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2027 Best Online Respiratory Therapy Programs

Explore the best online respiratory therapy programs according to verified student reviewers.

Updated 9/25/2026 By Bailey Fletcher

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Updated 9/25/2026 By Bailey Fletcher

Why Trust Us?

  • 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
  • Manually Researched Tuition
  • 200+ Expert Interviews
  • 1,800+ jmcomicÂþ»­s
  • 30,000+ Online Degrees

Online respiratory therapy programs prepare students to assess and treat patients with breathing disorders, positioning graduates for licensure and clinical roles in hospitals, emergency care, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Student reviews add a firsthand look at how each program stacks up.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overall ratings are clustered tightly, from 4.39 down to 3.43.
  • The top three schools on the list all clear a 95% recommendation rate among students, while the bottom three fall to 84% or below. 
  • 9 of the 14 schools report median salary data, ranging from $45,502 (Liberty) to $97,622 (Loma Linda).

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How We Rank "Best" Schools

%%YEAR%% Best Online %%LEVEL_NAME%% in %%PROGRAM_NAME%% Badge

The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online bachelor's in respiratory therapy degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.

We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few bachelor's in respiratory therapy qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.

Tuition numbers were manually collected and verified where noted
Only verified student reviews informed our overall ratings and recommendation rates
Rank School Review Rating Recommendation 100% $14,850 N/A
# 2 #2 University of Michigan - Flint 4.11 / 5 95% $15,030 N/A
# 3 #3 The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 4.1 / 5 100% 91% $8,310 N/A
# 5 #5 University of Kansas 3.9 / 5 94% 89% 87% $10,350 $66,413
# 8 #8 University of Cincinnati 3.82 / 5 86% $12,716 $78,076
# 9 #9 Loma Linda University 3.77 / 5 91% 92% $14,970 $55,224
# 11 #11 Youngstown State University 3.75 / 5 83% $13,800 $65,226
# 12 #12 University of North Carolina at Charlotte 3.72 / 5 84% $3,812 $76,181
# 13 #13 Liberty University 3.68 / 5 75% $11,700 $45,502
# 14 #14 Middle Georgia State University 3.43 / 5 67% $12,390 N/A
#1
4.39 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • Firsthand student feedback puts this online respiratory therapy bachelor's program at #1 nationwide.
  • Carlow's online bachelor's in respiratory therapy admits both RRT- and CRT-credentialed professionals, where many comparable completion programs limit admission to RRTs only.
  • Students can complete the program in as few as 18 months.

Student Review Summary: Across these reviews, Carlow University is described as a place where you are known personally rather than absorbed into large lecture culture. Many reviewers praise small classes, approachable professors, and unusually strong one-on-one support, saying that faculty guidance, advising, and accommodations made the experience feel attentive and practical. Flexible scheduling stands out, especially for those balancing full-time work or family responsibilities, with evening, weekend, online, and low-residency options frequently appreciated. Reviewers also mention inclusive classrooms, meaningful curriculum, career value, and a warm atmosphere. Criticisms are limited but consistent: modest campus life, a smaller campus, higher tuition, and some outdated classroom technology.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 369 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $14,850
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $14,850
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#2
4.11 / 5
Overall Rating
95%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • Students who already hold an associate degree and RRT credential can finish the fully online degree-completion path in as little as 12 months, full or part time.
  • UM-Flint's BSRT offers a 1-2-1 pathway with local community colleges. It includes one year of prerequisites at UM-Flint, two years completing the associate degree at a community college, and a final online year at UM-Flint while working in health care.
  • The curriculum builds preparation for NBRC specialty credentials into the program itself, including Neonatal Pediatric Specialty, Adult Critical Care Specialty, Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist, and Sleep Disorders Specialty.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of Michigan-Flint are broadly positive, with praise centering on accessible, knowledgeable faculty, practical coursework, and formats that work well for busy adults, especially online or hybrid options. Many reviewers say instructors bring real-world experience into class, respond outside scheduled hours, and create a supportive atmosphere that makes a demanding workload feel worthwhile. Smaller classes, strong advising, and career-oriented learning also stand out. Recurring concerns focus less on academics than logistics: safety and infrastructure in the surrounding area, long commutes, uneven communication or organization in some courses, limited peer connection online, and frustration over tuition, scarce aid, or transfer-credit hurdles.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,415 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $15,030
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $15,030
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#3
4.1 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • UT Health San Antonio's online BS in Respiratory Care is a 32-credit-hour degree-completion program built specifically for therapists who already hold the RRT credential from the NBRC.
  • The compact upper-division curriculum can be completed on a one- to three-year window, letting students match the pace to their own personal work schedules.
  • The program offers three application cycles per year.

