Respiratory Therapy
Become a uniquely specialized healthcare professional.
Year 1: Enter the Program as Pre-Respiratory Therapy
Students pursuing Respiratory Therapy out of high school apply to Butler’s Pre-Respiratory Therapy (Pre-RT) program. Pre-RT students begin taking science courses their first year and are guaranteed an interview when applying to enter the professional phase of the Respiratory Therapy program.
Complete your Degree in the Professional Phase
Students who meet the prerequisites for the professional phase of the Respiratory Therapy and are admitted following their interview proceed to complete the remaining six semesters of the program. Transfer students and adults with associate’s degrees may enter the program during this phase if they’ve earned the necessary prerequisites.
Why Butler’s Respiratory Therapy Program?
While some respiratory therapy programs are offered as associate’s degrees, Butler’s four-year program aligns with the broader trajectory of the industry by offering a Bachelor of Science. This rigorous training, in addition to a human-centered curriculum, prepares students to enter the workforce with confidence and versatility.
Students can either pursue respiratory therapy roles directly after graduation or apply for medical school, PA school, or other graduate level programs.
Butler’s small student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll train under professors who care about you as both a student and a person. Known for excellence in undergraduate education, our faculty is dedicated to students’ personal success, delivering high quality, whole-person patient care, and emphasizing team-based healthcare.
As a Respiratory Therapy student, you can also expect to work with high-fidelity mannequin simulations in state-of-the-art labs, engaging in experiential learning all four years.
The career of respiratory therapy offers flexibility across a wide range of healthcare environments, including ICUs, emergency rooms, surgical units, inpatient facilities, and hospice care. Known for job stability and competitive salaries, the field offers a rewarding path in healthcare without the longer commitment of medical school or PA school.
Continued education is also an option, with additional certifications available in Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Certification (NRP).
The American Association for Respiratory Care has indicated its desire for all respiratory therapists to hold at least a bachelor’s degree by 2030.