The education needed to be a respiratory therapist is normally a associate degree. Respiratory therapists usually study medical technician, business or military applied sciences. 70% of respiratory therapists hold a associate degree and 22% hold a bachelor's degree. We found these by analyzing 32,611 respiratory therapist resumes to investigate the topic of respiratory therapist education more precisely.

The most common colleges for students to pursue their goal of becoming a respiratory therapist are Concorde Career College and Pima Medical Institute. We also broke down what colleges provide the best overall education for a respiratory therapist. Students have a great path to earning their respiratory therapist qualifications at the following schools:

  1. Duke University
  2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
  3. Yale University

If you're interested in getting a college degree in an affordable college for respiratory therapists - Brigham Young University is an excellent option for you. If your SAT or ACT score aren't as high as you'd like, you can look at AdventHealth University, as the admission requirements aren't too selective. On the other end of that spectrum are the Northwestern University, Vanderbilt University and University of Tulsa.

For those who would rather stay in your pajamas during the day, we prepared some online courses that can help in respiratory therapist education paths.

We prepared a list of a respiratory therapist certifications that you should consider. The necessary certifications that respiratory therapists must have to succeed are Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS).

Respiratory Therapist JOBS

What Education is Needed to Become a Respiratory Therapist?

What Degree Should I Get to Become a Respiratory Therapist?

The most common degree for respiratory therapists is associate degree 70% of respiratory therapists earn that degree. A close second is bachelor's degree with 22% and rounding it off is master's degree with 3%.

  • Associate, 70%
  • Bachelors, 22%
  • Masters, 3%
  • Diploma, 2%
  • Other Degrees, 3%

What Should I Major in to Become a Respiratory Therapist?

Most respiratory therapists, 72% to be exact, major in medical technician. Some other common majors for a respiratory therapist include business and military applied sciences majors.

Most Common Colleges For Respiratory Therapists

Here are the most common colleges for a respiratory therapist career in the US based on their resumes. Advocates often get their degree in Concorde Career College, Pima Medical Institute, and San Joaquin Valley College .

Respiratory Therapist Common CollegePercentages
Concorde Career College21.17%
Pima Medical Institute15.89%
San Joaquin Valley College8.14%
California College-San Diego6.34%
Independence University5.50%

10 Best Universities For Respiratory Therapists

In a lot of cases, a higher education can mean a higher salary or even a better job. That's why we found out the best colleges for respiratory therapists. We based this list on these metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of students working, ratio of working vs. non-working students 10 years after admission, average cost of attendance and median debt for graduates.

1. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-State Tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

Website

WWW.DUKE.EDU

Address

103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC 27708

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $93,200 per year

Net Price: $23,442 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.91%
SAT Average - 1516
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Biology
Nursing
Psychology
Medical Technician

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-State Tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

Website

https://umich.edu/

Address

2074 Fleming Administration Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1340

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $55,900 per year

Net Price: $16,010 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 22.83%
SAT Average - 1434
ACT Average - 32
Most Popular Majors
Business
Biology
Education
Kinesiology
Nursing

3. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

In-State Tuition

$53,430

Enrollment

5,963

Website

https://www.yale.edu

Address

105 Wall Street, New Haven, CT 06520

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $67,800 per year

Net Price: $18,770 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 6.35%
SAT Average - 1517
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Biology
Public Health
Nursing
Psychology

4. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$55,188

Enrollment

15,105

Website

www.cornell.edu

Address

300 Day Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $76,300 per year

Net Price: $30,494 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 10.61%
SAT Average - 1471
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Business
Psychology
Health Care Administration
Public Health

5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-State Tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

Website

www.unc.edu

Address

103 South Bldg Campus Box 9100, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $49,900 per year

Net Price: $13,918 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 22.71%
SAT Average - 1398
ACT Average - 31
Most Popular Majors
Business
Biology
Psychology
Kinesiology
Nursing

6. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-State Tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

Website

www.northwestern.edu

Address

633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $71,900 per year

Net Price: $24,840 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.47%
SAT Average - 1508
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Business
Liberal Arts
Psychology
Education

7. Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private

In-State Tuition

$54,104

Enrollment

7,089

Website

www.georgetown.edu

Address

37th and O St NW, Washington, DC 20057

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $81,100 per year

Net Price: $30,169 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 14.52%
SAT Average - 1456
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Business
Nursing
Kinesiology
Liberal Arts

8. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

In-State Tuition

$49,816

Enrollment

6,840

Website

www.vanderbilt.edu

Address

2101 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37240

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $61,900 per year

Net Price: $20,253 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 9.61%
SAT Average - 1514
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Education
Biology
Business
Public Health

9. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,381

Enrollment

34,564

Website

www.ufl.edu/

Address

300 SW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,700 per year

Net Price: $8,057 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 38.75%
SAT Average - 1362
ACT Average - 30
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Business
Education
Psychology
Public Health

10. Tufts University

Medford, MA • Private

In-State Tuition

$56,382

Enrollment

5,597

Website

https://www.tufts.edu

Address

Ballou Hall, 2nd Floor, Medford, MA 02155

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $56,600 per year

Net Price: $31,485 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 14.62%
SAT Average - 1461
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Public Health
Psychology
Education
Medical Technician

20 Best Online Courses for Respiratory Therapists

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1. Trauma Emergencies and Care

coursera

Welcome to Trauma Emergencies and Care. In this course, you will learn about some of the mechanics and physics of trauma on the human body, and how this can cause injury. You will continue to expand your new vocabulary with medical terminology, and learn how to describe the different injuries you may see. You will also learn about the trauma system itself- and when it is important to transport patients to a trauma center. Then we will dive into specific injuries based on what part of the body...

See More on Coursera

2. Symptom Management in Palliative Care

coursera

This course should be taken after the Essentials of Palliative Care course and continues building your primary palliative care skills – communication, psychosocial support and goals of care. You will learn how to screen, assess, and manage both physical and psychological symptoms. You will explore common symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and distress and learn specific treatments. You will continue to follow Sarah and Tim’s experience and learn cultural competencies critical for optimal...

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3. Essentials of Palliative Care

coursera

This course starts you on your journey of integrating primary palliative care into your daily lives. You will learn what palliative care is, how to communicate with patients, show empathy, and practice difficult conversations. You will learn how to screen for distress and provide psychosocial support. You will learn about goals of care and advance care planning and how to improve your success with having these conversations with patients. Finally, you will explore important cultural...

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4. Value-Based Care: Managing Processes to Improve Outcomes

coursera

COURSE 3 of 7. This course is designed to introduce you to critical office-based processes that a value-based practice must manage in the drive towards improved patient outcomes. In Module 2, we’ll focus on office-based and clinical patient-based supporting functions. At every level in healthcare, guidelines, processes, and functions exist to improve outcomes, and following a consistent process will return the best effect. Refine your understanding of value and learn strategies to provide real...

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5. Transitions in Care from Survivorship to Hospice

coursera

This course should be taken after the Symptom Management course and continues building your primary palliative care skills – communication, psychosocial support, goals of care, and symptom management. You will explore transitions in care such as survivorship and hospice. You will learn how to create a survivorship care plan and how to best support a patient. The course also covers spiritual care and will teach you how to screen for spiritual distress. Finally, you will learn the requirements...

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6. Palliative Care Always Capstone Course

coursera

The Palliative Care Always Capstone course is designed to let you test your knowledge about palliative and help others understand the value of palliative care, while showing your creative side. In this course, you will impact community awareness about palliative care, promote self-care and wellness, show-off your communication skills in a virtual environment, and finish the course off by proving your thoughts on ways to offer psychosocial support to a patient and family...

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7. Emergency Care: Pregnancy, Infants, and Children

coursera

Welcome to the final course of lectures in your quest to master EMT basics. In this course, we will cover some of the highest-stress patient populations: pregnant patients and kids, also known as pediatrics. To wrap up your EMT knowledge we will end this course with information about hazmat situations, extricating patients from tight spots and finally how you write a note about your patient care. You will learn to ensure it communicates what your assessment of the patient was, what...

