Advisory regarding Southern California wildfires

Advisory regarding Southern California wildfires

On behalf of everyone at Thomas Edison State University, we hope that students affected by the wildfires in Southern California remain safe. The University is offering accommodations to students affected by the wildfires:

  • Students who are directly impacted by the fires and who are currently registered in courses for the November 2024, December 2024 and January 2025 terms have the option of receiving a free eight-week course extension without mentor approval; or, a 100% tuition credit for their course(s) to a future term. Affected students should submit a Request for Course Extension Form or a Request for Course Withdrawal Form indicating “Southern California wildfires” as the reason for the request. Please note that TECEP exams in these terms cannot be extended, nor credited for tuition after the exam has been taken.
  • Impacted students who are currently on a course extension for the September 2024 and October 2024 terms can request a second eight-week extension on their current term at no additional cost.

Request an Accommodation: Students affected by the wildfire and evacuations who need an accommodation should contact the Office of the Registrar by email at registration@tesu.edu or by phone at 609-777-5680. Accommodation requests should be submitted by January 24th. Requests after that date can be accommodated if the student provides documentation of the reason for the late request.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Respiratory Care

Credits 120
Format Online

Gain the in-demand skills you need to pursue or expand a rewarding career as a respiratory therapist. Help patients who suffer from breathing issues and chronic lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Respiratory Care degree from Thomas Edison State University (TESU). Our 120-credit online degree program will prepare you to work in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient programs and home care with patients from premature infants to the elderly. Limited to registered respiratory therapists possessing the required certification: NBRC RRT Registered Respiratory Therapist. You must present a copy of your original certificate and current renewal card for admission to the program. A total of 18 Area of Study credits must be from 3000/4000 level courses.

Degree Requirements


The following courses are required for the B.S. degree with an area of study in Respiratory Care and can be fulfilled in either the General Education or Electives sections of the degree chart.

  • Computer Concepts and Applications (CIS-1070) or above (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • College Algebra or above (3 credits)
  • Higher Level Math above College Algebra (3 credits)
  • Chemistry I with Lab (4 credits)
  • Chemistry II with Lab (4 credits)
  • Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (3 credits)
  • Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (3 credits)

Certification: NBRC RRT Registered Respiratory Therapist (copy of original certificate and current renewal card).

Required Courses: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Pulmonary Function, Pharmacology, Respiratory Techniques (three courses), Pediatric Respiratory Care, Clinical Practice, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Current Trends and Applications.

Corollary Requirements: Chemistry I and II, Physics I, Computer Requirement, Statistics, College Algebra.

How Students Earn Credit in the Area of Study: The area of study is completed by the license.

Related Programs

Bachelor's Degrees

Accelerated BSN

Our full-time Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares adults for a rewarding nursing career. Get your RN license in 15 months.

Associate Degrees

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Applied Health Studies

Explore TESU's AAS in Health Studies program and build a strong foundation in healthcare. Enhance your expertise and open doors to new career opportunities. Apply now!

Associate Degrees

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Electrical-Mechanical Systems and Maintenance

Develop technical expertise with TESU's AAS in Electrical/Mechanical Systems and Maintenance. Gain practical skills for maintaining complex systems with flexible, online courses. Enroll today!