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray a school where support is the defining strength. Students repeatedly describe faculty as responsive, approachable, and genuinely invested, with professors and staff offering help quickly and creating a collaborative atmosphere that extends beyond the classroom. Several also praise the institution’s strong reputation, community impact, and the quality of instruction, noting solid preparation and meaningful opportunities. The experience is not without friction, though. Parking and transportation are recurring frustrations, online course setup can be uneven, and some felt technology lagged behind expectations. A few reviewers also wished for stronger financial support, particularly for those coming from out of state.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 86 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: N/A
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $14,306
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: $79,664
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#4
4.07 / 5
Overall Rating
91%
Recommend
92%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • This online program is designed exclusively as an RRT-to-BSRT degree-advancement pathway for therapists who earned an AAS from another accredited institution.
  • The curriculum spans adult, pediatric, and neonatal respiratory care while extending into therapist-driven protocols, healthcare systems, and public health impact.
  • Each student receives a customized education plan, allowing the program to bend around work and family obligations in a way lockstep completion tracks do not.

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Utah Valley University as a practical, career-focused place where approachable professors, small-feeling classes, and hands-on learning often make a large campus feel personal. Many reviewers say instructors bring real industry experience, offer meaningful support, and help with jobs, graduate school, or confidence entering the workforce. Flexibility also stands out, especially for those balancing school with full-time work or family, and several mention affordable tuition, scholarships, and useful advising. The recurring frustrations are overcrowding, difficult parking, uneven teaching quality, outdated courses in a few areas, and occasional problems with advising, financial aid, or unclear program expectations.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 6,407 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $8,310
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $8,310
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#5
3.9 / 5
Overall Rating
94%
Recommend
84%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • Courses run in eight-week blocks with fast-track and extended-track options, and no campus visits are required at any point.
  • The capstone project runs a full 16 weeks and is aligned with each student's career goals.
  • The core curriculum pairs chronic disease management and community and global health with a simulation and interprofessional education course and a three-credit medical writing and research course.
  • It supports preparation for ACCS, NPS, and AE-C specialty credentialing exams.

