can you get a phd in respiratory therapy

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Meet the World’s First PhD in Respiratory Therapy: Dr. Jithin K. Sreedharan

The respiratory care profession has many PhDs in its midst, but they have all earned the degree in a subject outside the profession. Until now, that is. Jithin K. Sreedharan, BScRT, MScRT, FISQua, FNIV, FIARC, PhD, recently became the first RT in the world to earn a PhD specifically in respiratory therapy.

He received the degree from the Srinivas Institute of Allied Health Sciences at Srinivas University (SU) in Mangalore, India, which has one of an expanding number of PhD programs for RTs in his country. SU began the program in 2017, and Dr. Sreedharan enrolled in 2018, taking five years to complete the degree. Currently, there are eight other PhD scholars in the program, which consists of one year of coursework that includes biostatistics and research methodology modules, along with mandatory courses meeting the regulations set forth by the government of India and the University Grants Commission.

Capstone courses and research work in specialized areas follow and round out the education received by PhD candidates.

Standing out from the crowd

“With so many master’s grads working today, choosing to pursue a PhD in respiratory therapy was a chance for me to stand out from the crowd,” said Dr. Sreedharan, who currently serves as a full-time faculty member in the department of respiratory care at the Prince Sultan Military College in Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The knowledge I have gained is undoubtedly necessary for a career as an educator and researcher, but it is also extremely beneficial beyond the academia. I strongly believe my research work presents a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our collective knowledge base and to transform the way respiratory therapists engage with the health care continuum.”

Dr. Sreedharan wrote his thesis on “Establishment of a Rewarding Profession: Respiratory Therapy in India,” a topic he chose to help further the profession in his country and worldwide.

“The RT field has existed in India since 1995. However, we observed a slow-paced growth, which we believe is due to the unawareness and non-acceptance by the other health care professionals,” he explained. “One of the major reasons for this is due to the scope of practice, which many times overlaps with other professionals such as physicians, nurses and physiotherapists. I hope my research will serve as a benchmark to diversify and distinguish the scope of RTs, amongst the health care profession.”

Daniel D. Rowley, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, RPFT, FAARC, president of the International Council for Respiratory Care (ICRC), where Dr. Sreedharan serves as Governor for India, was thrilled when he learned of his colleague’s achievement — not just for him personally, but for the profession as well.

“When I learned that Jithin had earned a PhD in respiratory therapy, I immediately thought to myself that his dedication and commitment to earning the degree is a historic milestone for the profession because the profession now has the first doctorate degree in respiratory therapy conferred globally,” said Rowley. ”This is a major step forward because having a terminal doctorate degree in respiratory therapy substantiates the field, and it may inspire other respiratory therapists to follow suit if they are provided with the opportunity.”

Advancing the profession

Dr. Sreedharan will use his new degree to further his overall mission: to advance the profession through scholarship and research. He is an active researcher in his own right, with published papers in journals ranging from the American Journal of Critical Care to the Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy, and he also serves on his university’s masters’ program board and as the lead for quality and accreditation, with an emphasis on respiratory care education.

In addition to his role with the ICRC, he is general secretary of the Indian Association of Respiratory Care, a member of the Board of Studies at various governmental and non-governmental organizations, and an editor and editorial board member and reviewer for a number of journals.

“I understood the need to pursue my doctoral degree as a personal goal since I was serious about teaching at the university level,” he said. He believes being able to represent the profession as an RT with a doctorate is critical because a committee comprised of doctoral-level experts is typically recommended when standardizing the curriculum for respiratory care programs, and it is always better for RTs to represent themselves on these committees than to have physicians act on their behalf.

Rowley agrees. “Overall, education at the PhD level in respiratory therapy can benefit the profession by signaling to others that the profession has a terminal doctorate degree,” he said. ”This is important when considering the recruitment and preparation of the future generation respiratory therapy students, researchers, academic program faculty, and leaders within the field.”

While he applauds RTs who have earned PhDs outside of respiratory care, Rowley says the ICRC would like to see more institutions of higher learning offer a PhD specific to respiratory therapy, as did SU. “This would provide respiratory care providers with an opportunity to pursue deeper study within a concentrated curriculum that is specifically designed for respiratory care providers,” he said.

Mentors made a difference

Dr. Sreedharan credits his PhD accomplishment to the many people who he counts as his mentors and wanted to take this opportunity to share the role they have played in his career. Here is his tribute to the mentors who helped him reach the goal —

• Dr. Prasanna Simha, a prominent cardiothoracic surgeon, made a strong impression on me throughout my undergraduate studies on how crucial it is to comprehend the physiological underpinnings of different therapeutic modalities and how to assess treatment efficacy using that framework.
• My inspiration to become a teacher was Dr. Suresh G. Nair, who also had a profound influence on me regarding true leadership. He possessed a servant leadership style and was constantly shining a light on others around him.
• I thank my principal guide, Dr. Udayakumar Rao, the Dean of Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, for his constant support in achieving this accomplishment.
• Another important person is Dr. Mohammed Al-Ahmari, a well-known personality in the field of respiratory care worldwide. From 2015, I began working with him at the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. This experience in Saudi opened the doors for me to get involved in research. Dr. Al-Ahmari served as both my co-guide and an inspiration to me, driving me to enroll in the PhD program, and he continues to be a lifelong mentor for me.

Roadmap for the future

Jithin Sreedharan has come a long way since beginning his career in respiratory care in 2004 as one of the first batch of RTs in India, earning his undergraduate degree from Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research Center and his master’s degree from Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center-Kochi. He believes earning his PhD in respiratory therapy will help him bring bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in RT to countries throughout the world.

“By the time I was done with the thesis, it had taken on the form of a manual and a roadmap for the establishment of the respiratory therapy profession,” he said. “Those five years just flew like five months, and I never felt it as tiring or exhausting because my aim was to bring out the much-required recognition for our profession.”

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Respiratory Medicine PhD

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Our major areas of research interest are:

• cellular and molecular mechanisms of the resolution and persistence of lung inflammation and scarring
• mechanisms of acute lung injury in the adult respiratory distress syndrome
• gene therapeutic approaches to the augmentation of genes that protect against tissue injury in lung inflammation
• biology of small-cell lung cancer
• the effects of cigarette smoke, ozone and other pollutants on the lung
• sleep apnoea
• applied lung physiology

The unit also offers a number of research opportunities in areas of clinical interest, for example:

• chronic bronchitis
• cystic fibrosis

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These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

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Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

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We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
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• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

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If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

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Most laboratories require a bench fee of up to £5,000 per year. This cost can be covered in Research Council Studentships.

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If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK's governments.

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Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Respiratory Medicine - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd respiratory medicine - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

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Master of Health Science Respiratory Therapy

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Respiratory Therapy Program in Nation College Choice

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Why choose Respiratory Therapy at Bellarmine?

The Master of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy is a two-year graduate program focused on preparing individuals for a career as a respiratory therapist. This is one of only eight programs of its kind in the nation. The program focuses on developing strong clinical skills as well as a preparing leaders in the profession in the areas of education and research.

• Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who evaluate and treat persons of all ages having lung and heart disorders.
• The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates that this career will grow by 13% over the next 10 years-well above average career projections for other fields.
• Respiratory therapists find careers in multiple settings including hospitals, home care and rehabilitation.

No Upfront Tuition Costs

Bellarmine and its partners offer programs like the  Norton Healthcare Scholars  that enable students to earn their Bellarmine degree with no upfront tuition costs. Free residential summer housing is also available.

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“The people at Bellarmine are like a second family. The faculty are not only teachers but true mentors. The connections you make here will last a lifetime. And the opportunities available to all students here, to make connections and to not only learn your discipline but to work with others are incredibly valuable. Completing my undergraduate and graduate studies at Bellarmine was an easy choice.” — Thomas Johnston ’17 ’19 MHS-RT

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5 reasons bellarmine’s respiratory therapy program is tops in the nation, 5 things to look for in a quality respiratory therapy program, respiratory therapist vs. nurse: diagnosing the differences, master of health science, bellarmine prepares respiratory therapists for battle on the front lines, what do respiratory therapists do a closer look.

We can provide feedback about your transcript(s) and coursework. Simply complete the form below by attaching unofficial copies of your transcript(s).

Yes. Demand for this career is projected to grow by 13 percent over the next 10 years, this is well above the national average and that means an RT degree is a good investment in your future.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, students must have 8 hours of anatomy and physiology I and II, 4 hours of microbiology, 4 hours of general chemistry, 3-4 hours of physics, 3 hours of psychology, 3-4 hours of pathophysiology, and 3-4 hours of statistics. Complete our transcript review  to see if you meet our minimum requirements.

No. We work with area hospitals to place our students for their clinical rotations.

This is a rigorous program, with a great deal of time devoted to in-class lecture, labs, and clinical experiences. We strongly encourage students to devote their time to the program for the best career outcomes.

Yes. You will want to file the FAFSA and apply for federal loans at fafsa.ed.gov. Graduate students are eligible for loans in the amount of $20,500 per academic year (fall, spring and summer) while enrolled.

To schedule a visit, please contact Dr. Christy Kane directly at 502.272.8424 or [email protected] .

Yes. When you complete your application to Bellarmine, you’ll receive a comprehensive financial aid award, based on your experiences and need.