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8. Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation

coursera

In this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to assess and stabilize certain types of patients for transport. By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1) assess a basic medical patient 2) describe general pharmacologic principles and the skills associated with medication administration, 3) explain airway physiology, the assessment of the airway and available interventions for airway management, 4) identify, assess and formulate a plan to stabilize a patient with a...

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9. Health After Cancer: Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care

coursera

This course presents basic principles of cancer survivorship to primary-care physicians. Developed by a team of experts in caring for cancer survivors, and narrated by a primary-care physician, this course provides practical tips and tools that can be easily integrated into medical practice. You will learn about the complex physical and psychosocial needs and concerns of the growing number of cancer survivors, along with the key role that primary care physicians have in guiding these patients...

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10. Value-Based Care: Introduction to Value-Based Care and the U.S. Healthcare System

coursera

COURSE 1 of 7. This course is designed to introduce you to the concept of value-based care (VBC). While the information you will explore is general, it will help you establish a solid foundation for continued learning and future thinking about the concept of VBC. Through a historical lens, you will explore the creation of Medicare and Medicaid and the evolution of commercial insurance, TRICARE, and the Veterans Health Administration. While history is an important filter for understanding...

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11. Foundations for Assisting in Home Care

coursera

This course is intended as a self-study course for those interested in exploring a career as a Home Health Aide or Personal Care Aide...

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12. Anatomy: Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Systems

coursera

In this anatomy course, part of the Anatomy Specialization, you will explore the interactive relationships of the cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary systems, and the roles they play in your body. This course is a primer for the cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems in which students learn the pertinent details of the structures and functions through a combination of lectures, videos, labeling activities and quizzes...

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13. Providing Trauma-Informed Care

udemy
4.6
(1,132)

Exploring psychological trauma and how to provide care and compassion to trauma survivors...

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14. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Art Therapy

udemy
4.3
(451)

Become Professional Art Therapist with this Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...

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15. The Complete EMDR Therapy Course - Accredited Certification

udemy
4.3
(412)

International EMDR Training for Self-Healing, Trauma Therapy, Childhood Healing, PTSD, Grief, and Counseling...

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16. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy

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4.3
(323)

Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...

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17. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course

udemy
4.7
(2,032)

Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...

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18. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches

udemy
4.5
(1,386)

Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...

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19. Massage Therapy

udemy
4.6
(996)

Massage Therapy Course 101...

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20. Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems

edX (Global)

The human body is an amalgamation of specialised and complex systems. Normal, healthy body functions rely on a symphony of these systems, dynamically working in concert to keep us in a stable homeostatic state. This course begins by examining the unconscious regulation of body systems by the autonomic nervous system, helping us respond when homeostasis is challenged. We then explore the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in depth, providing an integrative perspective. We investigate the...

See More on edX

Best Respiratory Therapist Certifications in 2023

1. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

The Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination objectively measures essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of respiratory therapists at entry into practice. Passing the TMC Examination and wearing the CRT badge of distinction signals to employers, colleagues and patients that you are committed to excellence in respiratory care. Additionally, all 49 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care use the CRT or RRT credential as the basis for state licensure.

The Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination objectively measures essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of respiratory therapists at entry into practice. Passing the TMC Examination and wearing the CRT badge of distinction signals to employers, colleagues and patients that you are committed to excellence in respiratory care. Additionally, all 49 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care use the CRT or RRT credential as the basis for state licensure.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)

2. Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS)

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that drive better patient outcomes. Consistent with AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC. Covers breathing and cardiac emergencies - including CPR, AED, and obstructed airway - for adult, child, and infant patients. Free, two-year digital "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" certificate upon course completion..

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that drive better patient outcomes. Consistent with AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC. Covers breathing and cardiac emergencies - including CPR, AED, and obstructed airway - for adult, child, and infant patients. Free, two-year digital "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" certificate upon course completion..

