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Respiratory therapy students view a model of a healthy set of lungs and an unhealthy set of lungs.

Respiratory Therapy, B.S.

Play a Critical Role in Patient Care
  • 2

    Two Ways to Complete a Bachelor's Degree

  • 109

    Among Public National Universities, U.S. News & World Report

Respiratory Therapy Program Overview

What Will I Learn?

UNCW’s respiratory therapy program will teach you not only technical expertise, but also humane, empathetic, and professional behavior directed toward patient-centered care. The program will prepare highly competent respiratory therapists who demonstrate professional excellence and integrity.

 

Pathways for the Student and the Professional

This new program offers two pathways to degree completion. One is designed for students who are pursuing an initial bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy. The other is offered in an online accelerated format for registered respiratory therapists (RRT) who would like to advance their careers and academic credentials. You will work in conjunction with the School of Nursing and use state-of-the-art simulation labs.

The program will prepare you with the knowledge, skills and demeanor that are required of registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). The program will prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care through curriculum that will help you acquire skills in one or more of the following: management, education, research and advanced clinical practice.

 

About Our Respiratory Therapy Program

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Learn To

Synthesize information from interprofessional healthcare practice to provide effective care for diverse patient populations

Practice respiratory therapy in an interprofessional healthcare setting that promotes diversity and inclusion when caring for patients in a pluralistic society

Comprehend the impact of quality care on patient outcomes with compassion for the patient, family and caregivers

Deliver respiratory therapy safely in a healthcare setting that promotes patient autonomy, empowerment, and education

Robust Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to an increased rate of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia.

Find your career in:

Care for patients who have trouble breathing. (Source)

Prescribe therapies, including medications and medical device therapy and can refer patients to other specialists as needed to help a patient sleep. (Source)

Help people recover from serious conditions such as pneumonia, heart surgery, and lung failure. (Source)

Responsible for the planning, selection, organization, implementation, supervision, facilitation, and evaluation of the total learning experience of respiratory therapy students. (Source)

Set up and run respiratory tests on patients to check for lung diseases or disorders. (Source)

Set up and run respiratory tests on patients to check for lung diseases or disorders. (Source)

A respiratory therapy professor stands in front of a healthy set of lungs while instructing students.

Sample Courses

Table shows sample courses for the respiratory therapy program.
RSP 300 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care
RSP 302 Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology
RSP 303 Patient Assessment
RSP 351 Clinical Practice I
RSP 304 Cardiopulmonary Diseases & Diagnostics
RSP 306 Intro to Mechanical Ventilation
See The Full Curriculum

BSRT Pathway Minimum Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at UNCW or transfer institution
  • Complete BIO/BIOL 201, MAT 111 and EXS/EXSL 216 or BIO/BIOL 240 or equivalent courses with a “C” or higher
  • Completed applications packet
  • An interview with a Respiratory Therapy faculty member

RRT To BSRT Pathway Minimum Requirements

  • Meet UNCW’s transfer eligibility requirements
  • Produce official transcripts from all post-secondary work
  • Earned an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program
  • Proof of current NBRC RRT credential and be in good standing
  • Proof of current and valid respiratory care practitioner state license
  • Proof of current BLS/CPR for health care providers certification

See Everything Happening in The

School of Health & Applied Human Sciences

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Details

Students learn about Respiratory Therapy in the Simulation Lab

Are You a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

If so, grow your career with our Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy online degree advancement program! It promotes the understanding of advanced clinical concepts, leadership, and evidence-based practice that you can apply to disease management strategies for patients within your organization.

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