Prepare for the Future of Respiratory Therapy

Bridge the Gap from Associate’s to Bachelor’s with an online BS in Cardiopulmonary Science

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in the healthcare team, delivering essential care to patients with cardiopulmonary conditions across hospitals, clinics, and specialized care settings. As healthcare continues to evolve, so do the expectations placed on respiratory therapy professionals. One of the most significant shifts in recent years is the growing emphasis on bachelor’s-level education for Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs).

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow over the next decade, with approximately 8,800 new job openings each year. As demand increases, employers and professional organizations are placing greater value on advanced education and expanded skill sets. While many respiratory therapists have historically entered the field with an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree is increasingly preferred for long-term career advancement.

In response to this shift, LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science designed to support degree completion and prepare professionals for the evolving expectations of the field. For practicing RRTs who already hold an associate degree, this program provides a flexible, efficient pathway to advance education without starting over.

What Is a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

A RRT is a credentialed healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. RRTs provide care in a wide range of settings, including acute care hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments, pulmonary rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare environments.

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) recognizes the RRT credential as the national “standard of excellence” for respiratory care professionals. While an associate degree has traditionally met the minimum educational requirement for entry into the profession, this level of education may limit access to leadership, education, research, and advanced clinical roles as the field continues to advance. According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), a bachelor’s degree may become the minimum educational requirement for RRTs entering practice by 2030.

With strong job growth projected and increasing educational expectations, earning a bachelor’s degree can help RRTs remain competitive and professionally prepared for the future. The online BS in Cardiopulmonary Science from LSUHS equips respiratory therapists with advanced knowledge and skills to support continued career growth.

A Bridge for RRTs

LSUHS’s online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science is specifically designed as a bridge program for RRTs seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree efficiently and effectively. For RRTs who already hold an associate degree and the NBRC RRT credential, this program requires just 30 additional credit hours, allowing students to build upon their prior education and graduate faster.

The curriculum emphasizes advanced competencies in management, leadership, research, education, and clinical practice. Graduates are well prepared to pursue a variety of career pathways beyond traditional bedside roles, including healthcare leadership and management, clinical education, research, and advanced clinical practice. The program also serves as a strong foundation for those considering graduate-level study.

Flexible Learning for Working Professionals

Through LSU Online, earning a BS in Cardiopulmonary Science is achievable for busy working professionals. The program is delivered in a fully asynchronous, online format, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule while continuing to work full time.

Depending on transferred credits, students may complete the program in as few as 10 months, often faster than starting a new bachelor’s degree from the beginning. In addition to flexible learning, students receive personalized support from dedicated Enrollment and Student Success Coaches who assist throughout the academic journey, from admission through graduation.

Advance Your Career in Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapy continues to evolve as science, technology, and research advance. As the profession grows, the value of earning a bachelor’s degree continues to increase and supports expanded career opportunities, leadership readiness, and long-term professional success.

LSU Health Shreveport’s online RRT-to-BS bridge program offers a flexible, accessible pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree without interrupting an already demanding career. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program allows you to advance your education while continuing to make an impact in patient care.

Learn how the LSUHS online BS in Cardiopulmonary Science can help you take the next step in your respiratory therapy career.

FAQs

What is a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and what do they do?

A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is a credentialed healthcare professional who evaluates, treats, and supports patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions. RRTs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments, rehabilitation facilities, and home healthcare environments. The RRT credential is administered through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Why is a bachelor’s degree becoming more important for respiratory therapists?

As the respiratory care field continues to evolve, many employers are increasingly seeking candidates with bachelor’s-level education for leadership, education, research, and advanced clinical roles. Professional organizations such as the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) have also emphasized the growing importance of advanced education within the profession. Earning a bachelor’s degree may help respiratory therapists expand their career opportunities and prepare for future growth within the field.

How does the LSU Health Shreveport online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science work as a bridge program for RRTs?

LSU Health Shreveport’s online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science, offered through LSU Online, is designed for Registered Respiratory Therapists who already hold an associate degree and the NBRC RRT credential. The bridge program allows eligible students to build on prior education and professional experience while completing additional coursework toward a bachelor’s degree. The fully asynchronous online format also provides flexibility for working respiratory therapists balancing school alongside clinical careers.

How long does it take to complete the online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science from LSU Health Shreveport?

Completion time for LSU Health Shreveport’s online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science offered through LSU Online may vary depending on transferred credits and individual course progression. Because the program is designed specifically for credentialed respiratory therapists, students can build on previously completed coursework rather than starting a degree program from the beginning. Students also have access to Enrollment and Student Success Coaches throughout the program.

What career opportunities open up for respiratory therapists who earn a bachelor’s degree?

A bachelor’s degree in cardiopulmonary science may help respiratory therapists pursue opportunities in areas such as healthcare leadership, clinical education, research, and advanced patient care settings. The degree may also support preparation for graduate-level education and continued professional development. As demand for respiratory care professionals continues, advanced education can help position therapists for expanded responsibilities and long-term career growth.