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray KU as a place people often enjoy deeply for its beautiful campus, spirited college-town atmosphere, and strong sense of community, especially around athletics, traditions, and extracurricular life. Many describe approachable, knowledgeable professors, valuable advising, and meaningful networking, research, study abroad, and practicum opportunities that build confidence and career momentum. The drawbacks are more uneven than universal: some felt academic quality depended too heavily on the instructor, with outdated teaching, bureaucracy, weak advising, or underfunded facilities in certain areas. Cost, limited financial aid, parking, and occasional gaps in real-world preparation or diversity also recur.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,115 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: N/A
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $30,432
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: $64,111
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#6
3.89 / 5
Overall Rating
89%
Recommend
88%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Nova Southeastern University trend positive, with many describing attentive professors, small classes, flexible online or weekend formats, and advising that helps working adults stay on track. Students often say the school delivers practical, career-oriented training, strong networking, and memorable access to research, internships, and modern facilities. Cost is the clearest recurring complaint. Tuition, South Florida living expenses, and limited scholarships leave many questioning value. The sharpest criticism centers on inconsistent administration in some areas, including poor communication, technical problems, weak financial aid guidance, and, in several cases, disorganized clinical or dissertation support that made completion feel unnecessarily difficult.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 342 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: N/A
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $38,700
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#7
3.88 / 5
Overall Rating
87%
Recommend
93%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of Southern Indiana are broadly favorable, with many describing a welcoming campus, approachable professors, and small classes that make it easier to build relationships and get support. Several say the instruction is rigorous but worthwhile, especially when coursework connects quickly to hands-on practice or career advancement. Online learners and working adults also praise the flexibility and value. The main frustrations are less about teaching quality than guidance and workload: some reviewers wanted stronger internship and career exploration support, others found certain courses heavy on busywork, and one sharply negative account cites poor advising that led to costly disappointment.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 417 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $10,350
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $10,350
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: $66,413
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#8
3.82 / 5
Overall Rating
86%
Recommend
82%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray University of Cincinnati as a place where driven people often do very well, especially when they tap into co-ops, internships, field placements, research, and flexible online options. Many describe caring professors, strong career preparation, and a campus that feels lively, diverse, and surprisingly close-knit for a large university. The sharpest criticism centers on inconsistency: some reviewers encountered disorganized programs, weak advising, poor communication, and administrative confusion around financial aid, transfers, or accommodations. Safety in the surrounding area comes up repeatedly, as do concerns about cost, uneven teaching quality, and certain programs feeling repetitive or less connected to real job outcomes.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 4,338 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $12,716
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $12,716
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: $78,076
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#9
3.77 / 5
Overall Rating
91%
Recommend
55%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Loma Linda University as a place where many found rigorous, career-oriented training, accessible professors, and a supportive culture grounded in service, faith, and whole-person care. Smaller cohorts, strong clinical preparation, and responsive faculty were often cited as reasons graduates felt confident entering professional practice. That said, praise is tempered by repeated concerns about cost, with tuition, housing, and loan dependence surfacing across programs. Some reviews also point to weak social life, dated instruction in spots, and uneven support for online learners. A smaller but striking set of complaints describes disorganization, opaque admissions, toxic culture, and overwhelming course loads.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 100 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: N/A
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $34,460
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $97,622
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#10
3.76 / 5
Overall Rating
92%
Recommend
83%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Northern Kentucky University as a place where many found an appealing middle ground: a campus small enough to feel personal, yet active enough to offer involvement, internships, and access to Cincinnati. Repeated praise centers on approachable professors, intimate class sizes, affordability, and formats that work for employed learners. Several reviewers also say the experience translated well to practical skills, networking, and career preparation. The strongest dissatisfaction is concentrated in certain online and clinical programs, where reviewers describe disorganization, weak instruction, poor communication, hidden or rising fees, and a sense of teaching themselves. A few also cite limited diversity, uneven advising, or exclusionary department culture.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 2,457 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $14,970
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $14,970
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: $55,224
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#11
3.75 / 5
Overall Rating
83%
Recommend
86%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Youngstown State as a budget-friendly option that often exceeds expectations through small classes, approachable professors, and flexible pathways, especially for commuters and those balancing work or internships. Several reviewers said faculty knew them personally, offered strong mentoring, and helped them feel prepared for licensure, careers, or further study. Partnership and distance formats were praised for making a university education accessible without relocation. The sharpest criticism centers on inconsistency: some reviewers described weak administration, poor communication, outdated lectures, limited electives or online choices, and programs that felt underpowered in practical career preparation. The surrounding area also drew occasional complaints.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,133 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $13,800
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $13,800
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: $65,226
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#12
3.72 / 5
Overall Rating
84%
Recommend
87%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray UNC Charlotte as a generally well-regarded school where supportive, accessible professors and a growing, attractive campus shape a positive experience. Many describe strong instruction, approachable faculty, diverse peers, and useful career preparation, with study abroad, research, and flexible class formats standing out as meaningful advantages. Several also say the university works well for commuters and working adults. The most persistent frustrations involve parking, inconsistent advising, course registration, limited funding, and uneven administrative communication. A recurring social criticism is the commuter-school feel, with quieter weekends and a weaker campus atmosphere, while a smaller set of sharply negative reviews cite poor support, safety concerns, and disappointing career outcomes.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,124 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $3,812
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $3,812
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: $76,181
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#13
3.68 / 5
Overall Rating
75%
Recommend
79%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Liberty University are broadly favorable, especially from online learners who value flexible eight-week terms, quick pacing, and the ability to finish while working, parenting, or serving in the military. Many praise responsive professors, strong writing and research demands, practical preparation, and generous veteran or first-responder discounts. The clearest dividing line is cultural fit. Students who wanted a faith-integrated experience often found the biblical emphasis motivating and transparent, while others felt scripture was inserted into nearly every assignment in ways that crowded out subject matter. Negative reviews also repeatedly cite inconsistent advising, frustrating financial aid, weak instructor engagement, and feeling pushed through a high-volume system.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 39,156 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $11,700
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $11,700
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: $45,502
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#14
3.43 / 5
Overall Rating
67%
Recommend
60%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Middle Georgia State University as a value-driven option that often delivers strong teaching, especially in smaller classes where instructors are accessible, responsive, and invested in helping students succeed. Several reviewers credit the school with career traction, practical preparation, affordable tuition, and online courses that are easy to navigate. The sharpest criticism centers on administration rather than academics. Financial aid appears repeatedly as a major pain point, with reports of misinformation, poor follow-through, and difficulty reaching staff. Some also describe limited campus amenities, weak scheduling flexibility, inconsistent support services, and, in certain cases, workloads or outcomes that did not meet expectations.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 3,245 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $12,390
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $12,390
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit

