Respiratory Therapy Program

The Entry Into Practice BSRT Program prepares students who have completed their first two years of pre-requisite coursework to become respiratory therapists. The program consists of:

• 60 credits of general education and core competency requirements that students can complete at Jefferson or transfer from a regionally accredited institution. 
• 60 credits of major respiratory therapy foundational courses.
• All didactic coursework will be fully online for students located in Denver and Philadelphia.
• Clinical and Lab experiences will be completed at local affiliated institutions in either the Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, or Denver, CO.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialing exam offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and will be eligible to apply for licensure to practice. 

What is Respiratory Therapy?

Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients with lung and heart problems. They administer medications, manage airways and perform cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. ​Respiratory therapists play a critical role in healthcare and work in emergency rooms, intensive care units, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and even sleep centers. To learn more about the respiratory therapist profession, review this video developed by Be An RT.

Job responsibilities include:

• Manage ventilators
• Asess lung capacity
• Perform diagnotic tests
• Develop and implement treatment plans 
• Monitor and record progress of treatment plan 
• Educate patients about diseases and their treatments 

How much do Respiratory Therapists make?

Respiratory Therapy is a health profession in demand. According to BLS, Respiratory Therapists (RTs) have an overall growth rate of 13% (much faster than average). The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in May 2024 is $80,450.

The Degree Advancement program allows licensed Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) who have completed an Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited CoARC program to earn a BS in Respiratory Therapy. The program consists of:

• Up to 80 transfer credits including at least 40 credits of General Education courses completed at a regionally accredited institution.
• 40 credits of respiratory therapy advanced courses and electives.
• All coursework will be fully online.
• Accelerated 8-week format

Why should I consider a BSRT?

Respiratory therapy is a profession in transition. Earning a BSRT will advance your career and eventually advance the field. Jefferson’s BSRT program prepares you not only to become a better clinician, but also in research, teaching and learning, and leadership and management. The program will advance your knowledge and expertise.

Tuition for the Entry into Practice and Degree Advancement options are listed on the Tuition page here.  

Other Estimated Costs: 

Entry into Practice 
Books - $1,000
Therapist Multiple Choice SAE - $100
Clinical Simulation SAE - $140
Clearances - $150
Scrubs - $150 
Stethoscope and other supplies - $100 
Total: $1,640

Degree Advancement
Books - $500 

Is the program online?

The program is hybrid. All didactic coursework is completed online. Labs are conducted at state-of-the-art clinical simulation centers located in three cities: Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, and Denver.

Where do I do clinicals?

Clinicals are completed in the Philadelphia metro, Lehigh Valley, PA area as well as Denver, CO for our students living in Denver. Students are placed at major academic medical centers, children’s hospitals, outpatient clinics, and acute rehabilitation centers in these regions, and are required to complete 800 clinical hours as part of the program.

Can I work while being in the program?

Yes, you can work while being in the program. We recommend not more than 24 hours per week.

I have not completed all my prerequisites. When can I apply?

We require you to have all the prerequisites completed prior to the start of the program. If you have completed most of the prerequisites (48 credits or more), we welcome you to submit your application online.

Where can I work after graduation?

Respiratory therapists are in high demand. Hospitals in most regions are looking to hire RTs. Most of our students receive job offers during their clinical placements. Our students currently work at Jefferson Health, AtlantiCare, and Cooper University Health in the Philadelphia metro region. 

Is the program online?

Yes, the program is 100% online and asynchronous.

Can I work while being in the program?

Yes, most of our students work full-time as respiratory therapists.

Do I need to work at Jefferson to do this program?

No, you can work at any institution. As long as you’re a graduate of a CoARC-accredited program, have earned the RRT credential, and have maintained the recommended GPA, you can join and complete the program.

How long does it take to complete the program?

You can complete the program in less than two years. We allow up to six years to complete. Most of our students are working full-time and taking courses part-time, with an average completion time of three years.

What can I do with a BSRT degree?

Many students continue to work clinically in respiratory therapy, whereas some students plan to apply for management roles, or education programs (Physician Assistant, Cardiovascular Perfusion, MBA).