, and specialized clinical roles while continuing to make a meaningful impact on patient care and improve outcomes across the lifespan.
Important: This degree advancement program is intended for individuals who already hold an active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Students seeking initial respiratory therapy education should explore the traditional Respiratory Therapy program. For additional information regarding professional licensure requirements, please review our Professional Licensure Information page.
What You'll Learn
Develop advanced clinical knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and leadership competencies that support effective respiratory care across diverse patient populations and health care settings.
Skills Gained
Advanced respiratory care practice
Critical care and mechanical ventilation management
Leadership and organizational supervision
Evidence-based decision-making
Clinical assessment and diagnostics
Health care communication
Research interpretation and application
Ethical decision-making
Interprofessional collaboration
Professional development
Core Practice
Assess and monitor patients with cardiopulmonary disorders
Apply advanced respiratory therapy techniques
Support critical care and mechanical ventilation interventions
Analyze patient data and diagnostic information
Lead health care teams and clinical initiatives
Incorporate research into respiratory care practice
Navigate ethical and professional issues in health care
Key Topics
Cardiopulmonary assessment
Cardiopulmonary diagnostics
Mechanical ventilation
Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care
Advanced critical care
Respiratory pharmacology
Health care leadership
Biomedical ethics
Respiratory therapy research
Evolving roles of respiratory therapists
Career Outcomes
Respiratory therapists provide care for neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients experiencing cardiopulmonary conditions. Earning a bachelor's degree can help respiratory therapists pursue expanded opportunities in leadership, education, management, and specialized clinical practice.
Job Titles
Registered respiratory therapist
Lead respiratory therapist
Respiratory therapy supervisor
Respiratory care manager
Clinical educator
Pulmonary rehabilitation specialist
Respiratory therapy program instructor
Medical device clinical specialist
Where You’ll Work
Acute-care hospitals
Clinics
Long-term acute care facilities
Physician offices
Pulmonary rehabilitation centers
Home care agencies
Sleep laboratories
Medical device companies
Critical care transport teams
Additional Program Information
Respiratory Therapy Curriculum
Coursework combines advanced respiratory care concepts with leadership, research, ethics, and applied learning experiences that support professional growth and lifelong learning.
Degree Completion Pathway
Designed for credentialed registered respiratory therapists, this degree-completion program builds upon previous respiratory therapy education and professional experience. Students transfer eligible associate-level coursework while completing bachelor's-level requirements at The University of Akron.
Previously completed general education and respiratory therapy credits may satisfy portions of the degree, helping students focus on advanced coursework that supports career growth and professional advancement.
→ View all curriculum requirements
Advanced Respiratory Therapy Practice
Build upon your respiratory therapy education through advanced coursework in cardiopulmonary assessment, diagnostics, pharmacology, pathology, mechanical ventilation, and critical care. Students strengthen their clinical expertise as they prepare to manage complex respiratory conditions across a variety of health care settings.
→ View respiratory therapy coursework
Neonatal, Pediatric, and Critical Care Specialization
Explore specialized areas of respiratory care through coursework focused on neonatal and pediatric populations, advanced critical care, and evolving respiratory therapy practices. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to support patients across all stages of life.
→ View specialty respiratory therapy coursework
Leadership, Research, and Professional Development
Prepare for expanded career opportunities through coursework in organizational supervision, biomedical ethics, health care leadership, and respiratory therapy research. These experiences help students develop the communication, leadership, and analytical skills needed for advancement into management, education, and specialized professional roles.
→ View leadership and professional development coursework
Clinical Experience and Applied Learning
Apply classroom knowledge through supervised clinical experiences and hands-on learning opportunities that reinforce advanced respiratory care concepts. Clinical coursework helps students strengthen decision-making, patient assessment, and professional practice skills in real-world health care environments.
Student Success
Strong Outcomes for Graduates
The University of Akron's Respiratory Therapy program consistently achieves certification exam pass rates above the national average while preparing graduates for success in a growing health care field.
Career Outlook
Recognized Among Top Health Care Careers
Respiratory therapists are ranked among the Best Health Care Jobs by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting strong demand, career stability, and opportunities for professional growth.
Accreditation
Accredited Respiratory Therapy Education
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), the recognized accrediting body for respiratory therapy education.
Admissions Information
Learn about admission requirements, transfer eligibility, tuition, and financial aid as you prepare to complete your bachelor's degree.
To apply to the Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement Program, you'll need to:
- Hold an associate degree in Respiratory Therapy
- Complete at least 60 credit hours from a CoARC-accredited Respiratory Care program
- Hold an active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential in good standing through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
- Apply to The University of Akron as a transfer student
Students who do not currently hold an active RRT credential may consider the traditional Respiratory Therapy bachelor's degree pathway.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of $480.65
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
- Programs like the Tuition Guarantee help provide cost predictability over four years (for eligible students)
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
To apply to the Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement Program, you'll need to:
- Hold an associate degree in Respiratory Therapy
- Complete at least 60 credit hours from a CoARC-accredited Respiratory Care program
- Hold an active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential in good standing through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
- Apply to The University of Akron as a transfer student
Students who do not currently hold an active RRT credential may consider the traditional Respiratory Therapy bachelor's degree pathway.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of $480.65
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
- Programs like the Tuition Guarantee help provide cost predictability over four years (for eligible students)
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
Online Respiratory Therapy Faculty & Staff
Learn from experienced faculty and respiratory care professionals who bring real-world clinical and leadership experience into the classroom.
Online BS in Respiratory Therapy FAQs
A respiratory therapy degree advancement program is designed for credentialed respiratory therapists who already hold an associate degree and want to earn a bachelor's degree. These programs build upon previous education and professional experience while helping students develop leadership, research, and advanced clinical skills. The Degree Advancement Program at The University of Akron is specifically designed for registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
No. Admission to the Degree Advancement Program requires an active RRT credential in good standing through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Students who do not currently hold an RRT credential may be eligible for the traditional respiratory therapy bachelor's degree program.
A bachelor's degree can help respiratory therapists pursue leadership, management, education, and specialized clinical opportunities. Graduates may advance into supervisory positions, clinical education roles, pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory care management, or health care leadership positions. The degree can also support future graduate education and professional development goals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists earn a median annual wage of approximately $80,000. Earnings vary based on experience, geographic location, employer, specialty area, and professional responsibilities. Bachelor's-prepared respiratory therapists may qualify for additional leadership and advancement opportunities.
Tuition for the Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement Program is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of $472.50. Total costs will vary depending on the number of transfer credits accepted and the remaining coursework needed to complete the degree. Online students benefit from competitive tuition rates, and out-of-state students pay only a minimal surcharge above Ohio resident tuition. Financial aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans may also be available to eligible students.
Earn Your Respiratory Therapy Degree Online
Continue investing in the career you've worked hard to build. The Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement Program helps you strengthen your expertise while positioning yourself for future growth and career advancement.