The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Respiratory Therapy, B.S. – Online
Charlotte, USA
BSc
DURATION
30 hours
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 865 / per credit *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* for Non-Resident | NC Resident: $189.48 per credit hour
Boost Your Career With Your Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy
Important to know: You MUST already have your RRT credential and Associate Degree from a CoARC accredited program in order to be admissible. Check out the admissions tab or contact our enrollment specialists for more details.
Don’t put earning your B.S. degree off any longer
Now is the time to earn your bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy. Take the next step toward becoming a leader, manager, researcher or advanced clinical practice provider.
Life is busy. We get it. Developed in conjunction with working respiratory therapists who understand the demands of the job, our program is offered 100 percent online. As a working professional, you can earn your bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months if you enroll full-time.
Can’t do full-time? Enroll part-time and earn your degree in just two years.
Why Earn Your B.S. in Respiratory Therapy From UNC Charlotte?
If you have more to offer your employer or the field of respiratory therapy, you owe it to yourself to earn your bachelor’s degree. Earning your respiratory therapy degree from UNC Charlotte offers you advantages such as:
- Get a head start taking your education even further. Consider applying for our Master of Science in Respiratory Care (MSRC) Early Entry Program and begin working toward your graduate degree while completing your bachelor’s degree.
- Earn your degree fully online, in as little as 12 months. No traveling to campus. No classes at inconvenient times. Learn around your busy schedule and your busy life.
- Learn from faculty who know the job. Our accomplished faculty includes respiratory therapists and subject matter experts who get you. They’re flexible and caring, and will mentor you every step of the way.
- Dive deep into career-enhancing coursework. Our curriculum will increase your skills in professional writing, teaching strategies, health care administration, evidence-based research, critical appraisal skills and advanced critical care management.
- Stand out with a respected, top-tier degree. UNC Charlotte is ranked #3 in the nation for online bachelor’s degrees by US News & World Report. We have more than 700 alumni working as managers, directors, faculty and bedside clinicians.
With your bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from UNC Charlotte you’ll be prepared to excel and lead in the field. Our graduates go on to work for major health care employers like Atrium Health, Novant Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Duke Health, New Hanover Health Network, UNC Health and others.
Our respiratory therapy degree graduates hold job titles such as:
- Registered respiratory therapist
- Director of respiratory therapy
- Respiratory care manager
- Respiratory care practitioner
- Clinical specialist
- Director of respiratory care
- Respiratory therapy supervisor
Enhance your earning power and career growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary for respiratory therapists is $61,830. The highest 10 percent earn more than $95,540. Demand for respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 14 percent through 2031, much greater than the average growth rate for all jobs.
Lightcast finds the average estimated salary for UNC Charlotte BSRT alumni is higher at $79,053. This figure is based on the median salary for UNC Charlotte BSRT graduates in their county, adjusted for age and degree level.
Respiratory care practitioners, managers, supervisors and directors can expect strong job growth and increased compensation. According to salary.com, the annual median salary for respiratory care managers in North Carolina is $98,439. The average median salary for respiratory care directors in North Carolina is $115,055.
Courses
- RESP 3101: Leadership and Professionalism in Respiratory Therapy (3)
- RESP 3102: Extended Services in Respiratory Therapy (3)
- RESP 3205: Cardiopulmonary Pharmacotherapy (3)
- RESP 3206: Critical Care Monitoring and Mechanical Ventilation (3)
- RESP 4103: Evidence-Based Practice in Respiratory Care (3)
- RESP 4107: Teaching Fundamentals and Clinical Education (3)
- RESP 4108: Health Outcomes and Quality Assessment: A Management Perspective (3)
- RESP 4208: Critical Care Pathophysiological Concepts for Respiratory Therapy (3)
Electives (Choose 2 courses from the following – 6 credit hours)
RESP 3108: Introduction to Research Models in Respiratory Care (3)
RESP 4205: Information Technology in Respiratory Care (3)
RESP 4206: Health Communications: Ethical and Legal Implications (3)
RESP 4410: Respiratory Therapy Practicum (3)
RESP Credits Required: 30
RRT Credential: 26 credit by exam hours
AAS Degree: 64 transfer hours