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The Global Insight

What can you do with a degree in respiratory therapy?

Author

John Hall

Updated on March 19, 2026

Graduates can pursue respiratory therapy job opportunities in: acute care hospitals. community and home care programs. diagnostic laboratories….Related careers include:

  • occupational health nurse.
  • diagnostic medical sonographer.
  • primary function technician.

    How much do respiratory therapists make with a bachelor degree?

    According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Registered Respiratory Therapist with a Bachelor’s Degree is $67,613 – $71,110.

    Is respiratory therapy a 4 year degree?

    Many schools offer degree advancement programs, which transition students with associate degrees into bachelor’s programs. These programs require fewer courses and take less time to complete. Otherwise, it takes full-time students four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy.

    What are the levels of respiratory therapist?

    There are two baseline certification levels that the National Board for Respiratory Care offers: certified respiratory therapist and registered respiratory therapist. An RRT credential signifies a more advanced level of knowledge.

    Is respiratory therapy a dying field?

    Respiratory therapy technicians are projected to decline by 56.3% What they do, according to O*NET: They provide respiratory care under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.

    Is nursing harder than respiratory therapy?

    Nursing School seems to be harder than Respiratory Therapy School. Respiratory Therapists are generally more focused on the heart and lungs. Therefore, Nurses tend to learn a little about a lot, whereas Respiratory Therapists tend to learn a lot about a little.

    Do respiratory therapists make more than nurses?

    In comparison to RT’s, RN’s generally have higher salaries, more opportunities for specialization and a wider range of work settings. RN’s also have more opportunity for advancement in clinical care.

    Is respiratory therapy school harder than nursing?

    Do Respiratory therapists make more than nurses?

    Is respiratory therapy a stressful job?

    Respiratory Therapist Respiratory Therapists help and treat heart and lung disease that interferes with breathing. Carrying the stress and responsibility of trying to treat people who are in desperate straits is never easy. They have a stress rating of 20/100.

    What kind of Education do you need to be a respiratory therapist?

    Minimum Educational Requirement for Respiratory Therapists. An associate’s degree is the minimum educational requirement to practice as a respiratory therapist, but, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , “employers often prefer that applicants possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree [in respiratory therapy]…

    Are there any online programs for Respiratory Therapists?

    Online degree programs can be an excellent option for working respiratory therapists, as well as those aspiring to a career in this field.

    What kind of work does a respiratory therapist do?

    As specialists in the field of breathing assistance and monitoring, respiratory therapists coordinate with doctors and nurses to evaluate, diagnose and treat a wide variety of breathing disorders.

    What can I do with a BSRT in Respiratory Therapy?

    This allows eligible Respiratory Therapists the chance to build marketable skills while working actively in their field. Students who elect for an RRT to BSRT path can vastly expand their range of available opportunities to work in management, clinical leadership, research and education.