Online Respiratory Therapy Technician Schools: How to Choose

Respiratory therapy technicians assist respiratory therapists with various procedures that patients may undergo to treat lung or airway conditions. Online degrees are offered at associate's and bachelor's degree levels.

How to Choose an Online School for Respiratory Therapy Technology

Program Objectives and Degree Availability

There are generally two types of degrees for respiratory therapy technicians with online components. The first type is a hybrid associate's degree for those who wish to enter the field of respiratory therapy. This type of degree normally allows students to complete most of the textbook portion of their courses online, while still requiring students to complete clinical portions of their studies in a traditional format.
The second type is a bachelor's degree designed for practicing respiratory therapy technicians or respiratory therapists who wish to finish their bachelor's degree while still working full time. Admission requirements for this type of program vary, but often include either registered respiratory therapist status or prior completion of an accredited degree program.

Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements for respiratory therapy technicians vary from state to state, so prospective technicians should check their state's licensing requirements and be sure before enrolling in a program that it meets those requirements. Many states require respiratory therapy technicians to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). To gain accreditation, these programs must generally require that students attend clinical sessions in person.

Online Programs for Respiratory Therapy Technicians

Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy Technology

Associate's degree programs in respiratory therapy technology may be designed as preparatory programs for aspiring respiratory technicians, in which case they may be hybrid programs or may simply provide coursework without addressing students' clinical requirements. Normally, associate's degrees in this field offer courses that vary in flexibility and time requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy - Completion Program

A bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy is often designed as a completion program for those who are already working in the respiratory therapy field. Students may study on a flexible or accelerated track to complete a bachelor's degree online while still working full time. Work experience may substitute for some program credits, but students will likely need to complete some program-specific coursework and substantial general education requirements.