Accredited Respiratory Therapy Programs in Ohio
Ohio offers multiple accredited respiratory therapy programs at the associate and bachelor's levels, with most programs holding accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). As of the latest available data, institutions such as Columbus State Community College, Sinclair Community College, and Kent State University offer CoARC-accredited curricula that qualify graduates to sit for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exams. Many programs include clinical rotations at major hospital systems like Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. You can explore current program directories and accreditation status on the CoARC website CoARC accredited programs.
Program lengths typically range from 18 to 24 months for associate degrees and 4 years for bachelor's completion tracks. Admission requirements commonly include prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry, with competitive GPA thresholds often above 3.0. Tuition costs vary by institution, with public community colleges generally charging between $150 and $400 per credit hour for in-state students, while private institutions may charge higher rates. The Ohio Department of Higher Education provides tools to compare program costs and outcomes Ohio higher education data.
Licensure, Certification, and Career Pathways
Ohio requires respiratory therapists to obtain a license from the Ohio Board of Respiratory Care before practicing, which involves passing the national CRT exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The state also mandates completion of a CoARC-accredited program and a background check as part of the application process. Licensure renewal occurs biennially with continuing education requirements set by the board. The NBRC provides detailed exam content outlines and eligibility requirements NBRC certification information.
Graduates from Ohio programs can pursue roles in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies, with common job titles including staff respiratory therapist, pulmonary function technologist, and sleep disorders specialist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that respiratory therapists in Ohio earn a median annual wage close to the national median, with employment growth projected to outpace the average for all occupations through the next decade. The Ohio Hospital Association lists member institutions that actively recruit respiratory therapy graduates Ohio Hospital Association.
Costs, Financial Aid, and Program Outcomes
Total program costs for respiratory therapy in Ohio include tuition, fees, clinical supplies, and background check expenses, with associate degree programs often totaling $10,000 to $25,000 for in-state students at public institutions. Financial aid options include federal Pell Grants, Ohio College Opportunity Grants, and institutional scholarships specifically for health sciences students. Many programs also offer payment plans and partnerships with local healthcare systems that provide tuition assistance in exchange for service commitments. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for most federal aid packages FAFSA and federal aid.
Program completion and licensure exam pass rates serve as key indicators of educational quality, with many Ohio programs reporting CRT pass rates above the national average. Graduate employment rates also remain high, with alumni frequently securing positions within six months of completing their programs. The Ohio Board of Respiratory Care publishes licensure statistics and disciplinary actions to help prospective students evaluate program performance Ohio Board of Respiratory Care.