Compare the Best Online Respiratory Therapy Degrees

Median earnings across these online respiratory therapy bachelor's programs run from $45,502 at Liberty to $97,622 at LLU, and the five strongest earners shown here finish their degrees at dramatically different costs, from $15,248 in total tuition at UNC Charlotte to $137,840 at LLU. 

That gap matters in a field where most students are already credentialed RRTs completing a bachelor's for advancement into leadership, education, or specialty practice, so the degree often pays through role progression instead of an immediate salary jump. 

Alumni salary figures, like in the graph above, cannot explain which program feature or career path produced each outcome, and they say nothing about the two top-rated schools that report no earnings data at all. Compare LLU's high earnings against its cost, then weigh UNC Charlotte, where a low-cost finish still pairs with $76,181 in median earnings.

Recommendation rates run from 100% at Carlow and UT Health San Antonio down to 67% at Middle Georgia State, and the top of the list is crowded, with six schools holding 91% or better. 

This metric compresses real differences, though. LLU earns a 91% recommendation rate while ranking ninth on overall reviews, and Liberty's 75% (didn't make the top recommended schools in the graph above) comes with the largest online enrollment in the ranking, so a wide range of experiences sits behind every figure. 

Standout Features of the Best Respiratory Therapy Degrees Online: An Editorial Analysis

A Curriculum That Carries Credentials Into Credit

University of Southern Indiana

USI's program converts professional certifications into academic progress. Beyond the standard block of up to 50 credit hours for a respiratory therapy associate degree, USI awards validation credit tied to nationally recognized NBRC specialty credentials, including Pulmonary Function Technologist, Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist, and Adult Critical Care Specialist. 

A Two-Part Capstone That Ends in a Real Intervention

Northern Kentucky University

At NKU, students identify an actual clinical or management problem in respiratory care, design an intervention, then implement and evaluate it under faculty supervision, culminating in a professional abstract, poster, and presentation. The two-part accelerated capstone gives graduates a concrete, presentable piece of professional work, which fits a curriculum centered on advanced adult critical care, health informatics, research, and management. 

