Respiratory Therapy Major

Learn to help patients breathe: Respiratory Therapy degree program

With a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy from Carlow University, you will receive a combination of academic and clinical training to master specialized respiratory skills to help patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists help treat asthma, emphysema and cystic fibrosis, among other disorders and health conditions. You will be trained to become an active clinician and upon completion, you will be eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care Examinations.

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Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland 

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Respiratory Therapy curriculum

You will learn the fundamentals of respiratory care, relevant equipment, and patient management. You will gain an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary system. You will learn about mechanical ventilation concepts in both classroom and laboratory settings, and what happens during adult, pediatric and neonatal cardiac arrest.

Required courses include Respiratory Care Pharmacology, Respiratory Care in Alternate Settings and Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology, plus courses in anatomy and physiology. In a practicum, you will work in a clinical facility caring for patients who are receiving drug aerosol and other treatments.

Quick Facts

  • Learn in a laboratory setting and work on rotations with professional partners
  • Prepare yourself for an in-demand career with opportunity for growth
  • Master specialized respiratory skills

Students in class standing next to simulation patient and smiling
View Plan of Study

Alternate degree completion options

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Career opportunities for Respiratory Care

With a bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy from Carlow, you’ll be prepared to work in a hospital, including the ICU, emergency room, and newborn and pediatric care units.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for respiratory therapists is expected to increase 19% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an aging population.

Sitting at a table, a hand is holding a pen over accreditation papers.

Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy program holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation for Respiratory Care. The program is also recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care toward being eligible for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examinations, and students completing this program are considered graduates of a CoARC accredited program.

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
  • First-time, first-year undergraduate student
    • GPA only: minimum 3.40 cumulative high school GPA
    • GPA & test scores: minimum 3.00 cumulative high school GPA with one of the following:
      • SAT score 1060+
      • ACT score 21+
      • CLT score 68+
  • Transfer student: Minimum 3.250 cumulative college GPA
  • Just GPA, no test option
    • Must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative high school or 3.50 cumulative college GPA.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059

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