Bachelor's Degree for Respiratory Therapists

Advance Your Respiratory Therapy Career with the region's ONLY online Bachelor's Degree completion option.

Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat all types of patients, from premature infants lacking fully developed lungs to adults suffering from labored breathing to elderly persons whose lungs have become diseased.

The profession continues to grow and embrace a more holistic role that not only includes acute care at the patient's bedside but also preventive care and patient education. 

A bachelor's degree is the future of the profession as determined by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). By earning your Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with Nebraska Methodist College, you'll be well-positioned to become a leader in your field.

Program Information

The Bachelor's degree program offers unique program qualities:

• The only online degree completion option in the region
• Multiple points of entry:
  • On Campus Dual degree option (4 year degree - Earn your Associate's and your Bachelor's)
  • Degree completion for associate degree graduates - for RRTs looking to earn a bachelor degree
• Curriculum supports the changing role of the respiratory therapist and includes content in health promotion, health education, leadership, case management and healthcare policy.
• Focuses on the holistic nature of the respiratory care profession.

Spanish Minor Option

• Students have the option to enroll in the Spanish for Healthcare Professionals minor

Respiratory Therapist Salary & Job Outlook

According to O*Net Online, the median salary in 2014 for a Respiratory Therapist in the U.S. was $56,730 per year ($27.27 per hour), while the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a faster than average job growth of 19 percent between 2012 and 2022.

Graduates are prepared to serve the community in various roles within the healthcare community such as a(n):

• Respiratory Care Department Manager/ Director
• Health Education Specialist- for management of respiratory-related conditions, case management and, depending on current legislation, as a physician extender for home healthcare
• Educator in Respiratory Care Program (course, lab or clinical instructor; clinical coordinator; program director)
• Health Promotion Manager or community agency employee (i.e. American Lung Association)

Which degree is right for me?

Nebraska Methodist College offers two program options based on your current level of education and certification. Please review these options below.