One Year, Every Start Date, No Clinical Add-Ons

Liberty University

Liberty's RRT-to-BSRT track removes the two frictions that most often slow working therapists down. Because admission requires both an RRT credential and graduation from a CoARC-accredited associate program, the school states the track requires no additional hands-on training or internship hours, since those competencies were completed in prior preparation.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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FAQs About Choosing the Best Online Respiratory Therapy Program

Do I Have To Be a Working Respiratory Therapist To Enroll in an Online RT Degree?


Almost always, yes. The programs on the list above are degree-completion tracks built for therapists who already hold the RRT credential and an associate degree, not entry-level routes into the field. 

Carlow, UT Health San Antonio, Utah Valley, Kansas, Liberty, and UNC Charlotte all expect or require the credential up front, and UC accepts CRTs who are ready to earn their RRT during the program. If you have not started yet, look for a pre-licensure pathway like UM-Flint's 1-2-1 option, which begins with prerequisites and community college coursework before the online bachelor's year. The bachelor's here is a step after entry-level preparation, not a substitute for it.

How Long Does an Online BSRT Take?


Much less time than a traditional four-year degree, because your associate degree and RRT credential replace a large share of the credits. The completion programs on this list credit the RRT through exam hours or transfer blocks, leaving roughly 30 upper-division credits to finish. Most schools quote timelines between 12 and 24 months for full-time study, with part-time pacing available at nearly every program. 

If speed is the priority, compare the credit math directly. In other words, what matters is how many credits transfer in, not the school's marketing timeline.

What Specialty Credentials Can I Prepare for While Earning an Online BSRT?


Several programs fold NBRC specialty exam preparation into the curriculum itself, which is worth weighing if you already know where you want to specialize. 

Neonatal Pediatric Specialty, Adult Critical Care Specialty, Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist, and Sleep Disorders Specialty are the most common targets, and one school on this list even reimburses the Clinical Simulation Exam for students advancing from CRT to RRT. Middle Georgia State takes a different approach, validating upper-division coursework for therapists who already hold advanced credentials. 

When a specialty is the goal, the curriculum should carry real weight for it, so favor online respiratory therapy bachelor's programs that do more than name the option in a brochure.

Can I Go Straight Into a Master's Program After an Online BSRT?


Yes, and a few programs let you start before you finish. One school lets qualified students take master's courses while completing the bachelor's, paying undergraduate rates the whole time. Others offer early-entry MSRC options, joint bachelor's and public health degrees that trim total credits, or guaranteed interviews for related graduate programs like physician assistant studies. 

A couple of programs also build in business pathways, including credits that count toward an accelerated MBA, which suits therapists aiming at administration. If graduate school is in your plans, these ladders can save a year of tuition and a semester of applications.

Do These Online BSRT Programs Require Clinical Hours or Campus Visits?


Usually not, because you completed that training for your associate degree and credential. Most BSRT programs on this list are fully online with no campus visits, and several state outright that no additional hands-on hours are required since those competencies were covered in prior preparation. 

The exceptions are worth checking, however. Some programs include short observation experiences or specialty rotations, though one school lets those hours happen at your workplace outside regular shifts. Confirm the fieldwork policy before enrolling if you plan to keep working full time, since it is the single biggest difference between programs that fit a job and programs that compete with one.

Student Reviews of Online Respiratory Therapy Programs

Michelle E, Graduated 2020

Attended: San Joaquin Valley College

I still recommend the program but have had difficulty in the last semester with or last two classes with financial aid. Prepare not to receive your money until 2 weeks before graduation as this is what is happening to me I now have to work more hours

Review Date: 3/17/2020

Attended: San Joaquin Valley College

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Michelle E, Graduated 2020

Dissatisfied, Graduated 2019

Attended: San Joaquin Valley College

How tuition works was not up front. It cost me an addition $2000 due to the fact my work place was told it was a cost of $409.50 per class. SJVC included the credits that I tranfered into the program under the tuition. This is fraudulent!!! They are including credits that were paid for and taken by another college in the price when submitting it to my work place. I am sorry I started the program there are many other programs to choose from. I will be reporting this to the AARC.

