Why Now Is the Time to Earn Your Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy Online
If you’ve earned your associate degree in respiratory care and hold the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, completing your bachelor’s in respiratory therapy online can be a smart next step in your professional journey.
Trends in the profession, developments in healthcare services and the COVID-19 pandemic have created unprecedented demand for bachelor’s-prepared respiratory therapists—making now an ideal time to advance your education.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13% through 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations.
Rowan University is leading the way with the only Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) program in New Jersey—a Degree Advancement pathway with 100% online coursework designed exclusively for transfer students. Backed by partnerships with several major hospital systems and holding Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), Rowan’s program aligns with the real-world needs of today’s healthcare environment.
Here are 10 reasons why completing your bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy online is a smart move.
1. Advance Your Career as a Practicing RRT
The field of respiratory therapy is evolving, and many hospitals and healthcare organizations now prefer—or even require—a bachelor’s in respiratory therapy to move into roles beyond bedside care. A bachelor’s program is designed to help you gain additional knowledge, skills and attributes in leadership, management, education, research and/or advanced clinical practice. It prepares you to meet your professional goals and step into higher-level and more specialized positions in the field.
2. Keep Working While You Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
When you’re managing a full-time job, family responsibilities and everything else life throws at you, the idea of going back to school can feel out of reach. That’s why Rowan’s degree advancement program with 100% online coursework is built for working respiratory therapists—offering flexible, asynchronous coursework you can fit into your own schedule. No need to relocate or pause your career—keep moving forward without putting the rest of your life on hold.
“Rowan’s online BSRT Degree Advancement program offered me a seamless way to complete my degree while continuing to work full-time and care for my family.” – Heather M.
3. Complete Your Degree in 12-18 Months
You’ve already put in the work to earn your associate degree and RRT credential—now it’s time to build on that momentum. Because this program requires just 30 additional credits, you can finish your bachelor’s degree in 12-18 months—getting you closer to your career goals, faster.
4. Maximize the Credits You’ve Earned
Rowan’s online degree advancement program is open exclusively to transfer students who graduated from an accredited associate degree program in respiratory care and hold an active RRT credential. We recognize the value of your past education and experience and make it easy to transfer many of the credits you’ve already earned. That means less time in school, more credit for what you’ve accomplished and a faster path to your next career milestone.
5. Study on a Schedule That Works for You
One of the biggest advantages of completing your bachelor’s in respiratory therapy online is flexibility. Whether you’re working full time, raising a family, returning to school after a break or all of the above—online learning gives you the freedom to study when and where it works best for you. With fully asynchronous courses, you’re in control of your schedule. That’s what makes online bachelor’s in respiratory therapy programs so accessible and practical for working RRTs.
Jeff P., BSRT, RRT-ACCS, CPFT, was drawn to Rowan University’s bachelor’s in respiratory therapy program for how well it fit into his life—by being fully online, it allowed him to continue working full time as a respiratory manager for Virtua Health.
6. Build Specialized Leadership Skills
This program isn’t just about earning another degree—it’s about becoming a stronger, more versatile professional. Rowan’s B.S. in Respiratory Therapy offers forward-thinking coursework to help you build additional skills in leadership, management, education, research and advanced clinical practice.
You’ll explore how to manage patients in advanced care settings, such as critical care environments and outpatient testing. This knowledge will help you stay current with evolving standards of care while boosting your clinical confidence and career mobility.
“This program deepened my vision for the future of respiratory therapy, empowering me to lead with purpose, strengthen patient care, and own my growth as a respiratory therapist and leader.” – Tammy D.
With courses like Evidence-based Practice, Healthcare Delivery and Quality, and Leadership in Respiratory Care, you’ll be prepared to take on additional responsibility and move forward in your career with confidence.
To view the full list of courses and official program requirements, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
7. Qualify for New Career Opportunities
With a bachelor’s in respiratory therapy, you’ll qualify for more advanced roles across clinical, educational and leadership settings. Career paths may include:
- Respiratory therapy supervisor or manager
- Clinical educator or instructor
- Pulmonary case manager
- Home healthcare specialist
- Research or quality assurance roles in healthcare
- Specialized roles in disease management and sleep-related disorders
This degree isn’t just about where you are today—it’s about where you want to be tomorrow.
8. Benefit From Experts Who Care About Your Success
At Rowan University, you’re not just another student—you’re part of a supportive learning community. Our faculty are experienced respiratory therapists, health care professionals, educators and authors who understand the field and what it takes to succeed. They bring real-world experience, personalized guidance and meaningful mentorship into every online course, helping you build the confidence and skills to advance in your career.
9. Save with Affordable Tuition and Financial Aid Options
Higher education should be within reach. Rowan works hard to keep tuition affordable while offering financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help make your degree more accessible.
Plus, online programs often come at a lower cost than traditional in-person degrees—without the added expense of commuting or relocating.
10. Stay Competitive in a Growing Field
The demand for respiratory therapists is stronger than ever, with an increasing need for professionals who have advanced training. More employers are looking for bachelor’s-prepared respiratory therapists, and completing your bachelor’s degree now can help you stay ahead in a field that’s constantly evolving.
Advance Your Career with Rowan’s Online RRT to BSRT Degree Completion Program
Designed for transfer students only, Rowan University’s B.S. in Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement program with 100% online coursework—the only BSRT program currently offered in New Jersey—is built to fit into your busy life while helping you gain the leadership, management and research skills to reach your goals. Whether you’re dreaming of advancing in your career as an RRT, preceptoring or working in specialized clinical roles, this program offers the flexibility and career-focused training to help you move forward—without putting your life on hold.
As a Top 100 public research university, Rowan University is nationally recognized for academic excellence and innovation. Our online programs are built on four pillars: quality, flexibility, affordability and career advancement—making your education a powerful investment in your future.
Comprehensive Online Learning Support
At Rowan University, your success is our priority. That’s why we provide comprehensive online support, ensuring that you have the resources you need to excel academically and personally—no matter where you are.
- Tutoring: Need extra help? Take advantage of peer-to-peer tutoring or access 24/7 academic support through Brainfuse, an online tutoring platform available to Rowan Online students.
- Virtual Workshop Series: Strengthen your skills with online workshops covering essential topics like time management, study strategies, motivation and well-being—all designed to help you stay on track.
- Career and Academic Advising: Whether you need guidance on coursework, career planning or degree completion, our advisors are here to provide personalized support to help you reach your goals.
At Rowan, online learning goes beyond convenience—it’s about feeling connected and supported every step of the way.
BSRT Application Deadlines and Next Steps
For the most-up-to-date application deadlines, please visit the B.S. in Respiratory Therapy (Degree Advancement) program page.
Your future is waiting. Apply today to advance your career in Respiratory Therapy at Rowan University. Let’s take this next step together!