Faculty Profiles

Christy Kane, Ph.D., RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC  Dr. Kane completed an Associate of Applied Science degree from Vincennes University as well as a Bachelor of Health Science degree, a Master of Education, and a PhD from the University of Louisville. She served as the Director of Clinical Education at the University of Louisville’s respiratory program for six years. In 2001, the University of Louisville’s Respiratory Therapy Department moved to Bellarmine. Dr. Kane was appointed the department chair in 2008. In addition to her role in respiratory therapy, Dr. Kane also teaches in Bellarmine’s PhD in Health Professions Education Program as well as serving as the Lansing School’s Associate Dean. In 2016, American Association for Respiratory Care honored her service with a fellowship. Dr. Kane is the current president-elect of the Coalition for Baccalaureate and Graduate Respiratory Therapy Education (CoBGRTE), with her term beginning in 2020. Dr. Kane has numerous peer-reviewed publications as well as presentations at state, regional, and national conferences

Shannon Terry, MSM, RRT, RRT-NPS Ms. Terry completed a Bachelor’s in Cardiopulmonary Science degree from the University of Louisville as well as a Master's of Science in Management degree from Sullivan University. Ms. Terry is an experienced educator, previously serving as the Respiratory Therapy Department Chair at Sullivan University from 2008-2020. She is currently a Staff Respiratory Therapist at Norton Children’s Hospital.

Tuition and Fees

Visit our Graduate Tuition and Fees page  for the most up-to-date tuition and fees information.

Financial Assistance At Bellarmine, we recognize that the cost of private higher education is a major consideration for you, and we are committed to providing you with a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. Our staff will work closely with you to explore all the resources and funding options available. Our goal is to ensure that every student receives our best offer of financial assistance and that your affordable investment in a Bellarmine education is a reality. Federal student loans are available for eligible students and students may choose to apply to local hospital scholarship-to-work programs. For more information on how to fund your Bellarmine education, please visit  www.bellarmine.edu/financialaid  and  www.fafsa.gov . The Bellarmine school code is 001954.

Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program (CoARC program number #200281, offering the Bachelor of Health Science degree in Louisville, KY) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com).

The Respiratory Therapy Program (CoARC program number #220281 offering the Master of Health Science degree in Louisville, KY) holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).

This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit) to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.

Disclosure for Students who Reside Outside of KY

Bellarmine University cannot confirm whether its courses or programs meet requirements for professional licensure in states other than Kentucky. Prior to enrolling in a Bellarmine program, a student who does not reside in Kentucky should contact applicable licensing board(s) in the student’s home state to determine whether the program meets requirements for licensure in the state where the student resides.

Respiratory Therapy licensure contacts: http://www.aarc.org/advocacy/state-society-resources/state-licensure-contacts/

Learn more about Bellarmine University.

Contact information.

Christy Kane, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC Program Director and Chair 502.272.8424 [email protected]

For more information, call 502.272.7100 or email your questions to  [email protected] .

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Why earn your MRT at Ohio State?

• First advanced practice clinical master’s program in the nation – this is not an entry-to-practice program
• Unmatched clinical experience – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital
• Specialized education – grounded in the evolution of respiratory practice and the healthcare needs of tomorrow
• Learn from the best – work, research and learn alongside nationally recognized and respected faculty and clinicians
• Nationally recognized for leadership and innovation in respiratory education and research
• Graduates will be prepared to successfully obtain specialty credentials

Goal of MRT Program

Prepare registered respiratory therapists for practice as advanced practice respiratory therapists (APRTs) with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) domains.

Accreditation

The Master of Respiratory Therapy Program at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio has Provisional accreditation  from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Our program number is 620001. To view the CoARC Outcomes please visit  CoARC Outcomes Data . CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.

CoARC 264 Precision Blvd. Telford, TN 37690 USA Telephone: (817) 283-2835 Fax to Plain Paper: (817) 354-8419 Fax to Email: (817) 510-1063 www.coarc.com

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5 Jobs You Can Get With A Master’s in Respiratory Therapy

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Registered Respiratory Therapists have always been integral to the health care community, but like many other health care workers, their jobs have become even more essential in recent years. Breathing is one of the most essential functions of the human body, and healthcare workers working in respiratory care play a pivotal role in a multitude of different areas of medicine. Respiratory therapists can work with patients, from newborns to hospice care and everything in between.

As the pulmonary field continues to evolve and responsibilities begin to shift, it is important to train the next generation of respiratory leaders.  Earning a Master’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy allows respiratory care practitioners to take the next step in their career path. But what exactly is the next step?

Note: All salary and job outlook information is based on national estimates by the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) or similar sources and is subject to variation depending on geographic location and employer.

Respiratory Therapist Management and Leadership Positions

(medical and health services managers).

Those with a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy have plenty of experience working on a respiratory care team but earning a master’s can open many more opportunities. One career option is a clinical team lead . This position typically reports to the department manager and oversees daily operations, and assignments create schedules, and attend to the needs of the department and the respiratory patients.

With a master’s degree, therapists are also qualified for department manager positions or network executive director positions, usually depending on years of experience. Both jobs involve supervising all clinical team leads and respiratory therapy technicians. In addition, these positions oversee all department operations, approve and direct budgets, hire and manage employees, and fulfill any other responsibilities as needed. These leadership roles are essential to the operations of any respiratory care department. They are outstanding career opportunities for anyone interested in climbing the ladder in the respiratory care field.

Median Salary : $104,830 per year

Job Outlook (Through 2032) : 28% Growth

Respiratory Care Jobs in Higher Education

(health specialties teachers – higher education).

Working as a respiratory therapist is a demanding and rewarding profession but working with patients can be taxing both physically and mentally. As a result, some respiratory therapists choose to get their master’s degrees to enter higher education.

Teaching and training the next generation of respiratory therapists is just as important as working with patients. By earning a master’s in respiratory therapy, students can begin working in the academic space as part-time or full-time faculty or adjunct faculty. These positions assist current professors or allow respiratory care experts to teach classes contractually.

To continue the journey into academia, MSRT graduates can go on to become professors, directors of clinical education, or even program directors. Of course, everyone’s goals and career paths look different but earning a master’s in respiratory therapy can allow for many careers in the academic space.

Median Salary : $100,300 per year

Job Outlook (Through 2032) : 8% Growth

Respiratory Care and Working in Clinical Education

(health specialties teachers – hospital/clinic).

For MSRT graduates who enjoy working in a clinical setting and are also interested in furthering the education of future respiratory therapists, working in clinical education may be the best option. Patient and family educators are critical to any respiratory care team. When working with patients, it is essential to provide care and education to help the patient or their families create plans for long-term health and success. Another position that is like a family and patient educator would be a simulation educator; this position provides training to respiratory care professionals, students, and patients for the different simulators and equipment used during all stages of respiratory care.

Other positions that would be a good fit for any master’s in respiratory therapy graduate interested in working in a clinical education setting would be a technical specialist for a manufacturer, education coordinator, or department clinical educator or trainer. All these positions involve working with respiratory care professionals or students in a clinical setting. Clinical education is just as important as higher education to ensure that respiratory care patients receive the highest quality care from highly qualified medical professionals.

Respiratory Care and Working in Research

(medical scientists).

Research is at the core of all modern medicine. Working in research can be an excellent option for anyone interested in studying current medical practices and learning how to improve them. In addition, respiratory therapists can add valuable insight into research projects that aim to evolve respiratory care. Many students choose to become involved in research because they prefer not to work in a clinical setting. Research coordinator roles usually require a master’s degree and a certain level of experience to be qualified. A research coordinator role working on or in respiratory care usually communicates with physicians, the study team, research subjects, and their parents or caregivers if appropriate.

Median Salary : $99,930 per year

Job Outlook (Through 2032) : 10% Growth

Respiratory Therapy Liaison and Consulting

(medical device consultant).

Median Salary : $114,884 per year

Which Career Path is Right for You?

There are many things to consider when choosing a career in respiratory therapy. Still, one thing is for sure, earning a master’s degree in respiratory therapy can be a great asset to help you progress in your career and achieve your goals. The University of Cincinnati Online is here to make taking the next step as easy as possible, check out the admission requirements and curriculum overview to see if this program is right for you.

Learn More About UC’s online Master’s in Respiratory Therapy Program and apply today .

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Best Online Respiratory Therapy Programs

Best online respiratory therapy programs of 2024.

Published: Feb 22, 2024, 1:45pm

Respiratory therapists (RTs) are healthcare professionals who help treat breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. They work with individuals of all ages, from infants to older adults, performing emergency care and administering rehabilitative treatments and therapies.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for respiratory therapists to grow by 13% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations. While you can practice respiratory therapy with an associate degree, earning a bachelor’s can open up even more opportunities.

If you’re ready to start a respiratory therapy bachelor’s program, but on-campus classes don’t suit your lifestyle, online learning offers a schedule- and cost-friendly alternative. This guide explores all of the online respiratory therapy programs in the U.S. that meet our ranking criteria, including detailed descriptions of each. Keep reading to learn more.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

The Forbes Advisor Education team is committed to bringing our readers unbiased rankings and trustworthy, informative articles covering higher learning institutions, individual degree programs, bootcamps, professional credentials and various career paths.

Our team sources data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We also pull information from reputable professional organizations and education providers’ direct websites. Our rankings use a strict methodology to determine the best schools, programs or bootcamps for each category.

Moreover, an expert advisory board of experienced professionals and educators reviews and verifies Forbes Advisor Education content to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Our Methodology

We ranked seven accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online bachelor’s degrees in respiratory therapy in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.

We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of January 2023.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation
• Pell Grant recipient graduation rate
• Retention rate
• Pell Grant graduation rate vs. overall graduation rate

Affordability:

• Average annual net price for students receiving federal aid
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
• Percentage of students who take out federal loans

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Program being ranked has 100% coursework available online

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Nonprofit status

Application Process:

• Acceptance rate
• Uses Common App

We listed all seven schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Undergraduate Tuition

$189/credit (in-state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

Overall Graduation Rate

A public institution, the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina, has 15 years of experience providing online education. The school offers an online bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy for individuals who already hold an associate in respiratory therapy. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

UNC Charlotte’s program offers two enrollment options: full-time (completed in 12 months) and part-time (completed in 24 months). Program start dates are in the spring, summer and fall.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Cardiopulmonary pharmacotherapy, critical care monitoring and mechanical ventilation
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$495/credit

A private liberal arts college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carlow University was founded in 1929. The school’s online respiratory therapist degree serves certified and registered respiratory therapists (CRTs and RRTs) who have graduated from CoARC-accredited associate degree programs.

