If you are interested in working in respiratory therapy, you will love that fact that there are well over 300 schools that you can attend. However, if none of these schools are in your area, you can enroll of one of the respiratory therapist schools online. In the past, these programs were accredited through the CAAHEP (Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). Currently, however, they are accredited by the COARC (Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care).
The CAAHEP website allowed prospective students to search for respiratory therapist schools online. The COARC website does not allow people to narrow their search so that it only includes online programs. The COARC will allow you to search for programs based upon several factors. These factors include the state in which you want to study, whether you want an introductory or advanced level certification, and whether you want a bachelors, associates, or masters degree. If you want to find an online program, you will need to look through each program on the COARC’s list, or you will need to do an independent internet search.
When you search online for programs, you will find ones like the program offered by Independence University. This program costs approximately $27, 000. If you do not currently hold a degree, you may be able to get grants or low interest loans to cover this cost. If you are troubled by the idea of incurring debt, you should not worry. Rather, you should see this figure as an investment. Most experts claim that you should only borrow an amount of money that is equal to or less than the amount that you are likely to earn during your first year in that industry. On the very low end of the earnings scale, respiratory therapists make just under $40,000 per year. On the high end of the scale, they make just over $70,000. Thus, $27,000 is a very reasonable amount to pay for your degree.
The online respiratory therapy program at Independence University lasts 44 months. However, it can be completed in as quickly as 25 months. While enrolled in the program, students will take a number of science classes and patient care classes online. They will also choose a local facility where they will complete their clinical instruction. A local RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) will serve as their clinical instructor.
The program at IU is fairly representative of what you can expect to find when you look at respiratory therapist schools online. As long as the school is accredited, you can trust that they will give you the education that you need. At the conclusion of your degree, you must take an exam and become licensed through the NBRC (national Board for Respiratory Care).
