How Will a Bachelor’s Degree in Cardiopulmonary Science Help Advance Your Career as a Respiratory Therapist?

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with an associate's degree, you've already established yourself as a vital healthcare team member. But if you're ready to move your career forward, continuing your education can help you reach the next step. A Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science offers you the chance to upgrade your skills, grow your career options, and stay competitive in your field.

Discover how the online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science from LSU Health Shreveport can create new possibilities for your future.

1. Expand Your Expertise 

An associate's degree has equipped you with the essential skills to care for patients with respiratory disease. A bachelor's degree program builds on that knowledge to offer in-depth coursework in areas like management, leadership, research, education, and contemporary clinical care. This advanced knowledge empowers you to make more informed decisions, provide higher-quality care to your patients, and build new professional expertise.

2. Move Your Career Forward 

As the healthcare field changes, the demand for highly trained respiratory therapists continues to rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13 percent by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, the American Association for Respiratory Care’s Official Position Statement for entry requirements to respiratory therapy practice states that “the respiratory therapist entering into practice in 2030 and thereafter must obtain a minimum of a baccalaureate degree...”. The online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science from LSU Health Shreveport specifically addresses this need, and you'll graduate prepared for a more progressive role within the profession.

Beyond direct patient care, this degree can help you transition into supervisory or management roles, education or academia, and allow you to pursue graduate education (i.e., Masters, Doctorate). Your expertise could also qualify you for research positions that contribute to developing new treatment protocols and technologies or render you eligible to become a Respiratory Therapy Educator, shaping the next generation of therapists.

3. Increase Your Earning Potential 

Respiratory therapists with bachelor's degrees typically earn higher salaries than those with associate degrees. According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), each increase in an academic degree was associated with an increase in yearly compensation by at least $3,000. The BLS reports that the highest-paid respiratory therapists earned more than $104,480. This data highlights how continuing your education could translate to a significant increase in your salary.

4. Stay Competitive in Your Field 

As mentioned above, the American Association for Respiratory Care will soon require respiratory therapists to have a bachelor’s degree[TG1] . This initiative aims to elevate the profession by ensuring that respiratory therapists are equipped with advanced skills and knowledge to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.

The push for higher education is about more than meeting a goal—it’s about preparing respiratory therapists for more complex roles and responsibilities. Bachelor-degreed RTs typically earn more, are more likely to hold advanced credentials, and can take on leadership roles within their organizations. Additionally, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care has set new standards that require all new RT programs seeking accreditation to offer at least a bachelor’s degree. This shift underscores the importance of continuing education to maintain your competitiveness and relevance in the field.

A bachelor’s degree in cardiopulmonary science gives you the advanced knowledge to stay competitive in this evolving field. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, you'll be better prepared to adapt to new technologies, treatment protocols, and patient care demands. In a profession where respect and recognition are closely tied to education and competency, investing in your education now can secure your place in the future of respiratory care.

Invest in Your Future with LSU Health Shreveport 

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science reflects your dedication to professional growth and positions you to become a leader in the field. Ready to invest in your future? The LSU Health Shreveport online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science offers a flexible and accessible path to reaching your career goals. Learn more about the program, and apply today!