Respiratory therapists are specialized healthcare practitioners with training and expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of cardiopulmonary diseases, including mechanical ventilation in emergency, critical-care and long-term care settings. Respiratory therapists are licensed and specialty board-credentialed; they work together with critical-care physicians and nurses to develop treatment strategies.
Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy
#1 Program in the Nation (College Choice, 2018)
Learn More
Master of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy
Credentialing success is higher than national average.
Learn More
Why choose a career in respiratory therapy?
Respiratory therapy as a profession has a 21% projected job-growth outlook between 2018 and 2028, much faster than the average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). The median pay for respiratory therapists in 2019 was $61,330.
“Respiratory therapy is a great career for someone who wants to help others and save lives. Our jobs are fast-paced and team-oriented. We can work with a wide range of patient populations on a day-to-day basis, including newborns, kids, and adults with acute and chronic illness. The rapid growth of the respiratory therapy profession brings incredible opportunity for growth and development.” – Sarah Pehlke ’13/’16 MHS, respiratory therapist at Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Respiratory Therapy Department Goals
- To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
- To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content that includes objectives related to acquisition of skills in one or more of the following: management, education, research, advanced clinical practice (which may include an area of clinical specialization).