Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BS)—Degree Completion

School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics

Location: Online
Start Term: Fall, Spring, Summer

Build on your associate’s degree and registered therapist’s experience to advance the respiratory care profession—and your career—through leadership training and evidence-based practice.

Attain the Degree Preferred by the AARC

As respiratory care has grown more complex during the last 20 years, the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has designated the BS as the preferred degree for respiratory therapists. You can complete our 36-credit, all-online bachelor’s program—specifically designed for any registered therapist who holds an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy—in either 12 months (full time) or 24 months (part time). The program not only trains you on a personal level to improve your delivery of patient-centered care, it gives you a distinct advantage in the next stages of your career. The program starts in fall, spring, and summer.

Your 36-Credit Journey

Our flexible, online curriculum allows you to customize your schedule by enrolling in any course in any order. The only exception is the capstone project, which you must complete at the end of your coursework. Below is the journey for 24-month part-time study, but you may complete the program in as little as 12 months if you study full time.

First-Year Experience

expand your knowledge of protocols, procedures, and guidelines in respiratory care and the essentials of extracorporeal life support (ECLS)
develop an understanding of healthcare ethics and the importance of interpersonal communication skills
build the knowledge and experience required to be an instructor and a leader in respiratory therapy

Second-Year Experience

study advanced cardiopulmonary physiology and evidence-based care in respiratory therapy practice
choose three electives in topics such as informatics, healthcare business, quality and safety, DEI, research methods, and health education and promotion
complete a respiratory therapy capstone project

Diversity and Inclusion at MCPHS

MCPHS is one of the most diverse colleges in New England. Meet members of our dynamic student body.

Doing well while doing good

Professional success and personal satisfaction go hand-in-hand for MCPHS respiratory-therapy graduates.

$84k

Average salary for respiratory therapistswith a bachelor’s degree (Salary.com in 2022)

MCPHS: A healthcare think tank

Earning an advanced degree at a university dedicated to the advancement of healthcare means that you are in the company of peers who share your commitment to making a healthier world.

MCPHS Student Experience

#1 university in the U.S. for earning power

The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College rankings for 2018 put MCPHS graduates on top.

MCPHS Community Voices

The lived experiences of MCPHS students, partners, and faculty tell an eloquent story. They illustrate just how our student-centered, teaching-first approach keeps us in the top tier of the country’s “most transformative colleges.” (Money magazine 2020).

Jocelyn Charest

| Nuclear Medicine Technology Graduate

"I rotated through some amazing sites at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Many of the nuclear medicine technologists I met were graduates of the MCPHS program, and they were very supportive as I immersed myself in the clinical setting."

READ JOCELYN’S Q&A