Best Master’s in Respiratory Therapy Programs

Respiratory therapists care for patients dealing with breathing-related conditions. Learn how to get an online master’s in respiratory therapy.
Juliann Scholl, Ph.D.
By
Edited by
Updated December 18, 2024
chevron-up
Why Trust BestColleges
  • graphs

    3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed

  • Phone

    6,000+ Users connected with programs every month

  • 300+ College and university partners

  • 40+ Expert reviewers

Respiratory therapy represents a medical specialty addressing pulmonary or lung-related conditions like asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A master’s in respiratory therapy takes about two years to complete. Students might shorten that time by enrolling in an accelerated online program.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate tuition and fees cost an average of $19,792 per academic year in 2020-2021. Private and out-of-state graduate school students typically pay more. In addition to tuition, students should consider other costs like transportation, student services, books and supplies, and technology fees. Students wanting to save money can pursue an online master’s in respiratory therapy, which can help them avoid paying for housing and some on-campus services.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that respiratory therapy jobs will grow 23% between 2020-2030, exceeding the average growth rate of 8% for all occupations. Respiratory therapists earned a median annual salary of $61,830 in 2021, which exceeds the average salary of $45,760 for all occupations. The bottom 10% of professionals in this field made less than $47,380, while the top 10% earned over $95,540 in the same year.

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Add up to three schools to compare

badge-check Our Top Pick

Bellarmine University – Louisville, Kentucky

Why It’s #1: Bellarmine University sits at the top of our list of best master’s in respiratory therapy programs. The program boasts a 66% graduation rate — one of the highest on this list. It also reports a 100% job placement rate. Tuition costs $690 per credit hour, with 100% of students receiving financial aid. This program has a number-one nationwide ranking in at least two higher education polls.

Best Accredited Master’s in Respiratory Therapy Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
chevron-down

How We Rank Schools

#1

Bellarmine University

  • Louisville, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $690
Out of State | $690

Credits to Graduate
72

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Bellarmine University's master of health science in respiratory therapy allows students to pursue the health promotion and social change track or the leadership track. The program offers courses in neonatal and pediatric care, advanced life support, and clinical education.

Application requirements include a bachelor's degree, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and a "C" or higher on specified prerequisite courses. Students must also participate in an interview and submit official transcripts, two references, and a personal statement.

12%

Online Enrollment

$11,734

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$11,734

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
3,331
Institution Type
Private
#2

Rush University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $766
Out of State | $766

Semester Hours to Graduate
92

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Rush University in Chicago, Illinois offers a master of science in respiratory care — the only program of its kind in the state. Students can choose between the two-year MS track or the advanced MS track for those already with a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential.

For admission consideration, students must hold a bachelor's degree and a 2.5 cumulative and science GPA. Applicants also need to submit official transcripts, provide three references, and take part in an on-campus interview. Prospective students must also schedule a shadowing session at Rush University Medical Center.

53%

Online Enrollment

$37,116

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$37,116

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
2,755
Institution Type
Private
#3

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

  • San Antonio, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

100% Online | Course Format (i.e., Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes)

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $301
Out of State | $709

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers an onlineMS in respiratory care for professionals with the RRT credential. The program emphasizes preparing graduates for leadership roles in respiratory care.

Admission requirements include an RRT credential or the equivalent, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and two recommendation letters. The school highly recommends that applicants show evidence of physician shadowing.

3%

Online Enrollment

$ 3,114

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$11,772

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
3,386
Institution Type
Public
#4

Loma Linda University

  • Loma Linda, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $612
Out of State | $612

Units to Graduate
45

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Linda Loma University offers a master of science in respiratory care (MSRC). Students can complete the program in one year of full-time study. Students can specialize in advanced clinical practice, education, leadership and management, polysomnography (sleep diagnostics), and research. Graduation requirements include a capstone project. 

To apply, students must hold a bachelor's from an accredited school, an RRT credential, and at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also participate in an interview.

27%

Online Enrollment

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
4,462
Institution Type
Private
#5

Weber State University

  • Ogden, UT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $542
Out of State | $1,601

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Weber State University offers a master of science in respiratory therapy. Students choose a concentration in education, research, or health administrative services. Some out-of-state applicants might qualify for in-state tuition rates.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, an RRT credential, and healthcare experience. Students should also show a minimum 3.0 GPA within the last 60 semester hours of their undergraduate curriculum. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may gain acceptance with an acceptable score on the Miller's Analogy examination or the GRE.

35%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,476

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

66%

Retention Rate

$16,656

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
29,644
Institution Type
Public
#6

Youngstown State University

  • Youngstown, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

100% Online | Asynchronous Courses

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $447
Out of State | Extra $15 per Credit Hour

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Youngstown State University offers an online master of respiratory care (MRC). The core curriculum provides a foundation in clinical research, leadership development, and technology applications.

Program applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also hold a state license and RRT credential. Prospective students should obtain membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care to access materials related to their coursework.

37%

Online Enrollment

$6,058

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$9,058

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
12,110
Institution Type
Public
#7

Texas State University

  • San Marcos, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

100% Online for Core Courses and Traditional Track, Hybrid for Polysomnography Track | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $357
Out of State | $765

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Texas State University offers a master of science in respiratory care. The program requires 24 credit hours of core courses and 12 credits in a leadership or polysomnography concentration.

To apply, students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and at least a 2.75 GPA within the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, proof of an RRT credential, and resume. In addition, they must provide a purpose statement and three recommendation letters.

30%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,751

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

76%

Retention Rate

$15,191

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
38,187
Institution Type
Public

Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory Therapy Programs

Yes. Earning an online master’s degree in respiratory therapy does not limit students who want to keep their employment options open. This degree provides access to jobs in education, administration, case management, and various healthcare specialties.

In addition to the BLS’s projected growth rate of 23% for respiratory therapy jobs, this career might appear especially rewarding to professionals who care about making a difference in patients’ lives.

Explore More College Resources

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists help people with communication and swallowing disorders. Learn how to become a speech pathologist.

Staff Writers

by Staff Writers

Updated April 26, 2022