Currently, Carlow’s respiratory therapy bachelor’s program holds provisional accreditation from CoARC, which gives students the same benefits as those graduating from accredited programs. Students can complete the major’s 10 core classes in as little as 18 months.

• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Advanced respiratory care pathophysiology, medical ethics and legal principles in respiratory care

$260/credit

Located in Orem, Utah Valley University is the largest public university in Utah and has offered online courses and degrees for more than 20 years. The school’s online respiratory therapy bachelor’s program is geared toward registered respiratory therapists who already hold associate degrees in the field.

UVU’s program allows students to customize their schedules to balance work and family commitments. Utah Valley University is in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation.

• Application Fee: $35
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare education and disease management, respiratory therapy management and research

$386/credit (in-state)

A Hispanic-serving institution for more than 30 years, Pueblo Community College has campuses in Pueblo, Cañon City, and Mancos, Colorado. The school’s bachelor’s in respiratory therapy program is designed for licensed and registered respiratory therapists with CoARC-accredited associate degrees.

The online program increases career opportunities by enhancing students’ critical-thinking, leadership and communication skills.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Current topics in pulmonary disease, leadership and management in healthcare positions

$573/credit (in state)

The University of Cincinnati in Ohio is a public research university founded in 1819. The school’s online bachelor’s in respiratory therapy program is available to students with associate degrees from CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy programs. Learners can transfer up to 70 credits from previous higher learning institutions.

Coursework emphasizes the technical and academic skills required of a respiratory therapist as outlined by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 50 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Caregiving in the respiratory therapy professions, aging and respiratory therapy

$478/credit (in-state)

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University is a private, nonprofit college established in 1964. For practicing RRTs interested in advancing their careers, the school offers an online bachelor’s in respiratory therapy. Students can complete the CoARC-accredited bachelor’s degree in as little as 18 months.

The curriculum includes sleep medicine, legal and ethical issues, evidence-based practice, and leadership and management for respiratory care.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 39 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Critical care pathophysiology for respiratory therapy, leadership and management for respiratory care

$390/credit (full-time)

Liberty University is a private, evangelical liberal arts institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty University’s online bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy takes an average of two years to complete. The program currently holds provisional accreditation from COARC.

Students must be RRTs with associate degrees to enroll. Courses follow an eight-week format with eight start dates available each year.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Critical respiratory care, pulmonary disease management

Choosing between an online and an on-campus bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy depends on several factors:

• What is your learning style? Do you have the discipline and planning skills necessary to manage your workload? If you are self-driven and can stay on task, an online program may be the right choice. However, an on-campus program may be the best option if you learn best through face-to-face instruction and prefer a more structured schedule.
• How flexible is your schedule? If work, family and personal commitments make attending in-person classes difficult, an online program allows you to balance your schedule with your studies. You can complete online bachelor’s degrees in respiratory therapy fully online. There are no in-person requirements for students who meet the necessary prerequisites.
• What is your budget? If you’re looking for a cost-friendly option, an online degree may be your best choice. Completing your studies online eliminates expenses for different housing, campus meal plans and transportation. Plus, many online programs charge the same per-credit tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students.

Before enrolling in an online respiratory therapy program, ensure your chosen college is accredited . Institutional accreditation is necessary for federal student aid eligibility and credit transfers . It also ensures your degree will be recognized by graduate schools, credentialing bodies and potential employers.

Institutional accreditation is a rigorous process by independent, nonprofit accrediting bodies to evaluate a school’s educational quality. Accrediting agencies are approved by the United States Department of Education (ED) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). To find out if a school is accredited, check CHEA’s database .

Programmatic accreditation evaluates the quality of individual programs in specific fields. CoARC provides programmatic accreditation to respiratory therapy degree programs. You must hold a CoARC-accredited degree to be eligible for licensure and employment as a respiratory therapist. CoARC’s directory lists accredited programs.

If you’re dealing with some decision paralysis, let’s get the ball rolling. Here’s how to choose an online bachelor’s program in respiratory therapy.

Consider Your Future Goals

A bachelor’s in respiratory therapy can increase your employment prospects and earning potential, opening the door to more lucrative positions. When deciding among programs, it’s helpful to consider your desired career path to find a program that aligns with your goals.

Many online respiratory therapy bachelor’s programs require applicants to already hold an associate degree and CRT or RRT certification. With a bachelor’s degree, you can advance your current respiratory therapy career and specialize in a particular field of interest.

If you’re interested in specializing in adult critical care, neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, pulmonary function technology, sleep disorders testing or another respiratory therapy niche, look for a bachelor’s program that focuses on your desired specialty.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The average tuition rate for the bachelor’s degrees ranked in this guide is around $400 per credit. Since the online respiratory therapy programs ranked in this guide are bachelor’s completion programs, they require between 30 and 50 credits, placing the total estimated cost between $11,520 and $19,200.

In comparison, tuition and fees for the average undergraduate program cost $9,596 per year, according to 2021–22 data reported by the National Center for Education Statistics . At that rate, a two-year bachelor’s completion program would cost roughly $19,200 on average.

To locate federal student aid options, including scholarships, grants and loans, you must submit the FAFSA® . Also, your school may offer its own scholarships or work-study programs, and your employer may provide tuition assistance.

Is becoming a respiratory therapist difficult?

Yes, the path to becoming a respiratory therapist can be challenging. According to the National Board for Respiratory Care , the RRT certification exam pass rate was just 57% in 2022.

Where do respiratory therapists make the most money?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists in California and New York earned the highest average salaries in 2022, taking home mean annual wages of $96,150 and $91,410, respectively.

Is nursing harder than respiratory therapy?

Nursing is a broader profession that focuses on the whole body, while respiratory therapy narrows in on the heart and lungs. Anecdotal reports from individuals who have undergone nursing and respiratory therapy training indicate that nursing is more demanding.

Is there a lot of math in respiratory therapy?

Respiratory therapy requires math skills, but calculations are straightforward and involve memorizing the necessary formulas.

Heidi Borst is a freelance journalist, healthcare content writer and certified nutrition coach with a love of all things health and wellness. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, MSN, Yahoo and more. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Borst is a lifelong runner and general fitness enthusiast who is passionate about the physical and mental benefits of sleep and self-care.

What Can You Do With a Respiratory Therapy Degree? (2024)

by John Landry, BS, RRT | Updated: May 23, 2024

Respiratory therapy is an integral component of modern healthcare and focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.

Earning a degree in this discipline equips graduates with specialized knowledge, setting them on a trajectory for diverse career opportunities beyond the conventional role of a respiratory therapist.

From clinical applications to research and administrative roles, a respiratory therapy degree provides a robust foundation for multiple pathways in the realm of medical and health services.

This article breaks down exactly what prospective candidates can expect to once receiving a degree in respiratory therapy.

What Can You Do With a Respiratory Therapy Degree?

Here are some of the primary career opportunities and roles available to those with a respiratory therapy degree:

• Respiratory Therapist: This is the most direct career path. Respiratory therapists assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. They may work in hospitals, specialized clinics, nursing homes, and even home care.
• Pulmonary Function Technologist: These specialists perform tests that measure lung capacity and how well a person is able to move air in and out of their lungs. They help in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating lung-related diseases.
• Sleep Disorder Specialist: Some respiratory therapists choose to specialize in sleep medicine. They assist in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea by conducting overnight sleep studies, known as polysomnography.
• Respiratory Care Educator: With additional training or experience, respiratory therapists can become educators in universities, colleges, technical schools, or hospitals, teaching the next generation of respiratory therapists.
• Healthcare Administrator: Some respiratory therapists, especially those with advanced degrees or additional administrative training, move into management roles within respiratory departments or broader healthcare settings.
• Equipment Sales Representative: Companies that manufacture or distribute respiratory equipment often hire respiratory therapists as sales reps due to their specialized knowledge.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist: These professionals specialize in helping patients recover lung function after surgery, illness, or the onset of diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Asthma Educator: Some respiratory therapists specialize in helping patients manage asthma, offering education and interventions to improve quality of life.
• Air and Surface Transport Therapist: They accompany critically ill patients being transported by air or ground, ensuring that respiratory care is provided during transport.
• Researcher: Those with a keen interest in research may delve into studies on the efficacy of treatments, understanding pulmonary diseases, or developing new interventions and technologies.
• Respiratory Therapy Consultant: Some seasoned professionals might offer consulting services to hospitals, clinics, or manufacturers on best practices, equipment utilization, and patient care techniques.
• Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapist: Specializing in the care of infants and children , these therapists work in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units helping premature babies and children with respiratory challenges.
• Traveling Respiratory Therapist: Some agencies hire respiratory therapists to travel to various locations (nationally or internationally) where their services are in short-term demand.

In addition to these roles, a respiratory therapy degree can serve as a foundation for advanced clinical or academic studies, such as obtaining a master’s degree in respiratory care , public health, healthcare administration, or moving into other medical specialties.

FAQs About Getting a Respiratory Therapy Degree

What is a respiratory therapist.

A respiratory therapist is a certified medical professional specializing in the assessment, treatment, and care of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.

They work with a range of patients, from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients with diseased lungs.

Their tasks may include performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments, and educating patients on lung health and disease management.

Where Can You Work with a Respiratory Therapy Degree?

With a respiratory therapy degree , individuals can work in a variety of healthcare settings.

The most common places of employment include hospitals, where they often work in departments such as intensive care, neonatal ICU, and pediatrics.

Other potential workplaces include specialized respiratory clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, pulmonary rehabilitation centers, sleep disorder clinics, and research facilities.

How Much Do Respiratory Therapists Make?

The salary of respiratory therapists can vary based on factors like geographical location, level of education, years of experience, and the specific healthcare setting in which they work.

