Best Respiratory Therapy Programs in Winston-Salem North Carolina

Key Takeaways

• Winston-Salem offers two primary on-campus respiratory therapy pathways: an Associate degree at Forsyth Tech and a Bachelor’s degree at Winston-Salem State University.
• Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), ensuring eligibility for national credentialing exams.
• Graduates must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and Clinical Simulation Exam through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and obtain North Carolina licensure.
• Clinical training occurs at leading regional healthcare systems such as Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health.
• Respiratory therapists in North Carolina earn competitive salaries, with strong projected job growth according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Why Winston-Salem Is a Strong Choice for Respiratory Therapy

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is home to major medical centers, academic research institutions, and regional healthcare networks. This creates an ideal learning environment for respiratory therapy students. The city’s healthcare ecosystem offers access to trauma centers, neonatal intensive care units, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and community hospitals, providing wide-ranging clinical experiences.

North Carolina requires respiratory therapists to graduate from a CoARC-accredited program and earn national credentials through the NBRC before applying for licensure through the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board. Choosing the right accredited program in Winston-Salem is the first and most important step toward becoming a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner.

Top Respiratory Therapy Programs in Winston-Salem

The following programs are evaluated based on accreditation status, credential preparation, clinical partnerships, academic rigor, and career advancement opportunities.

Forsyth Technical Community College

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy
Length: Approximately 2 years (5 semesters)
Accreditation: CoARC accredited
Format: Campus-based with extensive clinical hours

Forsyth Technical Community College offers one of the most established respiratory therapy programs in the region. The AAS degree prepares graduates to become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs).

Curriculum Highlights:

• Cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology
• Mechanical ventilation and critical care
• Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care
• Pulmonary diagnostics and rehabilitation
• Extensive clinical rotations in local hospitals

The program emphasizes hands-on training in real hospital environments. Students complete clinical rotations at major Winston-Salem healthcare facilities, gaining ICU and emergency department exposure.

Admissions Requirements Typically Include:

• Prerequisite courses in biology, anatomy, and algebra
• Competitive GPA
• TEAS or similar entrance exam
• Clinical readiness requirements such as background checks and immunizations

Best For: Students seeking an affordable, efficient pathway to licensure and entry-level employment as an RRT.

Winston-Salem State University

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care
Length: 4 years (traditional pathway) or degree completion options
Accreditation: CoARC accredited
Format: Campus-based with clinical integration

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) offers a comprehensive bachelor’s program designed to prepare students for advanced respiratory care roles.

What Sets WSSU Apart:

• In-depth training in critical care and advanced ventilation strategies
• Emphasis on leadership, research, and healthcare management
• Preparation for graduate study or supervisory positions
• Community health and interprofessional collaboration focus

Bachelor’s-level training is increasingly preferred by major healthcare systems, particularly for ICU roles and long-term career advancement. WSSU graduates are eligible to sit for NBRC credentialing examinations and pursue RRT status.

Best For: Students who want long-term leadership potential, higher earning capacity, or graduate school preparation.

Program Comparison

FeatureForsyth Tech (AAS)WSSU (BS)Credential AwardedAssociate DegreeBachelor’s DegreeProgram Length2 Years4 YearsAccreditationCoARCCoARCClinical TrainingLocal Hospitals, ICU RotationsAdvanced Hospital & Community ClinicalsCareer OutcomesEntry-Level RRTAdvanced Practice, Leadership PathwaysTypical Tuition RangeLower community college ratesUniversity-level tuition

Licensing and Credentialing in North Carolina

After graduating from a CoARC-accredited program, students must:

1. Pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination.
2. Pass the Clinical Simulation Examination to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential.
3. Apply for state licensure through the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board.

Maintaining licensure requires continuing education credits and periodic renewal.

Clinical Training and Local Employment Opportunities

Winston-Salem provides clinical exposure at top regional healthcare employers, including:

• Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
• Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
• Community hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Home health and durable medical equipment providers

Respiratory therapists work in ICUs, emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units, pulmonary clinics, and sleep labs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists earn a median annual salary above $70,000 nationwide, with strong projected growth driven by aging populations and chronic respiratory conditions.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Affordability

Community colleges such as Forsyth Tech generally offer lower in-state tuition, making the associate pathway a cost-effective entry into the profession. Universities like WSSU have higher tuition rates but may provide broader financial aid packages, scholarships, and federal aid options.

Students should complete the FAFSA and explore state-based grants. Some healthcare employers also offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs for respiratory therapy students.

Online and Hybrid Options

While entry-level respiratory therapy programs require in-person clinical training, some universities offer online degree completion programs for licensed RRTs seeking a bachelor’s degree. Students in Winston-Salem who complete an associate degree may later enroll in flexible online advancement programs to expand leadership opportunities without pausing employment.

Admission Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Maintain a strong GPA in science prerequisites.
• Gain volunteer or work experience in healthcare settings.
• Prepare thoroughly for entrance exams.
• Apply early, as respiratory therapy programs often have limited seats.
• Attend information sessions or speak directly with program advisors.

Competitive programs look for academic readiness, professionalism, and a clear commitment to patient care.

Choosing the Right Program for Your Goals

If your objective is fast entry into the workforce, the associate pathway at Forsyth Tech provides a direct route to licensure and employment. If you seek advanced practice roles, management opportunities, or eventual graduate education, the bachelor’s degree at Winston-Salem State University offers a broader academic foundation.

Both institutions provide accredited education, hands-on clinical training, and eligibility for national certification, positioning graduates for strong employment prospects in Winston-Salem’s growing healthcare market.

Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Therapy Programs in Winston-Salem

What respiratory therapy degrees can you earn in Winston-Salem?

In Winston-Salem, you can earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy at Forsyth Technical Community College and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Respiratory Care at Winston-Salem State University. Both programs are designed to prepare you for national credentialing as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Are Winston-Salem respiratory therapy programs accredited for NBRC exams and licensure?

Yes. Both Forsyth Tech and Winston-Salem State University are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). This accreditation makes you eligible for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams and for North Carolina licensure through the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board.

How do you become a licensed respiratory therapist in North Carolina?

You first graduate from a CoARC-accredited program, then pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination to earn the RRT credential. After that, you apply for a state license through the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board. You must also complete continuing education to keep your license active.

Where do respiratory therapy students in Winston-Salem complete clinical training?

You complete clinical rotations at major regional systems such as Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, along with community hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home-care settings. These sites give you experience in ICUs, emergency departments, NICUs, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

What is the job outlook and salary for respiratory therapists?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists earn a median annual wage above $70,000 nationwide, with steady job growth expected over the next decade due to aging populations and chronic lung disease. You can review current national data on salary and outlook on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook page and check credentialing details on the NBRC website.