Finding His Way Into Respiratory Care
William Y. didn’t begin his career in healthcare. But when economic uncertainty reshaped the job market, he started looking for a more stable path forward.
“At the time, finance was experiencing challenges, and I knew I needed to find more readily available, sustainable employment,” he explains. “Healthcare was a growing field, and respiratory therapy continued to grow.”
That combination made respiratory care a practical entry point, one that allowed William to reenter the workforce with an associate degree, while many other healthcare disciplines required a bachelor’s.
“I was able to get back into work in a shorter period,” he says. “But I always knew a bachelor’s degree might be in order.”
That awareness stayed with him as his experience and responsibilities continued to grow.
Building a Career as a Respiratory Therapist and Watching the Profession Evolve
For more than a decade, William has built a respected career in respiratory care. Today, as a Clinical Coordinator at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, he works alongside interdisciplinary teams, leading projects that improve patient outcomes and strengthen workflow efficiency.
Yet even with years of experience and a leadership role, he began to notice how the profession itself was changing.
“The industry and the market have changed,” William explains. “Many disciplines already require a bachelor’s degree, if not a master’s, and most new graduates entering the field hold a bachelor’s.”
For experienced respiratory therapists, this shift is increasingly clear.
“To stay relevant and to meet the emerging industry standards, a bachelor’s degree is going to be required in no time.”
As someone in a leadership position, William felt a responsibility to keep pace—not just for himself, but for the teams he supports.
“I felt it was important for me, as a leader, to continue that growth and complete the degree as well.”
Why Experienced RRTs Are Returning to School for a BSRT
As was the case for William, many experienced Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) return to school to complete a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) for a mix of personal and professional reasons.
“My inspiration to pursue a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care stems from both personal and professional goals,” he says. “Personally, I want to set an example for my children, showing them that pursuing higher education can open doors to greater opportunities. Professionally, I believe respiratory therapists who pursue advanced degrees play a vital role in elevating and advancing our field.”
Overcoming Hesitation About Returning to School
Returning to school wasn’t without hesitation for William, especially after more than a decade away from being a student.
“I knew I had some apprehensions about returning to school and the challenges of adding academics to a work-life balance,” William shares. “But I also knew it was a necessary step for my career and for the profession as well.”
For him, continuing education felt like a natural next step.
“Healthcare is an ever-evolving field,” he says. “Continuing education has always been part of healthcare, and continuing my education academically is just an extension of that.”
Why Rowan’s Online BSRT Degree Advancement Program Was the Right Fit
The Only Accredited BSRT Program in New Jersey
When William began researching BSRT programs, one option stood out.
“Rowan offers the only accredited bachelor’s in respiratory therapy degree advancement program in New Jersey,” he says. “That made it an easy choice.”
Designed specifically for RRTs who already hold an associate degree, Rowan University’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement program allows working professionals to continue advancing their careers without stepping away from their roles.
Flexibility Built for Working Respiratory Therapists
“I chose a 100% online degree advancement program because it offers the flexibility I need to manage my professional and personal responsibilities,” William explains.
Supportive Academic Advising and Seamless Transition
Just as important as flexibility was support. For William, returning to school was smoother than he expected.
“The transition with staff and academic advisors has been really easy,” he notes. “There was no challenge at all in the end.”
Like many working healthcare professionals, William was also able to take advantage of employer tuition reimbursement, which helped ease the financial burden.
Accessible Faculty and Real-Time Feedback
Faculty accessibility also made a difference.
“The professors and academic advisors have all been very welcoming,” William adds. “You email your professor, and they’re writing you back that same day—sometimes even that same hour.”
Applying BSRT Coursework to Real-World Respiratory Therapy Leadership
Even as a first-semester student, William is already seeing how his BSRT degree advancement coursework translates directly into his leadership role.
“The skills I’ve gained in clinical research and technical writing are enhancing my communication and supporting policy and protocol development in my current role.”
Rowan’s BSRT curriculum emphasizes leadership, research, and evidence-based practice—giving experienced RRTs tools they can apply immediately. Courses such as Introduction to Clinical Research, Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare Delivery and Quality, and Leadership in Respiratory Care prepare students to analyze data, improve outcomes, and contribute at a higher organizational level.
Preparing for Advanced Respiratory Therapy and Healthcare Leadership Roles
As respiratory care continues to evolve, education plays an increasingly important role in shaping opportunity. Earning a BSRT expands eligibility for leadership, education, and specialized roles—both within respiratory care and across healthcare systems.
“I knew earlier in my career that having only an associate degree limited opportunities,” William reflects. “Having a bachelor’s degree allows me to be eligible for any opportunity that may come down the road in healthcare—and even outside of it.”
As William looks ahead, he sees his BSRT as a foundation for continued leadership growth.
“With the knowledge and skills I’m gaining from Rowan’s respiratory therapy bachelor’s program, I’m hoping to move from my clinical coordinator role into a director position.”
That perspective aligns with broader trends across the profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% growth in respiratory therapy roles from 2024 to 2034, with increasing preference for bachelor’s-prepared clinicians in leadership and specialized roles.
Defying Definition Through Continuous Growth in Respiratory Care
William’s journey reflects what it means to defy definition, challenging the idea that growth has a finish line.
“I believe defy definition means finding your way to reach the goals you’ve set for yourself,” he says. “It’s investing in yourself and your future.”
Any initial hesitation about returning to school has faded.
“The apprehensions I had about returning to school are completely gone,” William shares. “I’m excited to be a student again.” He adds, “The growth I’m experiencing—professionally and personally—has been very rewarding.”
For William, leadership means modeling resilience and forward momentum.
“There are always going to be challenges,” he says. “You have to face them, move forward, and opportunity will come your way.”
About Rowan University’s Online BSRT Degree Advancement Program
Rowan University’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (Degree Advancement) program builds on the experience of RRTs, preparing them for advanced clinical, leadership, and educational roles. Students typically complete the program in 12–18 months through 100% online coursework.
Program highlights include:
- New Jersey’s only BSRT program
- Flexible, transfer-friendly pathways for working RRTs
- Provisional Accreditation from CoARC
- Coursework focused on leadership, management, education, and advanced clinical practice
- Faculty who are experienced clinicians, educators, and researchers
Graduates are prepared for advanced roles such as:
- Respiratory therapy supervisor or manager
- Clinical educator or instructor
- Pulmonary case manager
- Home healthcare specialist
- Research or quality assurance professional
Advice for Respiratory Therapists Considering an Online BSRT
For respiratory therapists considering an online BSRT, William’s experience offers reassurance.
As a working professional already balancing leadership responsibilities, he has found that completing his BSRT feels manageable, supported, and aligned with his day-to-day role. From academic advising to faculty engagement, the structure of the program makes it possible to move forward without feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from work.
Rowan’s online BSRT program is a pathway to leadership, professional growth, and long-term opportunity in a field that continues to evolve.
About Rowan Online
Rowan Online empowers learners throughout the region with high-quality, accessible and affordable online education backed by the innovation and forward-thinking of Rowan University. Rowan’s flexible online programs seamlessly connect students to award-winning faculty and industry leaders, comprehensive student support services and academic resources—no matter where they are.
In collaboration with Rowan’s nationally ranked colleges and schools, Rowan Online delivers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in high-demand, future-focused fields. Guided by employer insight and industry-driven curriculum, Rowan Online prepares students to excel in a rapidly evolving workforce and lead in their professions and communities.
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