The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in the U.S. is around $62,000 , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

However, those in specialized or administrative roles or in areas with high demand might earn more.

Is a Respiratory Therapist a Good Career Choice?

Yes, becoming a respiratory therapist is often considered a good career choice for several reasons. The field offers opportunities for specialization, professional development, and advancement.

Additionally, as the aging population grows and respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD become more prevalent, the demand for qualified respiratory therapists is expected to increase.

The role also provides personal fulfillment, as respiratory therapists play a critical part in improving patients’ quality of life and can make a significant difference in critical care settings.

What is the Next Step After Becoming a Respiratory Therapist?

After becoming a respiratory therapist, professionals have various avenues for advancement and specialization.

They can pursue additional certifications in areas like neonatal-pediatric care, sleep disorders, or pulmonary rehabilitation.

Some therapists opt for advanced degrees in respiratory care or related fields, which can open doors to roles in education, research , or healthcare administration.

Others might choose to transition into equipment sales, consulting, or even starting their own businesses in respiratory care or related services.

Is Respiratory Therapy Respected?

Absolutely. Respiratory therapy is a respected profession within the healthcare community. Respiratory therapists work alongside doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, often playing a pivotal role in critical care teams.

Their specialized knowledge and skills are vital for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, and their contributions, especially in emergency and intensive care units, are highly valued.

As awareness of respiratory conditions grows, the importance and respect for the profession are only expected to increase.

What Business Can I Start as a Respiratory Therapist?

As a respiratory therapist , several entrepreneurial avenues can be pursued. One common option is starting a home respiratory care service, assisting patients who require regular therapy but prefer or need treatment at home.

Another avenue is consulting for healthcare facilities or companies that manufacture respiratory equipment.

Respiratory therapists with a knack for education might consider launching training programs or workshops for other medical professionals or patients.

Furthermore, there’s potential in opening a respiratory equipment sales or rental business, a pulmonary rehabilitation center, or even a sleep study clinic for patients with sleep-related respiratory issues.

Who Do Respiratory Therapists Work With?

Respiratory therapists collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.

This often includes pulmonologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialized medical personnel.

Depending on the setting, they might also work closely with administrative staff, equipment technicians, and patient families.

In the context of patient care, they serve a diverse population ranging from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly individuals with chronic respiratory diseases.

What Degree is Required for Respiratory Therapists?

To become a respiratory therapist, one typically needs an Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program . However, many employers now prefer or even require a Bachelor’s degree.

After completing the educational program, graduates must also pass a national exam to become certified or registered respiratory therapists, depending on the certification level.

The specific requirements can vary by country and even within regions, so it’s essential to consult local licensing boards or professional associations for detailed information.

Final Thoughts

A respiratory therapy degree is not just a ticket to a singular career path but a gateway to a multitude of opportunities in healthcare.

From direct patient care roles to positions in administration, education, and research, the range of prospects showcases the versatility of this degree.

Written by:

John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.

• Respiratory Therapists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: :    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 8 Sept. 2022.
• Varekojis S: Respiratory therapy department directors’ preferences regarding the educational background of new graduate staff respiratory therapists, Respir Care Educ Annu 27:16–21, 2018.
• “American Association for Respiratory Care.” AARC, 10 Apr. 2023, www.aarc.org.
• “National Board for Respiratory Care.” The National Board for Respiratory Care, 1 Feb. 2023.
• “CoARC – Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.” CoARC – Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 11 Apr. 2023, coarc.com.
• Smith, Stephen M., et al. “The Future of Respiratory Care: Results of a New York State Survey of Respiratory Therapists.” Respiratory Care, vol. 62, no. 3, American Association for Respiratory Care, Mar. 2017.

Recommended Reading

Is respiratory therapy school hard (explained), respiratory therapist scope of practice, respiratory therapist license (and credentials), how to find a job as a respiratory therapist, required skills for being a respiratory therapist, what can you do with a master’s degree in respiratory therapy.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

The RRT credential is nationally recognized as the “standard of excellence” for respiratory care professionals.

The examinations for the RRT credential objectively and uniformly measure essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of advanced respiratory therapists. The NBRC evaluates the competency of respiratory therapists and ensures that graduates of accredited respiratory care education programs have every opportunity to earn the RRT credential. It is in high demand nationwide, and we work diligently to help to fill the shortage of qualified respiratory therapists in the field.

The first examination for earning the RRT is the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination (prior to January 2015, it was known as the Written Registry Examination). The TMC Examination evaluates the abilities required of respiratory therapists at entry into practice and determines eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). The CRT and/or RRT credentials are used as the basis for the licensure in all 49 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care.

For more information, click or tap on a topic below, or visit our TMC Exam FAQs .

The TMC Examination has two cut scores. You must achieve the high cut score to become eligible for the CSE, and a passing score on the CSE is required for earning the RRT credential. The low cut score earns credentials as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). You will be given three hours to complete the TMC Examination, which consists of 160 multiple-choice questions (140 scored items and 20 pretest items).

For specific TMC exam content, refer to the Detailed Content Outlines.

TMC Detailed Content Outline – effective 1-2020

The CSE consists of 22 problems (20 scored items and 2 pretest items). The clinical setting and patient situation for each problem are designed to simulate reality and be relevant to the clinical practice of respiratory care. You will be given four hours to complete the CSE. For specific CSE exam content, refer to the detailed content outlines.

CSE Detailed Content Outline – effective 1-2020

Admission Requirements

Please ensure you meet the following requirements before applying for the TMC Examination:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.

2. Be a graduate of and have a minimum of an associate degree from an entry into practice respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

3. Be a CRT for at least four years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics. Click here for more information about CRT-to-Registry .

4. Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have earned a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited entry-level respiratory care education program.

5. Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics. Click here for more information about CRT-to-Registry .

6. Hold the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) RRT credential.

Free Practice Exam

A free TMC practice examination is available so you may familiarize yourself with the content and types of questions that will be included on the credentialing exam.

ATTENTION – By accessing this examination, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, disclose, offer for sale, or sell any portion of these copyrighted National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. materials in any format. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disciplinary action by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. including loss of your credential, losing your ability to retake an examination, and/or legal action related to copyright infringement.

Self-Assessment

Anyone planning to take the TMC Examination can assess how they will perform before actually attempting the examination by taking the official NBRC Self-Assessment Exam (SAE). The feedback from the SAE provides an opportunity to evaluate and remedy less-than-desirable examination performance before taking the credentialing examination. The official SAEs are the only products that provide the respective examination committees’ rationale for the best response to each question. There are two forms of the TMC Self-Assessment Examination available.

Official SAEs are only available in web-based format for purchase online through the NBRC’s testing agency, PSI. PSI’s e-store offers all currently available NBRC web-based SAEs for purchase online.

To take an online SAE, you must have:

• A compatible internet browser such as the current version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Other browsers may not work. • Cookies and scripting must be enabled. • Pop-up blocking must be disabled.

After your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with specific instructions guiding you through the examination process. The e-mail contains your private password that allows you to receive individualized feedback on your performance. You will have 90 days from the time you receive your confirmation e-mail to complete the examination.

Please note: If you purchase an NBRC SAE, your credit card statement will reflect a purchase from LXR .

Clinical Simulation Examination Admission Requirements

Please ensure you meet the following requirements before applying for the CSE Examination:

1. Be a CRT and have successfully completed the Therapist Written Examination (WRRT) or the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) at the high cut score. and 2. Be a graduate of and have a minimum of an associate degree from an advanced level respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). or 3. Be a CRT for at least four years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics. or 4. Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have earned a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited entry-level respiratory care education program. or 5. Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics. or 6. Hold the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) RRT credential.

The NBRC continually receives inquiries regarding the CRT-to-Registry provision of the admission policies for the examinations associated with the RRT. If you have questions that are not answered below, or if you need further clarification of this admission policy, please contact the NBRC Executive Office.

To qualify for the CRT-to-Registry admission you must be one of the following:

• A CRT for at least four years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics; or
• A CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have earned a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited entry-level respiratory care education program; or
• A CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential, and have a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care with at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics

Click here for a CRT-to-Registry Evaluation Form.

Semester Hours

The NBRC Board of Trustees has not established any minimum hour requirement for the basic science courses. A minimum of 62 semester hours of college credit must be completed; within the 62 hours, a minimum of one course must be completed in each of the following areas: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.

The reason semester hour requirements were not established for the basic sciences is the lack of uniformity in hours awarded for similar courses by various national colleges and universities. For instance, some colleges combine anatomy and physiology while others offer them separately and some colleges award hours in semesters and others in quarters. Completion of the courses is more important than the hours awarded for the required courses.

The NBRC suggests you complete more than the minimum one course in mathematics and the basic sciences, because the more knowledge accumulated in these areas, the better your chance for success on the RRT exams. Many colleges and universities require laboratories for science courses, but if they don’t, they are not required for the RRT exam.

Transcript Requirements

If you have a valid CRT credential for a minimum of four years, you must submit your official transcripts at the time of application. The science and mathematics courses must appear, by name, on your official transcripts and it must be apparent you completed the courses. If any of the courses do not appear on the transcripts by these names, you must obtain a course description from the college catalog for any course in question and submit each course description to the Admission Committee, in care of the NBRC, for review and final determination.

If you have had a valid CRT for a minimum of two years and have a baccalaureate degree in an area other than in respiratory therapy, you must provide proof of completion of a baccalaureate degree in the form of either official college transcripts or a notarized copy of your baccalaureate degree. Official transcripts verifying completion of the basic sciences and mathematics must also be submitted at the time of application.

A minimum of one course in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics must appear, by name, on the official transcript. It must be apparent from the transcript that these courses have been completed. If any of the courses do not appear on the transcript by these names, you must obtain a course description from the college catalog. For any course in question, submit course description to the Admission Committee, in care of the NBRC, for final determination.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Courses challenged through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) will be accepted toward the 62 semester hours and required basic science courses if transferable college credit is awarded by an accredited college or university for each course completed by CLEP. The courses attempted through the CLEP program and the credit awarded must be recorded on an official transcript.