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Basic Life Support for...

3. Basic Life Support (BLS)

The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.

The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Basic Life Support
Certifying Organization
American Heart Association

4. Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist (RRT-NPS)

The Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialty Examination is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of respiratory therapists in this specialty area. Achievement of the CRT credential plus one year of clinical experience in neonatal/pediatric respiratory care or the RRT credential is required for admission to the Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty Examination.

The Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialty Examination is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of respiratory therapists in this specialty area. Achievement of the CRT credential plus one year of clinical experience in neonatal/pediatric respiratory care or the RRT credential is required for admission to the Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty Examination.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)

5. Certification in Pediatric Anesthesiology (PA)

The pediatric anesthesiology discipline includes the evaluation, preparation and management of pediatric patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in operative and critical care settings. In addition, this discipline also entails the evaluation and treatment of children with acute and chronic painful disorders.

The pediatric anesthesiology discipline includes the evaluation, preparation and management of pediatric patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in operative and critical care settings. In addition, this discipline also entails the evaluation and treatment of children with acute and chronic painful disorders.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 7 year(s)
Certifying Organization
American Board of Anesthesiology

6. Certificate of Completion - Mechanical Ventilation

The Mechanical Ventilation Certificate of Completion Program provides hands-on experience troubleshooting mechanical ventilation, describing basic features of positive pressure breathing, exploiting ventilator graphics using equation of motion, and identifying key determinants of ventilator-induced lung injury. Become an expert at determining conventional settings for treating acute respiratory failure, as well as integrating new strategies for providing life support while simultaneously protecting the lung.

The Mechanical Ventilation Certificate of Completion Program provides hands-on experience troubleshooting mechanical ventilation, describing basic features of positive pressure breathing, exploiting ventilator graphics using equation of motion, and identifying key determinants of ventilator-induced lung injury. Become an expert at determining conventional settings for treating acute respiratory failure, as well as integrating new strategies for providing life support while simultaneously protecting the lung.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
American College of Chest...

Entry Level Jobs For Becoming A Respiratory Therapist

Top 10 Affordable Universities For Respiratory Therapists

If those top 10 were a bit out of your price range, you might want to check these schools instead. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price and mean earnings after 6 years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for respiratory therapists.

1. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-State Tuition

$5,620

Cost of Attendance

18,136

Website

www.byu.edu

Address

Main Campus, Provo, UT 84602

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $46,600 per year

Net Price: $13,181 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 64.47%
SAT Average - 1324
ACT Average - 29
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Education
Accounting
Business
Psychology

2. Minot State University

Minot, ND • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,064

Cost of Attendance

15,576

Website

www.minotstateu.edu

Address

500 University Ave W, Minot, ND 58707

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,300 per year

Net Price: $10,920 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 50.10%
SAT Average - 1059
ACT Average - 21
Most Popular Majors
Education
Business
Liberal Arts
Nursing
General Education, Specific Areas

3. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,556

Cost of Attendance

19,434

Website

www.fiu.edu

Address

11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $41,500 per year

Net Price: $8,311 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 58.56%
SAT Average - 1185
ACT Average - 25
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Psychology
Business
Liberal Arts
Education

4. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-State Tuition

$4,094

Cost of Attendance

14,302

Website

https://www.uprm.edu

Address

Call Box 9000, Mayaguez, PR 00681

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,700 per year

Net Price: $8,584 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 63.51%

5. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$5,656

Cost of Attendance

21,623

Website

www.fsu.edu

Address

222 South Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1470

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,700 per year

Net Price: $10,744 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 36.78%
SAT Average - 1289
ACT Average - 28
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Education
Accounting

6. Augusta University

Augusta, GA • Private

In-State Tuition

$8,604

Cost of Attendance

20,618

Website

www.augusta.edu

Address

1120 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30912

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $52,300 per year

Net Price: $13,438 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 80.06%
SAT Average - 1172
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Education
Biology
Psychology
Business

