Choose an online respiratory therapist course that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Make sure that your computer is compatible with the program's online software before registering for the course. Find out if you need to complete any prerequisite courses before taking the respiratory therapist class. Most respiratory therapist courses take 2 years to complete, so be sure that you are willing and able to commit to the time involved.
Take any required entrance exams or provide transcripts before enrolling. Most schools have an application process in which you must submit any previous coursework and prove exam scores before enrolling in any courses. When you apply for a health care degree or certificate, you will also probably need to take a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course and maybe see a doctor for a health exam, so ask your college adviser if you need to meet these requirements.
Register for the courses. Online respiratory therapist classes include anatomy, chemistry, physiology, respiratory care, respiratory anatomy and math. You will also need to do an internship with a health care center or hospital before you get your degree or certificate, but that usually comes later in the course program. Pay the tuition for your courses. You can get a government loan or a private loan, or you can pay using cash or a credit card before the day of your first online class.
Purchase the required materials for an online respiratory therapist course. Health care books are expensive at school bookstores, so look online for the best deals. Specialized respiratory health care books must be new and up to date with the latest medical information, so do not purchase an older edition.
Set up a schedule for yourself to complete all your online coursework. Taking classes online can be more challenging because you must be disciplined to get your work done and study without any outside motivation.