Courses Completed at Foreign Colleges or Universities

Courses taken at a foreign college or university do not satisfy the NBRC’s requirement of 62 semester hours of college credit. Foreign programs are not accredited by their regional association or its equivalent. If you attended a foreign college, you should contact an accredited college to have transfer credit awarded for the training received. The NBRC will accept transfer credit for foreign courses if an accredited United States college or university is willing to award transfer credit. A letter sealed by the Registrar indicating the courses and hours for which transfer credit is awarded may be accepted in lieu of official college transcripts.

Training Completed at Hospital-Based Nursing or Other Health-Related Programs

If you completed courses at a hospital-based nursing or other educational program not accredited by its regional association or its equivalent, the course work will not be accepted unless transfer credit for the courses is awarded from an accredited college or university. A letter sealed by the registrar indicating the courses and hours for which transfer credit is awarded may be accepted.

Course Descriptions for the Required Basic Science and Mathematics Courses

The NBRC Admissions Committee has developed course outlines for the basic science and mathematics courses required under this provision. The course outlines recommend the content areas which should be covered in each of the basic sciences. These course descriptions are intended for those who have not yet completed some or all courses, and who require guidance in course selection. The course outlines can be obtained by writing the Executive Office.

General Exam Info: Tools for Candidates

These additional tools are available at no cost to help you prepare for the examination:

• Candidate Handbook : Information, applications and other forms for all NBRC credentialing examinations
• Log in with your email address – this is the email address where your results will be sent.
• Use the mouse to select your responses and to proceed through the examination.
• To obtain your results, you must take the entire examination in one sitting. Your results will not be saved if you exit the examination.
• When you have completed the examination, click Finish and Display. Your results will be displayed on the screen and emailed to the address you provided at login.
• If you need assistance using the examination software, click on the Help button in the lower portion of the screen once you begin the examination.
• To take the online practice exams, you will need a compatible internet browser such as the current version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Other browsers may or may not work. Cookies and scripting must be enabled and pop-up blocking must be disabled.
• Assessment Centers : A listing of assessment centers where exams are offered nationwide, searchable by state or zip code
• General FAQs : Information on credentials, fees, credential maintenance and other NBRC information
• Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) Brochure : Detailed information on the NBRC’s Credential Maintenance Program
• Submit an Online Application
• Printable TMC & CSE Application

TMC Exam FAQs

What are the admission requirements for the TMC Examination?

2. Be a graduate of and have a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

3. Be a CRT for at least four years and have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.

4. Be a CRT for at least two years and have earned a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

5. Be a CRT for at least two years and have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses:anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.

What is the application process, and how long does it take?

You may apply online or submit a paper application and fee once you have met the admission requirements.

If applying and paying by credit card online, your application is processed immediately. If mailing your application and fee, your application will be processed within approximately five to seven business days. An email confirmation notice of eligibility will be sent to you, which includes a website and toll-free telephone number for you to contact to schedule an examination appointment.

If your eligibility cannot be confirmed, you will be notified by email of the additional information required to complete your application.

What are the examination fees?

The TMC Examination costs $190 for new applicants and $150 for repeat applicants.

When is the application deadline?

There are no application deadlines. If you meet the admissions requirements for an examination you may submit your application and fee at any time.

What if I don’t receive an email confirming my eligibility?

If you don’t receive an email confirmation of eligibility or an incomplete notice within two weeks of submitting your application, contact the NBRC . If your application is not on file, you will be asked to send a replacement application form and fee.

When and where are NBRC examinations administered?

NBRC examinations are administered Monday through Saturday at more than 300 assessment centers across the country (except on nationally recognized holidays). Search for an assessment center near you .

Can I schedule my examination online?

Yes. If you are already approved to take an examination and paid the appropriate fee, you may schedule online .

Is a free practice examination available?

TMC practice examination

Is a Self-Assessment Examination available?

If you are assessing your preparedness for the TMC Examination and feel you need more guidance than the free practice exam, there is a Self-Assessment Examination (SAE) available for purchase. The TMC SAE has the same number of questions as the credentialing examination.

How much testing time is given to complete the TMC Examination?

The testing time for the TMC Examination is three hours.

What content will be included on the TMC Examination?

To begin your preparation in an informed and organized manner, you should know what to expect from the actual examination in terms of content areas tested. The detailed content outlines present the specific patient care settings and each of the content areas. The outlines can be used to get a general impression of the examination, and with closer inspection, can give you specific study direction. For example, you can determine the relative importance of each content area on the examination by reviewing the number of questions in each section.

When will I receive my test scores?

You will receive information about your score after completing the examination.

Do I have to wait between attempts of the examination?

As indicated in the table below, candidates may attempt the Therapist Multiple-Choice and Clinical Simulation Examinations three times, after which the candidate will be required to wait a minimum of 120 days between any subsequent attempt. For the specialty credentialing examinations, including Pulmonary Function Technology, Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty, Sleep Disorders Specialty, and Adult Critical Care Specialty Examinations, candidates may attempt the exam two times, after which the candidate will be required to wait at least 180 days before sitting for the exam again.

As the respiratory profession continues to grow and flourish, we feel this is an important and necessary policy to implement in order to ensure caregiver competency and patient safety for years to come.

What is the NBRC’s Record Retention Policy?

When you apply for an examination, your eligibility records are maintained for one year following application regardless of whether or not you schedule an exam. If you don’t actively pursue credentialing, your eligibility records are inactivated after one year. If you are a candidate whose records are inactivated, you must reapply as a new candidate and meet the most current admissions requirements to be eligible for the exam. Please note: if you have passed one of the examinations to earn the RRT Credential (TMC or CSE) and allow your application records to become inactivated, your passing performance will be nullified, so we encourage you to pursue credentialing in a timely manner after applying and receiving a confirmation of eligibility notice.

To support you through the entire process, we are committed to providing appropriate notices to candidates before their application records are inactivated, so we also encourage you to keep your contact information current with the NBRC.

What do the cut scores mean?

There are two established cut scores for the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination. If you achieve the low cut score, you will earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you will earn the CRT credential AND become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination (provided you meet the eligibility requirements and are eligible to earn the RRT credential). If you do not achieve a minimum of the low cut score, you must reapply for the TMC Examination.

Does passing the TMC Examination at the high cut score automatically mean I’m eligible for the CSE?

No. All Candidates must meet the CSE eligibility requirements, regardless of examination score.

If I currently hold the CRT credential and score below the low cut score on the TMC Examination, will I lose my CRT credential?

​No. You can retake the TMC Examination as many times as necessary to regain RRT eligibility or to become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination without impacting the status of your current CRT credential.​

Can I qualify to take the TMC Examination with foreign education?

Foreign respiratory therapy education does not qualify for admission to the TMC Examination. You must have a minimum of an associate’s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy education program. View a list of accredited education programs .

What are the admission requirements for the Clinical Simulation Examination?

Please ensure you meet the following requirements before applying for the Clinical Simulation Examination:

1. Be a CRT and have successfully completed the Therapist Written Examination (WRRT) on or before December 31, 2014; OR Be a CRT and have successfully completed the TMC Examination by achieving the high cut score on or after January 2015.

4. Be a CRT for at least two years and have earned a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

5. Be a CRT for at least two years and have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.

The CSE costs $200 for both new and repeat applicants.

Are any examination fee discounts offered?

Yes, AARC MEMBERS are eligible for a one-time, $40 discount when applying for the first time for the following NBRC examinations:

– CSE – PFT – NPS – SDS – ACCS

You must register for the AARC Member Discount through the AARC website here . AARC will send an email after registering for the discount containing instructions about accessing the NBRC’s online examination application. You must begin the application process from the link in the instructions you receive from the AARC by email. The discount must be used at the time you submit your application and payment and will not be retroactively applied.

Yes. If you are approved to take an examination and paid the appropriate fee, you may schedule online .

A free CSE practice examination is available so you may familiarize yourself with the content and types of questions that will be included on the credentialing exam.

CSE practice examination

If you are assessing your preparedness for the Clinical Simulation Examination and feel you need more guidance than the free practice exam, there is a Self-Assessment Examination (SAE) available for purchase.

How much testing time is given to complete the Clinical Simulation Examination?

The testing time for the CSE is four hours.

What content will be included on the Clinical Simulation Examination?

No. You must meet the CSE eligibility requirements, regardless of examination score.

I have already passed one portion of the RRT Examination. What do I do now?

​If you passed the Therapist Written Examination (WRRT) prior to January 1, 2015, you are eligible for the CSE. If you passed the CSE but not the Therapist Written Examination (WRRT), you must take the TMC exam and pass at the high cut score to earn the RRT credential.

I‘m a CRT and didn’t graduate with an Associates Degree. Can I apply for the CSE?

Yes. You must satisfy one of the following CRT-to-Registry admission requirements:

• Be a CRT for at least four years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, physics, and mathematics.
• Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have earned a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited entry-level respiratory care education program; or
• Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, and physics.

If I am applying under the CRT-to-Registry Provision, how do I know if I’ve taken the required courses?

The NBRC offers a CRT-to-Registry transcript evaluation at no charge. To request a CRT-to-Registry evaluation, submit a copy of your college transcripts with a completed CRT-to-Registry Evaluation Form to our office. Do not submit an application or fee since you are only requesting an evaluation of your education. Please allow approximately three weeks for a response to your request.

Please note that an evaluation request with no transcript information attached may result in a significantly delayed response.

Purchase a Voucher

If you are an employer or educator who plans to cover the cost of the NBRC credentialing examinations for candidates, an online prepay option is available for your convenience. Simply follow the link below to purchase a prepaid voucher. Once your payment is made, you will receive a voucher code that your student can use as payment when applying for the exam.

