There are 30 required credits in the RRT – BS Curriculum. We are not cohort based meaning that students can take as little or as many credits as they'd like in each semester. *
You will earn academic credentials that will expand your opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Program coursework focuses on written and oral communication, patient advocacy, ethics, quality improvement, leadership and management, teaching in health care, critically reviewing studies, advanced respiratory care modalities and topics, and an inter-professional capstone.
*We recommend taking 6-12 credits per semester and taking no more than 9 credits in the first semester to get comfortable with the program.
Degree Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| RESPCARE 355 (Taken in 1st semester during 1st or 2nd 7 week) | Professional Communication in Health Care | 3 |
| RESPCARE 440 | Senior Theory: Advanced Concepts | 3 |
| RESPCARE 441 | Teaching Techniques for Health Care Professionals | 3 |
| RESPCARE 444 | Leadership and Management for Health Care Professionals | 3 |
| RESPCARE 445 | Patient Advocacy and Ethical Considerations | 3 |
| RESPCARE 432 | Critical Review of Health Care Research | 3 |
| RESPCARE 480 (Recommend taking in final semester) | Capstone | 3 |
| Elective Courses Choose 3 of the following 4 courses | **Recommend taking 1 elective a semester** | |
| RESPCARE 431 | Quality Improvement in Health Care | 3 |
| RESPCARE 442 | Sleep Medicine | 3 |
| RESPCARE 443 | Current Topics in Respiratory Disease | 3 |
| RESPCARE 446 | Introduction to Disease Management | 3 |
| Total | 30* |
*Students also pay $200 or use our Refer a Colleague Program for 26 challenge credits for having their RRT.
Degree Pathways
Many students ask us what degree pathway would be the best for them. The simple answer is that it depends on each individual student. Some indicators that help answer that question are: When would you like to graduate? What is a realistic class load for you to be successful? Are you able to sign up for both 7 week sessions in a semester? Are you able to take summer courses? What classes are currently available (not full)?
The only requirement is to take RESPCARE 355 in the first semester. Keep in mind that this class can be taken in either the first or second seven week session. We also highly recommend students take RESPCARE 480 in their final semester. Below are the two most common pathways that students pursue, however our advising team would be thrilled to help you develop an individual plan. Feel free to set up an appointment to receive help in creating a plan for yourself.
| Program Format | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| Class Schedule | Fully online classes 1st 7-week session 2nd 7-week session | Fully online classes 1st 7-week session 2nd 7-week session |
| Time to Graduation | 3 semesters 12 months average (9-12 credits a semester) | 5 semesters 18 months average (6 credits a semester) |