Easiest Respiratory Therapy Degree Programs for 2025

Respiratory therapists treat patients with pulmonary diseases, working in medical settings like hospitals and nursing care facilities, and their skills continue to be highly sought after and in demand.

To become a respiratory therapist, individuals must at least graduate from an associate-level program, which is one of the easiest respiratory therapy degrees to obtain.

Read on to explore the easiest degrees in respiratory therapy that provide the background and training to perform lifesaving treatments and diagnostic testing in respiratory care.

What Is the Easiest Respiratory Therapy Degree You Can Earn?

The level of difficulty in achieving any college degree depends on the person and various factors. However, some of the easier respiratory therapy degrees you can earn are shorter in length through two-year associate programs.

Students can obtain the following degree types in the field:

• Associate Degree in respiratory therapy
• Bachelor's Degree in respiratory therapy
• Master's Degree in respiratory therapy

Many associate-level programs are available at accredited colleges nationwide, with several offering distance education and reasonable tuition for obtaining a degree and becoming a respiratory therapist.

What Makes an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy Easier?

Earning an associate degree in respiratory therapy only requires around two years to complete and about 75 total credits.

Many associate degree programs are offered in a hybrid learning format, combining flexible online coursework with onsite labs and clinical requirements, giving adult learners with busy schedules an easier way to get their respiratory therapy degree.

Several community colleges offer some of the easiest and financially affordable two-year degrees in respiratory therapy, which often have high acceptance rates and require fewer credits to graduate.

What Topics Are Covered in a Respiratory Therapy Associate Program?

An associate degree in respiratory therapy program typically prepares students to sit for the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing examination to become a respiratory therapist.

The topics covered in these undergraduate programs include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Asthma education
• Breathing disorders

The curriculum gives prospective respiratory therapists versatile knowledge they can apply across many sectors in various jobs.

Students learn essential transferable skills, including:

• Compassion
• Communication
• Attention to detail
• Critical-thinking
• Interpersonal skills

This degree advances the careers of those who are dedicated and committed to saving lives and improving the quality of life for others of all ages.

Colleges Offering Associate Degrees in Respiratory Therapy

The following colleges offer associate degrees in respiratory therapy through online education.

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo Community College in Colorado offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in respiratory therapy, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and has a 100% acceptance rate.

This degree program requires 74 credits and teaches principles and applications in treating acute or chronic cardiopulmonary diseases. These skills prepare students to work in rehabilitation centers or acute care programs.

University of Saint Francis

The University of Saint Francis in Indiana offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in respiratory therapy in a hybrid format. It has a 98% acceptance rate and requires 75 credits, taking about 18 months to complete.

After finishing this program, graduates can apply to take the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam from the National Board for Respiratory Care, and once they pass, apply for licensure to practice in their state.

Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College has a 100% acceptance rate, allowing a wide range of students to achieve their higher education goals. The school offers an Associate of Science degree in respiratory care through online learning.

It provides training in advanced life support and critical patient services, covering topics such as pharmacology and lung expansion therapy, requiring 76 total credits to graduate.

Northland Community and Technical College

Northland Community and Technical College in Minnesota offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in respiratory therapy via online education, which requires 78 credits to complete.

Coursework provides instruction for students in medical terminology and the education of patients and families, covering subjects like diagnostic procedures, adult critical care, and non-acute respiratory care.

Kent State University

Kent State University in Ohio offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in respiratory therapy accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care through its online programs.

It provides hands-on training and comprehensive knowledge in the field with course discussions on topics such as mechanical ventilation, critical patient care, and therapeutics.

What Can I Do With a Respiratory Therapy Degree?

A respiratory therapist ranks among the top 100 best jobs in the nation, according to US News and World Report, and earning an associate degree puts students in a position to embark on a fulfilling path toward entry-level practice.

Graduates of associate degree programs take on job roles in various settings, such as:

• Assistant living centers
• Health and wellness centers
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Nursing homes
• Hospitals

In addition to respiratory therapists, individuals with a degree in the field can opt to further their certification or specialize in areas and pursue jobs as sleep disorder specialists or pulmonary function technologists.

Is an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy Worth It?

Yes! An associate degree in respiratory therapy is worth it and recommended for those looking to enter an in-demand field that is both fulfilling and rewarding in providing healthcare services to others.

It also offers opportunities for job security when obtaining various roles in medical settings that typically provide high-paying salaries and the potential for career advancement in the healthcare industry.

An associate-level education gives students the necessary foundational skills to meet the minimum requirements for becoming respiratory therapists, usually in two years or less, making it a valuable investment.

Those with an associate degree often choose to transfer into a bachelor's program to further their knowledge and open themselves up to better-paying job roles.

Learn About the Easiest Respiratory Therapy Degrees Today

If you're ready to begin a successful career as a respiratory therapist, you can start achieving your goals today. Reach out to one of the colleges or universities above to learn more about how to earn your degree in respiratory therapy today.