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Phone: 913.895.4900 Fax: 913.712.9283

Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine

• About Course

Many doctors have a Ph.D. in respiratory medicine . However, this degree is often a prerequisite for other medical careers. This degree is considered the ultimate degree in this field and can lead to post-doctoral research in the field. This field is very diverse, and there are a number of different ways to pursue a doctoral degree. This article will look at some of the best options for earning a Ph.D. in respiratory medicine.

The program gives students an overview of respiratory diseases and how they are managed. It also includes community, primary and secondary care inputs, and workplace-based elements. This Ph.D. is designed for future respiratory specialists and allied health professionals who would like to specialize in the field. In addition to the degree, it is a stepping stone to a career as a research scientist. The degree also provides specialized training in the field for those who wish to work in public health, research, or clinical settings.

The program includes a research component, where students are engaged in advanced research. Students are paired with researchers in a multidisciplinary environment and will complete their Ph.D. with a state-of-the-art research proposal. The ERS will then offer a Ph.D. in respiratory medicine to successful candidates. They will be placed in an MD Ph.D. program in their home institution after completing their degree. As a result, the program will provide the best training for future respiratory professionals.

Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine Eligibility

Candidates who want to take admission in Ph.D. must have a post-graduate degree in Respiratory Medicine and its relevant discipline with at least 55% marks from a recognized university and must have passed the national level entrance examination or university level entrance examination. National level entrance exams like UGC NET / UGC CSIR NET / GATE / SLET or University entrance exams consist of written tests and personal interviews.

The Benefits of a Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine

While the AARC recognizes the value of earning an advanced degree, they do not necessarily endorse the practice. A survey of AARC members revealed that eighty-two percent felt the degree was worthwhile, both for career advancement and for personal satisfaction. Of these individuals, seven were less positive, but more than half of them were recent grads. If you are interested in earning a doctorate, a Ph.D. in respiratory medicine might be right for you.

The program prepares students for a research career. It provides an overview of respiratory diseases and specializes in diagnosis and management. It balances community, primary care, and secondary care inputs. The program also includes workplace-based elements. It provides advanced training for respiratory specialists and allied health professionals. It enables candidates to apply the skills they learned to help others. The Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine combines classroom and hands-on training in the field of respiratory medicine.

As a doctor, you will have a comprehensive understanding of different respiratory conditions and their diagnosis and treatment. It also teaches you about the latest developments in lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia. This Ph.D. program focuses on the latest advances in medical science, allowing you to become a better researcher.

 The Career and Job Opportunities of a Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine

There are many options available to respiratory medicine students with a Ph.D. Degree, including research and teaching positions. A survey conducted by the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) found that 68 percent of respondents said their graduate degree was worthwhile for career advancement and personal satisfaction. Only seven respondents were less enthusiastic, and all were recent graduates. Fortunately, the career prospects are bright.

With a Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine, you'll be well-prepared to go into academic research. You'll likely be working in a particular field, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or aging. In addition, you'll be immersed in an interdisciplinary community, so you can choose your own projects. Additionally, you'll have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Ph.D. graduates are prepared for careers in academics, research, or development. Their specialty training in respiratory medicine gives them the knowledge and skills to advance their careers in this field. After earning a Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine, you can work as a researcher in a hospital or in a research facility. A doctorate in Respiratory Medicine will enable you to explore a wide range of opportunities.

If you are considering a career in research, you'll have plenty of choices. The Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences program provides you with unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with physician-scientists in a variety of fields. You'll gain knowledge in areas such as asthma, allergy, autoimmunity, and pulmonary disease. You'll also develop a foundation in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology. The best graduates will have an opportunity to combine research with patient care.

The Future Scope of a Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine

A Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine is a doctorate-level program in respiratory care, which is important for managing different conditions and illnesses. This course prepares students to become experts in the field of respiratory wellbeing. They may choose to work in the private sector or in a health care organization that focuses on research and therapeutic foundations. In addition, some programs may direct applicants to take a selection test before they are accepted into the program.

The future scope of a Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine is bright as many of these graduates go on to become renowned researchers. The profession has grown considerably since the first years of training. The demand for professionals in this field has increased over the past few decades, and the field is predicted to increase by 19% globally by 2029. Before pursuing a Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine, students must earn an undergraduate degree in the field. A three-year program in this discipline requires candidates to complete an internship and a residency.

A Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine program will open up many new careers. The field is growing rapidly, and the demand for qualified professionals is expected to grow by 19% by 2029. This career option requires an undergraduate degree, which is commonly called a BSc. During the program, students will study the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases. In most cases, the career will require a doctorate from an accredited university.

Ph.D. Research Programme duration

The Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine course is a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 duration. This depends on the university offering the course.

Fees for research program for Respiratory Medicine

The average fee for Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine degree is between INR 50000 and INR 500000.

Eligibility

Masters degree + the candidates should have cleared the Entrance test conducted by the respective university.

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We have 29 respiratory medicine PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Dysfunctional antifungal potency of the respiratory mucosa in copd, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

cGAS-STING involvement in respiratory viral infections

Diagnosis and retraining of breathing pattern disorder based on optical measurement of breathing patterns (ref: ssehs/slw24), the impact of nutritional scavenging on host-pathogen interactions, antifungal efficacy and emergence of antifungal resistance, (epsrc) metagenomics as a novel diagnostic tool for rapid identification of antimicrobial resistance in patients with respiratory infection, competition funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution. It is in competition for funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The funding is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

(EPSRC) Development of ultra high resolution mass spectrometry for respiratory disease phenotyping; towards improved diagnosis and personalised treatment

Advancing mass spectrometry tools for endotyping chronic respiratory diseases, msc by research: using hypomethylating agents to prevent respiratory infections in older adults, the holistic microbiome in health and disease: linking the oral, gut and respiratory microbiomes, clinical: gastroesophageal reflux in respiratory disease: pathogenic role and improved management, investigating the innate immune response in rsv and hmpv infection, lessening health inequalities in type 2 diabetes through innovative drug repurposing, cancer: investigation of accentuated mitochondrial ros and nlrp3 inflammasome activation in cystic fibrosis and colorectal carcinoma., phd studentship, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Novel Immunotherapies and Vaccines for Virus Control

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Stanford University School of Medicine blog

‘Cyclic sighing’ can help breathe away anxiety

Feeling anxious? You're far from alone. During the pandemic, rates of anxiety and depression soared around the globe, resulting in a shortage of mental health care providers and long wait times for therapy.

But, according to a new study from Stanford Medicine , there's an easy, at-home way to help lower your stress level: It's called cyclic sighing, a controlled breathing exercise that emphasizes long exhalations. What's more, it can take as little as five minutes to experience less anxiety, a better mood and even decreased rates of breathing at rest, a sign of overall body calmness.

"What's interesting about the breath is that it's right on the edge of conscious control," said David Spiegel , MD, the Jack, Lulu, and Sam Willson Professor in Medicine and associate chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, who co-led the study with Stanford Medicine neurobiologist Andrew Huberman , PhD, and Melis Yilmaz Balban, PhD, former Stanford Medicine senior research scientist. "Most of the time breathing is automatic, like digestion, heartbeat and other bodily functions, but you can very easily take over and control your breath, which then affects your overall physiology and stress response."

Breaking the anxiety spiral

Imagine you've just experienced something stressful -- maybe a critical email from your boss or a phone call from your child's school principal. As soon as you start to worry, your heart rate speeds, and you breathe a little more quickly. Your muscles tighten, your armpits get sweaty and you suddenly feel restless and fidgety.

For many people, especially those with anxiety disorders, these physical changes trigger a chain reaction of thoughts and fears, said Spiegel, who is the director of the Center on Stress and Health at Stanford Medicine. "As soon as you notice what's going on in your body, your brain thinks, 'Oh no, this must be really bad,' and you get more anxious. It's like a snowball rolling downhill."

But taking charge of your breathing can break the cycle, Spiegel said. "When we teach people to control the physical effects of a stressor on their body, it puts them in a better position to deal with the stressor itself."

The instructions are simple: Breathe in through your nose. When you've comfortably filled your lungs, take a second, deeper sip of air to expand your lungs as much as possible. Then, very slowly, exhale through your mouth until all the air is gone.

After one or two of these deep sighs, you may already feel calmer, but to get the full effect, Spiegel recommends repeating these deep sighs for about five minutes. Exhalation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, he said, which slows down heart rate and has an overall soothing effect on the body.

Putting cyclic sighing to the test

There's a long history of using controlled breathing in traditional practices like yoga, tai chi and meditation, but scientists are just beginning to study how these breathing exercises work and which ones are most beneficial.

Huberman and Spiegel recently led a randomized, controlled trial of cyclic sighing compared to two other types of breathing exercises, one emphasizing inhalation and another asking participants to breathe in and out for equal amounts of time. Each of the 111 healthy volunteers were asked to perform their assigned exercise for five minutes a day over the course of one month. (People with moderate to severe psychiatric conditions were not a part of this preliminary study.)

Before and after completing their daily breathing exercises, participants answered two online questionnaires: the State Anxiety Inventory, a standardized measurement of current anxiety levels, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, a common research tool used to assess good and bad feelings on a scale from 1 to 5.

The trial also included a control group of participants who passively observed their breath during five minutes of mindfulness meditation.

"In mindfulness meditation, we instruct people to be aware of their breath but not try to control it," Spiegel said. "For the other groups, we asked participants to directly control an activity that normally goes on more or less automatically."

Hundreds of studies have demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness meditation for reducing stress and anxiety, and as expected, the mindfulness group reported lower anxiety and improved mood. But in this study , published Jan. 17 in Cell Reports Medicine , the controlled breathing groups reported even more improvements, with significantly greater increases in positive affect -- good feelings such as energy, joy and peacefulness.

