Devoted to the Future of Healing
When someone is struggling to breathe, taking steps to ease that struggle is the job of the respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists provide care to patients who are experiencing difficulty breathing due to chronic respiratory diseases, heart failure, or other emergencies. They improve the care of patients at all stages of life, from premature infants whose lungs have not fully developed, to older adults.
Carlow University is devoted to the future of healing, and service to others is the foundation of the Respiratory Care profession. And with respiratory therapists in high demand, we offer programs that can get students working in the field quicker. The associate degree program is a gateway to a healthcare career, and students can be working in the field within two years. The three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in the respiratory care field. Both degrees can be pathways to advanced degrees.
Degree:
- Associate of Science Degree
- 3-Year Accelerated Bachelor of Science
Credits Required:
- AS – 69 credits
- BS – 120 credits
Campus:
Oakland
Delivery:
In person
Curriculum for Respiratory Therapy
The core curriculum for respiratory therapy is comprised of:
• Equipment I & II
• Patient Management
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Mechanical Ventilation I & II
• Neonatal and Pediatrics
The bachelor’s degree program includes additional courses in:
• Research
• Leadership & Management
• Respiratory Care Education.
There are also four clinical practicums, totaling 840 hours in general floor, ICU, and specialty rotations through the pulmonary function lab, the sleep lab, hyperbaric oxygen, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and neonatal and pediatrics.
Quick Facts
- Respiratory therapists can work in hospital emergency departments, ICUs, or general floors.
- They can care for patients in any age range – from newborns and children through elderly adults.
- They may work in such varied areas as ambulance and air transport, physician offices, diagnostic labs, or home care.
- Respiratory therapist is ranked #9 in best healthcare jobs.
- Changes in the roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists are on the horizon, and pursuing an advanced degree is encouraged.
Career Opportunities for Respiratory Therapy
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13 percent through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median RT income is $77,960 per year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Not only are the opportunities for RTs in the hospital setting multiple and varied, but there is job security, a sustainable living wage, and the opportunity to pursue growth within the healthcare industry.
Carlow’s partnership with UPMC affords students a number of potential benefits, such as tuition assistance and flexible part-time work while enrolled in school. Visit UPMC Careers for more information.
Accreditation
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC program number 200617, BS degree, Pittsburgh, PA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program
The Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC program number 210617, AS degree, Pittsburgh, PA holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
Program goal for the AS program:
To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.
Program goals for the BS program:
1. To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.
2. To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in management, education, research, and evidence-based practice.
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.
- AS degree cost of attendance is $450/credit
- Program scholarships are available for Fall 2025 for new BS and AS students
First-time, first-year undergraduate student:
- Minimum 2.000 cumulative High School GPA
- Minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA in science courses
Transfer student
- Minimum 2.000 cumulative college GPA
- Minimum 2.500 cumulative college GPA in science courses
Apply:
Any time
Start Terms:
Fall Only
Contact Admissions
Visit admissions @carlow.edu or call 412.578.6059 if you would like to learn more about the program by scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Kimberly Haley, MEd Clinical Director/Instructor
Kathy Palombo MSN, RN, RRT, M-CTTS, NCTTP Respiratory Instructor
Christin Smerkol Administrative Assistant II
The Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program at Carlow University delivers unmatched learning and hands-on clinical experience.
In 78 weeks, graduates of the Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program will be prepared to have unparalleled training and experience to become a valued member of the surgical care team.
Throughout the learning experience, Carlow’s team of dedicated faculty provides a supportive student learning environment and prepares students to take a national certification examination to become a valued member of any surgical care team. Carlow graduates go beyond their technical duties and play an active role in fostering a just and merciful world.
Credits Required:
68
Surgical Cases Completed:
120
Time to Completion:
78-week program
Delivery:
Residential, On Campus
The Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program Outcomes reflect: The Sisters of Mercy Core Values (Carlow University Mission Statement, 2009), and the Association of Surgical Technologist Foundational Principles (1997).
Program Highlights
- Carlow’s Team of dedicated faculty provides a supportive student learning environment.
- Carlow Surgical Technology graduates are prepared to be compassionate, competent, ethical members of a healthcare team.
- Pittsburgh Region’s only University-level Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program of its kind.
- Learn over 30 different surgical procedures from beginning to end.
