Respiratory Therapy Major
Respiratory Therapy is the study and practice of treating patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. It is a major within Health & Medicine.
Respiratory Therapy is the study of how the lungs and heart work together and what happens when they don't function properly. Students in this field learn to assess patients who have difficulty breathing, use and maintain medical equipment like ventilators and oxygen delivery systems, and understand the underlying physiology of cardiopulmonary disease. The major addresses practical questions: How do you measure lung function? What treatments help a patient breathe more effectively? How do you respond when someone's oxygen levels drop? The work combines hands-on technical skills with knowledge of how medications and therapies affect the body's systems.
Students drawn to respiratory therapy typically have interest in direct patient care, problem-solving under pressure, and the technical side of medicine. They often appreciate working in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making matters. The major usually begins with foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry, building a strong understanding of how the body works. As students progress, they move into specialized respiratory physiology, pharmacology related to lung treatment, and clinical practice in real hospital and clinical settings, where they apply classroom knowledge to actual patient situations under supervision.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Respiratory Therapy program commonly includes topics such as:
- Cardiopulmonary anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Mechanical ventilation
- Patient assessment
- Clinical practice
- Pulmonary diagnostics
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Respiratory Therapy is commonly offered at these levels:
- Associate
- Bachelor's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Respiratory Therapy background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Respiratory therapist
- Pulmonary function technologist
- Clinical specialist
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Respiratory Therapy major?
Respiratory Therapy is the study and practice of treating patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. It is part of health & medicine, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Respiratory Therapy majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as cardiopulmonary anatomy, pharmacology, mechanical ventilation, patient assessment, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Respiratory Therapy major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as respiratory therapist, pulmonary function technologist, clinical specialist. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Respiratory Therapy offered at?
It is commonly offered at the associate, bachelor's level, though availability varies by institution.