Review Date: 9/11/2018

Attended: San Joaquin Valley College

Overall Rating: 1/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Dissatisfied, Graduated 2019

James, Graduated 2018

Attended: Midwestern State University

I graduated this past May from Midwestern State University. I was part of the respiratory therapy program, specifically the RRT to BSRC Online program. Hands-down, this is the best program for RTs. I did a lot of research for these programs and several friends who went through MSU told me it was great. The professors are excellent and always willing to help. The process of getting started was not that difficult and the questions I did have were answered quickly by one of the professors. I would highly... Read More

Review Date: 11/6/2018

Attended: Midwestern State University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

James, Graduated 2018

Amenra Mccarthy BS RRT, Graduated 2018

Attended: Independence University

This was an awesome experience! I love the staff as well as all the business offices there! I was able to sail through with flying colors because I had a great team of professionals and fellow students to aid me. Also the material and study resources are top notched and offer everything a student can need! I am a husband and father of 8 and I was able to complete the course with few interruptions! I recommend INDEPENDENCE UNIVERSITY to anyone who is looking to better themselves and their career!... Read More

Review Date: 5/28/2018

Attended: Independence University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Amenra Mccarthy BS RRT, Graduated 2018

Sheri Farlow, Graduated 2015

Attended: Independence University

I must say, I have had experience with Independence University/Stevens-Henagar since it was called California College back in the 90's. I have had a variety of experiences both good and bad. I actually fired them MANY times, I went through 2 student advisors a month for a while. But, I persevered and they stuck by me the entire time. It was truly like a family for me, dysfunctional at times, but I was comfortable openly complaining about anything that bothered me, even at 3am. I recently completed... Read More

Review Date: 12/18/2015

Attended: Independence University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Sheri Farlow, Graduated 2015

F.T., Graduated 2014

Attended: Midwestern State University

I received my BSRC from Midwestern State University's online program in 2014. I had previously obtained my associates degree from another college and then transferred to MSU to complete my bachelors. I have to give two thumbs up to this school and program. The professors are absolutely wonderful and always willing to help when needed. The course work was always manageable while I worked full time and you get to choose which classes you want to take instead of being told you have to take specific... Read More

Review Date: 4/27/2017

Attended: Midwestern State University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

F.T., Graduated 2014

Jared, Graduated 2026

Attended: University of Akron

I’m a 27 year old Navy vet who served 6 years active duty as a Hospital Corpsman. I got out of the military in June of 2023 and began attending Tri-C western campus initially thinking that’d be easier for me. It served its purpose and I did enjoy my time at Tri-C, but, when I submitted my JST to them they only gave me 1 credit that applied towards my major, so I transferred to the University of Akron. Over the summer I went into the Al transfer office many times and was met head to head with staff... Read More

Review Date: 9/4/2024

Attended: University of Akron

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Jared, Graduated 2026

Shelby, Graduated 2017

Attended: Ohio State University - Main Campus

The Respiratory Therapy Program at Ohio State University prepares individuals for a career in respiratory care clinically, professionally, and personally. The directors hold our personal skills with patients and other professionals to as high of a standard as our clinical skills. Our access to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and affiliated institutions allows us to have resources from a variety of backgrounds that give us a well-rounded education as well as clinical experiences. For... Read More

Review Date: 2/22/2017

Attended: Ohio State University - Main Campus

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Shelby, Graduated 2017

Paula, Graduated 1986

Attended: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

My personal experience as a Respiratory Therapist student at FAMU was indeed an educational experience with a practicum of hands on in the clinical setting. The professors were superb in delivering the content for every course and they were available to assist you with questions on a daily basis. The students were competitive and we had study groups often. I felt more like a practitioner than a student! The professors coordinated with local hospitals and out of state hospitals to ensure that we were... Read More

Review Date: 9/10/2019

Attended: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Paula, Graduated 1986

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