Apr 18, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2015-2016 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2015-2016 Previous Edition

Respiratory Therapy, B.S.R.T.


The Respiratory Therapy major prepares students who area already national board-certified respiratory therapists in a program of study directed toward acquiring advanced knowledge and clinical skills in respiratory therapy / respiratory care. 

The emphasis of the curriculum is to enhance and advance the student’s professional career in respiratory care with additional education in administration, research and evaluation, and advanced critical care.  This degree program is offered completely online through the Office of Distance Education and the Department of Kinesiology.  Students seeking admission into this program will already be board-certified practicing Respiratory Therapists.  The program culminates in a capstone experience that is developed around the students’ specific professional interest area.  The curriculum offers specific professional coursework in advanced critical care, advanced pharmacology, program administration, and clinical outcomes evaluation. 

Additional Admission Requirements


Registered Respiratory Therapists seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) may apply for admission to BSRT online degree program.  Criteria for admission to the program are:

  • A current unencumbered license as a Registered Respiratory Therapist
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above from an Associate Degree program that is a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program from a regionally accredited institution
  • Grades of C or above in all coursework taken by the end of the semester prior to the semester for which application is made

Students must first apply for admission to the University, and then make a second application to the Department of Kinesiology.  The final program admission decision is made by the Department of Kinesiology.  Applicants are competitively reviewed for admission based on their cumulative GPA in all college transferable coursework.  Satisfactorily completing the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.  After evaluating the credentials of all applicants meeting the minimum academic requirements, the selection committee offers admission to students whose credentials demonstrate the highest level of academic achievement.  Students are admitted in one cohort in the Fall semester, in which applications are accepted from November 15 to March 15.  Students will be accepted directly into the program as a BSRT major.  Applications are available from the Office of Student Services in the College of Health and Human Services.  Admission decisions are communicated in writing by the Department.  Applicants who are denied may reapply.

Degree Requirements


Transfer Credit (64 credit hours)


General Education Courses (0 credit hours)


For details on required courses, refer to the General Education program 

Foundation Courses (up to 46 credit hours)


Students may be awarded up to 46 credit hours by examination upon successful completion of RESP 3101 .  Students receive 12 credits by exam for having passed the RRT exam after completion of RESP 3101 .

Restricted Elective Courses (6 credit hours)


Students are required to take two LBST courses unless they are in a pre-professional course of study, in which case those courses may be credited toward the elective courses as approved by the BSRT Program Coordinator.

Unrestricted Elective Courses


As needed.

Drug Testing and Criminal Background Checks


Students in a professional program (i.e., a clinical practicum such as RESP 4111 ) may be asked by a clinical facility to undergo drug testing and/or have a criminal background check before being allowed to participate in a clinical experience at that facility. Students are responsible for the cost of drug testing and criminal background checks. All BSRT students must meet the University’s immunization and health status requirements.

Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours


Grade Requirements


For all required courses for the Respiratory Therapy major, students must receive a grade of C or above to be considered successful.

Honors Program


For details about the Honors Program in Kinesiology, visit the program page .

Suggested Curriculum


For a suggested curriculum progression toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at academics.uncc.edu.