Respiratory Therapy, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) is a completion degree option that allows graduates of respiratory therapy entry to practice programs to continue their education in the field of respiratory therapy. The primary goal of the BSRT program is “To provide graduates of entry into respiratory care professional practice degree programs with additional knowledge, skills and attributes in leadership, management, education, research, or advanced clinical practice both to meet their current professional goals and to prepare them for practice as advanced degree respiratory therapists.” 

Accreditation 

The Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy at the University of Saint Francis is accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 264 Precision Blvd Telford, TN 37690, (817)-283-2835. 

BSRT Student Learning Outcomes  

Graduates of the University of Saint Francis Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy are prepared for advanced level practice as respiratory therapists who are able to: 

• Develop an understanding of how disease processes of other organ systems affect the cardiopulmonary status of a patient  
• Demonstrate the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation and its impact on cardiopulmonary disorders  
• Conduct a systematic review of patient treatment plans and provide critique on possible improvements based on evidence-based practice  
• Develop respiratory education that meets the needs of the target audience  
• Understand how to conduct a respiratory care department meeting including developing an agenda, inviting participants, and using Robert’s Rules  
• Discuss common leadership challenges and effective ways to develop resolutions  
• Apply knowledge learned to specific areas of respiratory therapy to attain the NPS or ACCS specialty credential through the NBRC  
• Students will develop and present a professionally relevant project that is related to their personal professional goals  

Degree Requirements 

The BSRT program requires 55 credit hours which includes 21 general education credits and 34 respiratory therapy credits. Students receive 75 credit hours for completion of an accredited respiratory therapy program. 

Admission Requirements 

The applicant must meet ALL the following criteria:  

• Completion of a CoArc accredited associate degree program in Respiratory Therapy 
• Applicants must submit official college transcripts with a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale 
• An active RRT credential issued by the National Board of Respiratory Care 

Final consideration for acceptance will be made by the Respiratory Therapy Admissions Committee. Each applicant will be reviewed on an individual basis. Exceptions to the stated requirements may be made at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.  

Progression Requirements 

To be in good academic standing, students must maintain a GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, a grade of 79 percent (C+) or higher in all professional courses, a “C” or higher in general education courses to advance in the program.    

Graduation Requirements 

To complete the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree the student must meet the following criteria:  

• Complete a minimum of 55 hours of credit.  Total credit hours completed will depend on placement exams.    
• Complete all required respiratory and required general education courses.  
• Meet the requirements for academic standards (BS Progression, Probation and Dismissal sections of this Handbook).  
• Payment of all financial obligations to the University.