UC Is Your Full Educational Pathway in Respiratory Therapy

Are you currently employed in the respiratory therapy field and want to take the next step in your career? Are you wanting to finish your bachelor’s degree and someday earn your master’s degree? If so, then UC’s educational pathway in respiratory therapy may be the perfect choice for you. 

Let’s explore UC’s online respiratory therapy program offerings and learn what makes them ideal for continuing your education!

Key Takeaways

• UC offers online respiratory therapy programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, meaning you can complete your education all in one place!
• Once you’ve earned an associate degree in respiratory therapy, earning your bachelor’s and master’s gives you additional opportunities in the field.
• A master’s degree is crucial if you are interested in leadership roles or educating the next generation of respiratory therapists.

What Is a Full Educational Pathway in Respiratory Therapy?

If you’re not familiar with the term “full educational pathway,” that’s okay. While it varies between fields, full pathway education allows you to complete multiple steps of your education all at one institution. At UC, this could mean earning your associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees all through UC’s programs. Rather than navigating a new university for every degree, you can seamlessly complete your education all in one place!

UC’s full educational pathway in respiratory therapy allows you to elevate your skills and move forward in your career. At UC, we offer two online respiratory therapy degree programs: a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy and a Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy. Perfect for current licensed respiratory therapists, these programs provide additional education and help you move into higher-level positions or research roles.

If you haven’t yet earned your associate’s degree and are local to the greater Cincinnati area, UC also offers an AAS in Respiratory Therapy through our UC Clermont campus. This program is facilitated through on-campus instruction as well as clinical training at affiliated healthcare facilities.

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT)

UC’s undergraduate respiratory therapy degree stands out due to its convenience, flexibility, and accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). BSRT coursework covers all aspects of respiratory therapy, as well as health care documentation, disease management, community health, and more. Graduates of the program have a leg up when it comes to career opportunities in the respiratory therapy field. Best of all, as a fully online program, the BSRT degree can be completed in as little as five semesters!

Since the BSRT is a degree advancement program, there are some prerequisites before you can apply. First, you must hold an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care/respiratory therapy program. Additionally, you must also be certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as either a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or a registry-eligible Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). For a more detailed list of requirements, you’ll want to explore the admissions requirements webpage.

The Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT)

After you’ve successfully completed your bachelor’s degree, what’s next? As the “full pathway” implies, UC’s CoARC-accredited graduate program propels you into the next phase of your education. And as with your bachelor’s degree, you can complete it in less than two years and 100% online! An MSRT equips you with additional knowledge, competencies, and experience, allowing you to transition into leadership, management, and teaching roles in the field.

A key feature of the MSRT program is the ability to choose one of three tracks: Health Informatics, Health Care Administration, or Higher Education. In choosing a track that aligns with your professional goals, you’re well-positioned for your career path of choice. To gain admittance to the program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. Additionally, you’ll need two years of respiratory therapy professional experience, an unexpired RRT credential, and state Respiratory Care Professional license. As always, you’ll want to double-check the full admission requirements prior to applying.

Why Is a Full Pathway in Respiratory Therapy Important?

A full educational pathway can feel daunting—especially if you’re at the starting line! Nevertheless, it’s well worth it to plan ahead when it comes to your education. In fact, there are numerous benefits that come with continued education in respiratory therapy, such as:

1. More Job Opportunities. From clinical and hospital settings to home care, respiratory therapists work in many settings. An advanced degree in the field, however, is advantageous if you hope to become an educator, researcher, or leader. In fact, your MSRT capstone project can open doors to job opportunities you hadn’t thought were possible!
2. Career Advancement in a Growing Field. With air quality worsening, more people are facing respiratory health conditions and seeking care. Thus, demand continues to grow for respiratory therapists who can diagnose lung and respiratory system diseases, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and effectively treat them.
3. Increased Earning Potential. Advanced positions and leadership roles often pay higher salaries and offer greater benefits overall. With a master’s degree, respiratory therapists can secure salaries above $100,000 in many jobs.
4. Enhanced Job Security. Especially in a challenging, unpredictable job market, furthering your education can provide you with additional security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 13% growth in the respiratory therapy field from 2023-2033, making this a promising time to expand your skillset.

The University of Cincinnati Online Experience

You might be unsure about pursuing an online degree—and you aren’t alone in your reservations. However, at the University of Cincinnati, students and alumni rave about the benefits of their online experience! UC’s esteemed faculty and dedicated online staff have worked tirelessly together to deliver an unbeatable education through an entirely online format. How do we make this possible?

• Asynchronous Coursework. Assignments can be completed within your weekly schedule—no campus visits required! This flexible format makes it much easier to balance your respiratory therapy coursework with a full-time career and other commitments.
• Student Support. Every student is assigned an Enrollment Services Advisor (ESA) and a Student Success Coordinator (SSC). These members of UC’s online staff assist you from the day you apply to the moment you cross the finish line!
• World-Class Faculty. The respiratory therapy faculty at UC combine experience with dedication. Both the bachelor’s and master’s faculty offer their expertise and support at every step of your educational journey.
• Affordable, High-Quality Education. Since both of UC’s respiratory therapy programs allow students to work full-time while enrolled, many students take advantage of employer remission/reimbursement programs. This can make the respiratory therapy pathway affordable even without student loans.

Take the Next Steps with UC’s Full Pathway in Respiratory Therapy

The benefits of a full pathway education in respiratory therapy are truly endless. From flexibility to increased marketability, continued education may be what unlocks the career of your dreams! Regardless of where you are in your respiratory therapy career, UC’s programs can help you reach the next level.

Want to learn more about either of these programs? Contact your Enrollment Services Advisor today! They’ll discuss your next steps with you and answer any questions you may have about being an online student at UC.

A high-impact and fulfilling career in respiratory therapy awaits you—so don’t wait to start your journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the pathway for a respiratory therapist?

If you have an associate degree in respiratory therapy, as well as an RRT or CRT credential, the next step is completing your bachelor’s degree. If you aim to pursue leadership or teaching roles, then you’ll also want to consider a master’s degree in respiratory therapy.

What level of education is needed for a respiratory therapist?

At minimum, an associate degree is typically needed to become a respiratory therapist. However, some employers prefer that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree.

Can you do respiratory therapy school online?

Yes! At UC, you can complete both your bachelor’s and master’s without ever setting foot on a college campus.