On average, participants in the controlled breathing groups experienced a daily increase in positive affect of 1.91 points on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scale, compared to 1.22 points for the mindfulness meditation group, an improvement that's greater by about one-third.

"Controlled breathing exercises may have a more rapid, more direct effect on physiology than mindfulness," Spiegel said, noting that people typically meditate for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. "We wanted to see whether a quicker intervention, repeated for just five minutes over the course of 30 days, could still have lasting effects." 

The researchers also hypothesized that cyclic sighing, with its focus on slow exhalation, might be more effective than the other two types of controlled breathing.

Indeed, while all three controlled breathing interventions decreased anxiety and negative mood, participants in the cyclic sighing group had the greatest daily improvement in positive feelings on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule questionnaire. The effect increased as the study went on, suggesting that the more consecutive days they practiced cyclic sighing, the more it helped their mood.

Slower breathing rate, calmer body

In addition to tracking anxiety and mood, participants wore sensors to monitor their resting breathing rate and heart rate. Although no changes to heart rate were observed in any of the groups, participants in the cyclic sighing group significantly lowered their resting breathing rate, more than the mindfulness or other controlled breathing groups.

"They were breathing more slowly not just during the exercise, but throughout the day, indicating a lasting effect on physiology," Spiegel said.

Respiratory rate was also inversely correlated with a change in positive affect, suggesting that the participants whose breathing slowed down the most were also the ones who experienced the greatest improvement in mood. 

"We know that people who are breathing very rapidly feel more anxious, such as during a panic attack," Spiegel said. "Controlled breathwork seems to be a straightforward way to do the opposite: lower physiologic arousal and regulate your mood."

Simple, quick and free

One of the best parts of cyclic sighing is that it can be done anytime, anywhere -- with zero cost and zero side effects. In fact, due to the pandemic, the team conducted the entire trial remotely.

"Now we know we can reach a much bigger and more diverse population than if we'd done everything in the lab," said Spiegel.

In the future, Spiegel and Huberman plan to use functional MRI to measure brain activity during the controlled breathing exercises, and they hope to conduct treatment studies in specific populations with anxiety or mood disorders.

"There's a growing interest in nonpharmacological ways of helping people regulate their mood," Spiegel said. "We may be able to identify certain kinds of anxiety that respond substantially to this simple treatment."

In the meantime, Spiegel says there's no harm in trying cyclic sighing for yourself.

Photo by Fokussiert

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Study shows cannabis terpenes may relieve chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain

Researchers at the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction tested the pain-relieving ability of five terpenes with promising results.

Cannabis terpenes, the compounds that give plants their aroma and taste, may offer an alternative path to pain relief without adverse side effects.

Photo by Kris Hanning, UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications

A new University of Arizona Health Sciences study published in the journal PAIN found that Cannabis sativa terpenes were as effective as morphine at reducing chronic neuropathic pain and a combination of the two analgesics further enhanced pain relief without negative side effects.

John Streicher, PhD, is a member of the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction and a professor of pharmacology at the College of Medicine – Tucson.

Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez, UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications

Some prior studies have shown that the Cannabis sativa plant and its two primary cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD, can be effective in managing chronic pain; however, the effects are generally moderate and can come with unwanted psychoactive side effects. Terpenes, the compounds that give plants their aroma and taste, offer an alternative path to pain relief without adverse side effects.

“A question that we’ve been very interested in is could terpenes be used to manage chronic pain?” said lead researcher John Streicher, PhD , a member of the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction and a professor of pharmacology at the College of Medicine – Tucson . “What we found is that terpenes are really good at relieving a specific type of chronic pain with side effects that are low and manageable.”

Terpenes are found in all plants, and most plants have two dominant terpene species. Cannabis is unique in that it contains up to 150 terpenes with multiple terpenes acting as the dominant species. Streicher and the research team tested five terpenes that are found in moderate to high levels in Cannabis : alpha-humulene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene, geraniol and linalool.

In a prior study , Streicher’s team found that four of those terpenes mimicked the effects of cannabinoids, including a reduction in the sensation of pain, in animal models of acute pain. For this study , they used a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain that occurs when highly toxic chemotherapy medications cause nerve damage that results in pain.

The terpenes were tested individually and compared with morphine. The research team found that each terpene was successful in reducing the sensation of pain at levels near to or above the peak effect of morphine. When the terpenes were combined with morphine, the pain-relieving effects of all five terpene/morphine combinations were significantly increased.

“That was really striking to us, but just because something relieves pain doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a good therapy,” Streicher said.

Opioids are often used to treat many types of pain, but they can come with a host of unwanted side effects. Opioids activate the brain’s reward system, which is what can lead to addiction, and can cause tolerance, a condition that occurs when the body gets used to a medication and needs increasingly larger doses to have the same effect. Opioids also can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to death.

“We looked at other aspects of the terpenes, such as does this cause reward? Is this going to be addictive? Is it going to make you feel awful?” Streicher said. “What we found was yes, terpenes do relieve pain, and they also have a pretty good side effect profile.”

None of the terpenes had reward liability, making them a low risk for addiction. Some of the terpenes also did not cause aversive behaviors, which suggests they could be effective therapeutics without producing distressing side effects.

Finally, researchers tested different routes of terpene administration: injection, oral dosing and inhalation of vaporized pure terpenes. They found that when terpenes were given orally or inhaled, the effects were significantly reduced or absent.

“A lot of people vape or smoke terpenes as part of cannabis extracts that are available commercially in states where cannabis use is legal,” Streicher said “We were surprised to find that the inhalation route didn’t have an impact in this study, because there are a lot of at least anecdotal reports saying that you can get the effects of terpenes whether taken orally or inhaled. Part of the confounding factor is that terpenes smell quite nice and it’s hard to disguise that aroma, so people could be kind of having the psychosomatic placebo-style effect.”

Because this is the first paper to examine the side effects of terpenes, Streicher will be using its findings to inform the next stage of research – can terpenes block the reward potential of opiates such as morphine while at the same time enhancing its pain-relief potential?

“This brings up the idea that you could have a combination therapy, an opioid with a high level of terpene, that could actually make the pain relief better while blocking the addiction potential of opioids,” Streicher said. “That’s what we are looking at now.”

Co-authors from the College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Pharmacology include former graduate student Abigail M. Schwarz, PhD; associate scientific investigator Attila Keresztes, PhD ; and current or former undergraduate students Thai Bui, Ryan Hecksel, Adrian Peña, Brianna Lent, Martin Gamez-Rivera, Caleb Seekins, Kerry Chou, Taylor L. Appel and Fahad A. Al-Obeidi. Zhan-Gou Gao, MD, PhD, and Kenneth A. Jacobson, PhD, both from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health, also contributed to the research.

This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01AT011517 and by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases under award no. ZIADK031117.

Related stories

Study shows cannabis terpenes provide pain relief, contribute to ‘entourage effect’

Pain relief research: Clearing the smoke surrounding cannabis

Stacy Pigott UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications 520-539-4152, [email protected]

FDA expands RSV vaccine use to adults aged 50 to 59

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the age indication for GSK’s Arexvy respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to include adults aged 50 to 59 years at increased risk for complications from the virus.

In a press release, GSK said more than 13 million Americans fall into this category. The vaccine was initially approved last fall for use in all adults aged 60 and older.  

"When it comes to the risks associated with RSV, age is just a number, an important number, but not the only factor to consider," said Ann R. Falsey, MD, of the University of Rochester School of Medicine in the press release . "Many adults in this age group have underlying health conditions that place them at increased risk for serious illness with RSV infection compared with those without these conditions."

When it comes to the risks associated with RSV, age is just a number, an important number, but not the only factor to consider

GSK said recent studies have shown RSV causes approximately 42,000 annual hospitalizations in adults aged 50 to 59, especially in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart failure, and diabetes.

"Today's approval reflects the importance of broadening the benefits of RSV immunization to adults aged 50-59 who are at increased risk," said Tony Wood, PhD, GSK’s chief scientific officer. "For those with underlying medical conditions, RSV can have serious consequences."

The drugmaker said trials evaluating the immunogenicity and safety of the vaccine in adults aged 18 to 49 at increased risk for severe illness and adults aged 18 and older with weakened immune systems are expected in the coming months.  

Household study suggests infants may spread C difficile

A small longitudinal household study suggests sharing of Clostridioides difficile strains is a common event in families caring for an infant, US researchers reported today in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.

For the study, a team led by researchers from Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, recruited 30 families of healthy infants at their child's 4-month well child visit, collected stool samples or rectal swabs from the infants and their parents every 2 weeks, and followed up on the families longitudinally until the infants were 9 months old. 

With infants known to asymptomatically excrete C difficile throughout the first 2 years of life, the researchers wanted to measure the frequency in which C difficile excreted by infants can be identified in a parent, which could help determine the role infants might play in the spread of the disease in the community.

Shared strains found in 61% of households

Samples were collected from 33 infants (three sets of twins), 30 mothers, and 19 fathers. C difficile was isolated in at least one member in 28 of 30 families, though no parent or infant was diagnosed as having C difficile infection (CDI). A total of 225 organisms were cultivated from the samples, and 191 were recovered and strain-typed.

C difficile strains were shared in 17 of the 28 families harboring C difficile , with three families found to share two separate strains. The infant and at least one adult family member were implicated in 17 of 20 instances of strain sharing, and, in at least 13 of these, the strain was detected in the infant first. Excretion of shared strains was persistent.

Although they were unable to demonstrate the directionality of C difficile transmission with certainty, the study authors say the data from the study support adding asymptomatically excreting infants and their families to the list of potential sources of community-associated CDI.

"It is likely that community reservoirs of C. difficile are multiple; controlling intra-familial sharing of the organism in households caring for an infant may prove to be one of several interventions necessary to control this threat to the public health," they wrote.

