Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists (RT) and respiratory therapy technicians - also known as respiratory care practitioners - evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Respiratory therapy technicians follow specific, well-defined respiratory care procedures under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.

An associate degree is required to become an RT. Training is offered at the postsecondary level by colleges and universities, medical schools, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. Most programs award associate or bachelor's degree and prepare graduates for jobs as advanced respiratory therapists.

A license is required to practice as a respiratory therapist, except in Alaska and Hawaii. Also, most employers require respiratory therapists to maintain a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 23 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand will come from substantial growth in the middle-aged and elderly population - a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. Growth in demand also will result from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in case management, disease prevention, emergency care, and the early detection of pulmonary disorders.

With demand for RTs on the rise, salaries are following suit. According to the 2005 Human Resources study from the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC), the projected average annual earnings of RTs working in the U.S. is $56,222. In this study, therapist just beginning their careers reported average annual earnings of $41,538.

Advanced Respiratory Care - Associate of Science
This CAAHEP accredited associate’s degree program in respiratory therapy provides students with the principles and skills needed to prepare them for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing exam. With a track record of more than 25 years, Independence University is a leader in respiratory therapy distance education. From introductory to advanced levels, IU designed their associate's degree program to address the licensing and practical needs of the respiratory therapy (RT) professional.

Respiratory Care - Bachelor of Science
This online bachelor’s degree program provides students with the special knowledge they need to advance in today’s health care environment. The Independence University respiratory care degree also includes courses covering current issues and trends to ensure that all graduates are aware of the latest developments in respiratory care. The bachelor’s degree for respiratory care practitioners provides students with a sound general education, a thorough foundation in the cardiopulmonary sciences, and a solid education in the traditional respiratory care specialties of critical care, perinatal and pediatrics, and cardio-pulmonary diagnostics. To enter this bachelor’s degree program, applicants must be a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or be a graduate of an advanced therapist level program with 60 credits.

The Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).