- Complete 120 surgical cases in 13 surgical specialty areas.
Career opportunities for Surgical Technologists
Carlow Surgical Technology graduates are trained to be the best in technical knowledge and competencies, and communication, teamwork, empathy, and compassion. As Carlow graduates they are prepared to create a more just and merciful world. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for positions as Surgical Technologists within hospital or community-based settings.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Apply:
Anytime
Start Terms:
Fall and Spring
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Open House Event Registration
Zoom 1.30.25 from 6:30-7:30 pm
https://admissions.carlow.edu/register/?id=c3a9e8ae-f78e-4074-b4b0-e4dbec307407
In-person 2.22.25 from 10-11 am
https://admissions.carlow.edu/register/?id=4be96bd5-e96a-4a0e-8cc5-b555ae34150f
In-person 3.6.25 from 6-7 pm
https://admissions.carlow.edu/register/?id=cb439e04-87ac-473b-bf12-b1d4754688f8
Zoom 4.14.25 from 6:30-7:30 pm
https://admissions.carlow.edu/register/?id=3ccfa15f-3241-407b-a52b-ac50a9b2ebc2
Zoom 5.20.25 from 6:30-7:30 pm
https://admissions.carlow.edu/register/?id=74e0c5c3-493a-46ae-920c-82c3ae2e7615
Zoom 6.17.25 from 6:30-7:30 pm
https://admissions.carlow.edu/register/?id=056b2f73-0e19-4e61-9358-90824dfa15f3
Amanda Schardt, RN, BSN, CST Surgical Technology Program Coordinator
Christin Smerkol Administrative Assistant II
Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean
Move your career forward faster
High demand careers in areas such as health sciences and technology need knowledgeable, skilled professionals now. At Carlow University, you can accelerate your education timeline with a high-quality two-year associate degree. Our Associate Degree offerings provide another level of affordability and flexibility in both time commitment and convenience, with both online and on-campus learning options.
Take control of your future
For traditional students and adult learners alike, a two-year degree is an ideal choice to advance more quickly into a specialized, well-paying career position. Or it can be an excellent stepping stone on the path to further your education. Associate degree graduates will gain the background and skill sets necessary to pursue BS degrees in numerous majors offered at Carlow University.
Receive academic and student support
We’re here to help you achieve your goals. Our support services are open to any student and include academic advising, coaching, one-on-one tutoring, workshops and career planning. Find all the resources you need to succeed at Carlow University.
Associate degrees offered
Program Name
Offered
Degree Earned
Trained and certified neurodiagnostic technicians are in demand
Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 28,400 Neurodiagnostic Technologists.* You can become one of these highly valued, well-paid healthcare professionals with an Associate of Science in Neurodiagnostic Technology degree from Carlow University.
In just two years, you will gain the hands-on learning and clinical experience needed to earn certification by ABRET (American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists, Inc.) and move onto a rewarding health sciences career.
Time to Completion:
2 Years
Delivery:
On campus
Credits Required:
69
AS in Neurodiagnostic Technology
Comparable to a program from Mayo Clinic, Carlow’s is the only program of its kind in the Pittsburgh region—giving hospitals and healthcare systems in Pennsylvania local access to highly trained, compassionate employees.
Neurodiagnostic technicians are valuable members of the healthcare team. Graduates of this program will:
- Understand fundamental concepts in neuroscience and how they relate to various disease conditions
- Demonstrate the ability to operate neurodiagnostic equipment in accordance with industry standards
- Use a variety of technologies to precisely obtain appropriate recordings
- Accurately interpret and evaluate various neurodiagnostic tests in laboratory and clinical settings
- Apply theoretical knowledge to neurodiagnostic techniques and related disease conditions
- Practice patient-centered care in accordance with the ethical and legal framework of the discipline
- Explain measurements, techniques, and results related to neurodiagnostic testing to healthcare team members.
Career opportunities for AS in Neurodiagnostic Technology
This two-year format, grounded in the liberal arts provides a clear pathway to employment in a high demand healthcare discipline. Upon degree completion, graduates will qualify to receive ABRET certification. Students also gain the background and skill sets necessary to pursue BS degrees in many other healthcare majors offered at Carlow University.
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.
Apply:
Anytime
Start Terms:
Fall
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.