Paxlovid tied to 34% lower risk of hospitalization in adolescent COVID patients

Treatment with the antiviral drug nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) was linked to a 34% lower risk of all-cause hospitalization among COVID-19 patients aged 12 to 17 years, University of Hong Kong researchers  report in  Nature Communications .

The investigators conducted an observational study that incorporated design characteristics from a hypothetical, randomized controlled trial among 49,378 non-hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Patients received Paxlovid within 5 days of symptom onset or diagnosis from March 2022 to February 2023.

Paxlovid user outcomes were compared with those of an equal number of control patients. Most participants in both groups had limited underlying medical conditions, and about 75% were fully vaccinated and/or boosted against COVID-19.

In the United States, everyone aged 12 and older who weighs at least 88 pounds, has mild to moderate COVID-19, and is at high risk for severe illness is eligible for Paxlovid treatment.

No safety concerns reported 

Cumulative all-cause hospitalization rates were 0.45% in the Paxlovid group and 0.68% among controls. COVID-19 accounted for 200 of 211 hospitalizations (94.8%) among Paxlovid recipients and 215 of 332 hospitalizations (64.8%) among controls.

This target trial emulation study confirmed the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in reducing all-cause hospitalization risk among non-hospitalized paediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection.

Paxlovid therapy was tied to lower all-cause hospitalization by 28 days (absolute risk reduction, 0.23%; relative risk, 0.66). No participants died, experienced poor outcomes, or became sicker in the hospital.

"This target trial emulation study confirmed the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in reducing all-cause hospitalization risk among non-hospitalized paediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection," the study authors concluded. "No safety signals were reported following outpatient nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use among paediatric patients aged 12–17 years."

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How Long Does the Flu Last?

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The flu (short for influenza) is a common respiratory virus that causes symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, chills, extreme fatigue, and sometimes, vomiting and diarrhea. Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and come on all at once.

Flu symptoms can temporarily impair your ability to carry out daily tasks and prevent you from going to school or work. Generally, the flu can last anywhere from five to seven days. But, a variety of factors, like having underlying health conditions, the symptoms you're experiencing, and how much rest you're getting can affect the duration of your illness.

What Is the Flu?

The flu is a respiratory illness that occurs when you contract an influenza virus. These types of viruses predominantly affect the lungs, nose, and throat.  

People who have the flu can unintentionally spread the illness to you via fluid droplets when they cough, sneeze , talk, or laugh near you. The droplets can land in your mouth or nose if you’re within six feet of them. You might also develop the illness if you inhale flu germs or touch contaminated surfaces and then make contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes. As a result, the virus can multiply in your body and lead to the onset of symptoms.

Symptoms usually start a couple of days after the virus invades your respiratory tract—which includes your mouth, nose, throat, and lungs. Everyone experiences the flu a little differently. Some people may have mild symptoms that last a handful of days, while others can experience more severe symptoms that can last a week or longer.

Types of Flu

There are two main types of flu: type A and type B. Influenza type A tends to be more common and severe in adults, while influenza is less common and primarily affects young children. Type A viruses are also responsible for some kinds of animal flu, such as swine flu or bird flu . Type B viruses, on the other hand, usually only infect humans.

While colds are more common, the flu is widespread and crops up in every part of the world. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that this illness affects millions of people a year in the United States alone. From 2021 to 2022, 9 million people had the flu, 100,000 of those people had to be hospitalized, and 5,000 people unfortunately passed away as a result of their symptoms.

The Flu vs. COVID-19

The flu shares similar symptoms with COVID-19 , but the two illnesses are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily, makes people contagious for longer, and can lead to severe illness more often. Early studies also suggest that it may take longer for people who contract COVID-19 to show symptoms.

However, both illnesses do share some symptoms. Both the flu and COVID-19 can cause:

• Trouble breathing
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or congestion

It's often difficult to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19. That's why it may help to get tested to see what infection you have and which treatments you should use to help relieve symptoms. It's also worth noting that you can have both illnesses at the same time. In some cases, you can have one or both of the illnesses without displaying any symptoms at all.

Both the flu and COVID-19 can also occasionally lead to more serious complications. These include pneumonia , secondary infections, heart conditions, and respiratory (lung-related) issues. Unlike the flu, COVID-19 can also sometimes lead to blood clots.

Stages of the Flu

It's important to note that medical tests can detect the flu in your system the day before you begin showing symptoms, and five to seven days after symptoms go away. People with weakened immune symptoms and young children, however, may stay contagious even longer.

There are a few stages of the flu you might go through when you have the illness. These include:

• Day 0: Otherwise known as the day you contract the virus. Usually, you don't have any symptoms or may be unaware of your illness.
• Day 1: Your body starts gradually developing symptoms. You may wake up feeling fine, but as the day progresses, you might develop chills, body aches, or fever.
• Day 2: This is the first day that the flu takes a stronger toll on your body, leading to more classic symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat, a runny nose, and fatigue.
• Day 3: Generally, this day is when flu symptoms tend to peak. You may not be able to get out of bed, experience the most severe symptoms, or spend the day sleeping and recovering.
• Day 4: Symptoms may slowly start to decrease as your immune system becomes better accustomed to the virus. You will likely still feel very fatigued, but you may be experiencing less fever and congestion.
• Day 5: Typically, most people on day five start to feel better. You might still have a cough and feel the need to blow your nose, but it may be easier to get out of bed and complete some daily tasks.
• Day 6: Your symptoms may feel at bay and you might have residual effects of the flu, such as a light cough. However, it's advised to stay at home until day seven of the infection as you still might be contagious and can infect other people with the virus.
• Day 7: By the time you reach day seven, you are able to go out into public. However, it's important to take precautions such as practicing healthy handwashing habits, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, or wearing a mask.

In some cases, young children and those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems may continue to have symptoms after a week of the illness. If you or a loved one still have symptoms after a week, it doesn't hurt to call a healthcare provider and let them know that symptoms aren't improving. Your provider can help guide you to other treatment options or ask you to come in for a physical exam if they suspect complications, such as pneumonia .

Who Might Experience Severe Symptoms?

Most people weather the flu and feel back to normal within a week of the infection. But, some people might be at an increased risk of developing serious complications. If you’re in one of the following groups, you are more likely to experience more severe illness:

• People ages 65 and older
• Children under the age of five
• Pregnant people or those who have given birth in the past two weeks
• Adults in group homes or nursing homes
• Those who smoke tobacco

Certain conditions also boost your risk of having more severe symptoms, such as:  

• Chronic pulmonary disease
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Autoimmune disorders, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer
• Long-term aspirin therapy in people ages 19 or younger
• Metabolic disorders like diabetes
• Sickle-cell anemia

How Long Is The Flu Contagious?

You are contagious a day or more before you show symptoms and up to a week after they’re gone. You’re at your most contagious three to four days after you first start experiencing and displaying flu symptoms.

It’s worth noting that it's easy to spread the infection to people you work with, live with, or frequently socialize with or see. Similarly, the people you spend time with often can just as easily spread the illness to you. However, you can prevent transmitting the virus to others and protect yourself by practicing the following strategies:

• Practicing habits like getting enough sleep and sanitizing surfaces at home and at work
• Washing your hands often
• Covering your nose and mouth with the inside of your elbow or a tissue when talking, sneezing, or coughing
• Staying home when you are sick
• Avoiding close contact with others
• Trying not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Getting the flu vaccine each year

Can You Make Flu Symptoms Go Away Faster?

There’s usually not much you can do about your symptoms other than rest, stay hydrated , and let symptoms run their course. You may consider some treatment options like over-the-counter flu medicines or getting a prescription antiviral drug from a healthcare provider. Generally, these medications are only effective if you take them within the first 24 to 48 hours of having symptoms.

However, medication can help you avoid serious complications, especially if you are in a high-risk group. That said, letting your healthcare provider know about your illness can help you get treatment sooner.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Generally, it's not always necessary to tell your healthcare provider if you get the flu. However, it's good practice to contact your provider if you:

• Are pregnant
• Live with an underlying health condition or autoimmune disorder
• Are over the age of 65
• Have a young child under the age of 5
• Experience flu symptoms for longer than one week

A Quick Review

The flu is a common, seasonal illness that affects millions of people each year. Your symptoms can show up within a day of infection and last anywhere from a few days to a week or longer. It's common to experience symptoms such as coughing, fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches when you have the flu.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to shorten the course of the illness. However, getting proper rest, asking your provider for antiviral medications, and staying hydrated can help you recover. You can also be contagious even after symptoms go away, so practicing prevention strategies can reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How flu spreads .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu symptoms & complications .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disease burden of flu .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Similarities and differences between influenza (flu) and COVID-19 .

Boktor SW, Hafner JW. Influenza . In: StatPearls . StatPearls Publishing; 2023.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Key facts about influenza (flu) .

Gaitonde DY, Moore FC, Morgan MK. Influenza: Diagnosis and treatment . Am Fam Physician . 2019;100(12):751-758

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines for your children .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy habits to help protect against flu .

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The person in this position will be joining Precision Nutrition and Obesity Program.  The Research Dietitian is responsible for implementing nutrition related needs of research protocols. They are a nutrition resource to clinical investigators and may assist them in protocol development,  implementation, and content delivery. The nutrition requirements of assigned protocols must be assessed and carried out by the Research Dietitian. Tasks performed in this position include developing research related assessment tools and education materials; conducting patient education and assessments; developing research diet regimens; collecting and analyzing nutritional data; maintaining up-to date, accurate nutritional analysis software and nutrient data bases; assisting researchers in interpreting nutritional data; and writing scientific papers.

A bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics with the completion of an American Dietetic Association accredited internship and ADA Registered Dietitian status is required. 

A master’s or PhD in nutrition or dietetics is preferred. For candidates with postgraduate training/degree(s), the ADA RD status is not required, but encouraged to obtain after employment. 

Previous clinical experience is preferred. Licensed Dietitian (LD) with the state of Minnesota is also preferred.

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