7. University of Colorado Denver

Denver, CO • Private

In-State Tuition

$9,283

Cost of Attendance

22,243

Website

www.ucdenver.edu/

Address

13120 E. 19th Ave #C288-18, Aurora, CO 80045

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $48,700 per year

Net Price: $15,446 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 63.63%
SAT Average - 1132
ACT Average - 24
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Biology
Nursing
Public Health

8. Maine College of Health Professions

Lewiston, ME • Private

In-State Tuition

$12,245

Cost of Attendance

18,826

Website

www.mchp.edu

Address

70 Middle Street, Lewiston, ME 04240

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,200 per year

Net Price: $14,418 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 47.83%
SAT Average - 925
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Medical Technician

9. SUNY Stony Brook

Stony Brook, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$9,625

Cost of Attendance

24,718

Website

https://www.stonybrook.edu

Address

100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794-1401

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $44,000 per year

Net Price: $14,893 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 41.98%
SAT Average - 1326
ACT Average - 29
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Nursing
Business
Psychology
Health Sciences And Services

10. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Arecibo

Arecibo, PR • Private

In-State Tuition

$5,872

Cost of Attendance

13,476

Website

www.arecibo.inter.edu/

Address

P. O. Box 4050, Arecibo, PR 00614-4050

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $19,300 per year

Net Price: $8,438 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 28.28%

Top 10 Hardest Universities To Get Into For Respiratory Therapists

Some people like a challenge. Well, we challenge you to get into one of these schools. It's not going to be easy. We know this based on these institutions' admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted and mean earnings of students 6 years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions Rate

8%

SAT Average

1,508

Website

www.northwestern.edu

Address

633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $71,900 per year

Net Price: $24,840 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.47%
SAT Average - 1508
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Business
Liberal Arts
Psychology
Education

2. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions Rate

10%

SAT Average

1,514

Website

www.vanderbilt.edu

Address

2101 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37240

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $61,900 per year

Net Price: $20,253 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 9.61%
SAT Average - 1514
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Education
Biology
Business
Public Health

3. University of Tulsa

Tulsa, OK • Private

Admissions Rate

41%

SAT Average

1,321

Website

https://utulsa.edu

Address

800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104-3189

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $50,400 per year

Net Price: $22,817 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 40.77%
SAT Average - 1321
ACT Average - 29
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Business
Accounting
Psychology
Nursing

4. Tufts University

Medford, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

15%

SAT Average

1,461

Website

https://www.tufts.edu

Address

Ballou Hall, 2nd Floor, Medford, MA 02155

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $56,600 per year

Net Price: $31,485 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 14.62%
SAT Average - 1461
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Public Health
Psychology
Education
Medical Technician

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

22%

SAT Average

1,420

Website

www.bu.edu

Address

One Silber Way, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02215

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $52,800 per year

Net Price: $30,729 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 22.09%
SAT Average - 1420
ACT Average - 32
Most Popular Majors
Business
Biology
Education
Public Health
General Education, Specific Areas

6. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions Rate

58%

SAT Average

1,304

Website

www.slu.edu

Address

One Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63103-2097

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,000 per year

Net Price: $27,861 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 57.53%
SAT Average - 1304
ACT Average - 28
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Biology
Education
Business
Public Health

7. University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions Rate

59%

SAT Average

1,367

Website

www.pitt.edu

Address

4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $44,300 per year

Net Price: $28,758 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 59.27%
SAT Average - 1367
ACT Average - 31
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Education
Psychology
Nursing
Business

8. SUNY Stony Brook

Stony Brook, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

42%

SAT Average

1,326

Website

https://www.stonybrook.edu

Address

100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794-1401

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $44,000 per year

Net Price: $14,893 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 41.98%
SAT Average - 1326
ACT Average - 29
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Nursing
Business
Psychology
Health Sciences And Services

9. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

Admissions Rate

6%

SAT Average

1,517

Website

https://www.yale.edu

Address

105 Wall Street, New Haven, CT 06520

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $67,800 per year

Net Price: $18,770 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 6.35%
SAT Average - 1517
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Biology
Public Health
Nursing
Psychology

10. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

19%

SAT Average

1,466

Website

www.northeastern.edu

Address

360 Huntington Ave, 110CH, Boston, MA 02115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $57,800 per year

Net Price: $31,855 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 19.34%
SAT Average - 1466
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Nursing
Accounting
Health Care Administration
Education

Top 10 Easier To Apply Universities For Respiratory Therapists

Why make getting a job harder on yourself than it has to be? With these colleges, you're sure to be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores and average salary of students 6 years after graduation in order to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into.

