Respiratory Care
Transform Your Experience into a Bachelor’s Degree
Empire State University’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care is designed for licensed respiratory therapists ready to take the next step in their professional journey. This fully online, upper-division degree completion program builds on your existing education and experience to deepen your expertise in advanced patient care, leadership, and healthcare innovation.
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Program Overview
Bachelor's of Science in Respiratory Care
You’ll complete a total of 120 credits, combining previously earned transfer credits, your associate degree coursework, and Empire State University’s advanced respiratory care and general education requirements. Most students study part-time and finish their degree in three to four years — balancing professional life, family, and education with flexible online learning.
Next term starts
Spring 2026
Ready to Apply?
Make a Difference in Respiratory Care
Our curriculum prepares respiratory care professionals to take on expanded roles in clinical practice, leadership, education, and disease management. Courses emphasize evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, cultural competency, and collaboration across interdisciplinary teams.
"SUNY Empire provided me with the flexibility to balance my professional responsibilities and academic pursuits, allowing me to advance my career while continuing to help others."
Lynda Wilson '23
Graduates of the B.S. in Respiratory Care program will:
- Access, interpret, and apply medical literature to clinical practice, education, or management.
- Collaborate as an interdisciplinary team member to educate and support patients and families.
- Demonstrate cultural competency and inclusive practices in healthcare settings.
- Address complex health conditions with ethical, patient-centered decision-making.
- Develop strong leadership, process improvement, and communication skills.
- Complete and present a capstone project aligned with professional goals.
For comprehensive information about our courses, please visit our course catalog.
Interested? Take the Next Steps
Continue Your Journey in Respiratory Care
Request Info
Check for Prior Learning Credits
Put your past experience toward your degree. Use transfer credits, work experience, or life skills to get a head start, save money, and earn your degree faster.
Apply for Your Online Respiratory Care B.S.
Students are required to have an associate degree in respiratory care from an accredited institution of higher education and hold a valid respiratory therapist license. This is a non-licensure qualifying program.
Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term!
Next start term
Spring 2026
Deadline to apply
December 5
Start Your Degree
Meet our Professors
Sarah K Valentine
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing and Allied Health
Sarah Valentine holds a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an M.S.N. from Columbia University. She teaches population health, research methods, and global health. Her research interests include environmental justice and nursing education. She is currently developing a model for hospital–community engagement on environmental pollution.