1. AdventHealth University

Orlando, FL • Private

Admissions Rate

87%

SAT Average

1,016

Website

www.ahu.edu

Address

671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $53,500 per year

Net Price: $17,211 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 86.89%
SAT Average - 1016
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Medical Technician
Health Care Administration
Biology
Medical Assisting Services

2. Life University

Marietta, GA • Private

Admissions Rate

94%

SAT Average

979

Website

www.life.edu

Address

1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $36,500 per year

Net Price: $26,841 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 93.63%
SAT Average - 979
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Biology
Psychology
Business
Liberal Arts
Medical Technician

3. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

100%

SAT Average

1,072

Website

www.dyc.edu

Address

320 Porter Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201-1084

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $50,600 per year

Net Price: $20,345 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 99.60%
SAT Average - 1072
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Biology
Medical Technician
Business
Public Health

4. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions Rate

92%

SAT Average

1,031

Website

https://www.gmercyu.edu/

Address

1325 Sumneytown Pike, P. O. Box 901, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437-0901

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $48,000 per year

Net Price: $23,213 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 92.00%
SAT Average - 1031
ACT Average - 21
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Education
Business
Medical Technician
General Education, Specific Areas

5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Standish, ME • Private

Admissions Rate

84%

SAT Average

1,069

Website

www.sjcme.edu

Address

278 White's Bridge Road, Standish, ME 04084-5263

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $42,500 per year

Net Price: $26,405 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 83.62%
SAT Average - 1069
ACT Average - 21
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Education
Health Care Administration
Medical Technician
Biology

6. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions Rate

99%

SAT Average

1,008

Website

www.laroche.edu

Address

9000 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5898

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $35,900 per year

Net Price: $19,947 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 99.39%
SAT Average - 1008
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Biology
Accounting
Psychology
Medical Technician

7. Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Canton, OH • Private

Admissions Rate

75%

SAT Average

1,085

Website

https://www.aultmancollege.edu

Address

2600 Sixth Street SW, Canton, OH 44710-1799

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $50,700 per year

Net Price: $19,789 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 74.63%
SAT Average - 1085
ACT Average - 21
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Medical Technician

8. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions Rate

86%

SAT Average

991

Website

www.kean.edu

Address

1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083-0411

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,000 per year

Net Price: $18,547 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 85.98%
SAT Average - 991
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Education
Psychology
Biology
Business
Accounting

9. Thomas More University

Crestview Hills, KY • Private

Admissions Rate

90%

SAT Average

1,099

Website

www.thomasmore.edu

Address

333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills, KY 41017-3495

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $46,700 per year

Net Price: $17,828 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 90.03%
SAT Average - 1099
ACT Average - 22
Most Popular Majors
Business
Biology
Liberal Arts
Nursing
Education

10. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions Rate

91%

SAT Average

1,006

Website

www.barry.edu

Address

11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $43,700 per year

Net Price: $17,937 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 91.25%
SAT Average - 1006
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Business
Biology
Nursing
Medical Technician
Education

Average Respiratory Therapist Salary by Education Level

Respiratory therapists with a Bachelors degree earn more than those without, at $64,105 annually. With a Associate degree, respiratory therapists earn a median annual income of $57,715.

Respiratory Therapist Education LevelRespiratory Therapist Salary
Bachelor's Degree$64,105
Some College/ Associate Degree$57,715

Respiratory Therapist Internship Jobs

Respiratory Therapist Jobs