Respiratory students observe to their professor teach about tracheostomy on a manikin.

Respiratory Therapy, B.S.

Respiratory care requires not only technical expertise, but also humane, empathetic, and professional behavior directed towards patient-centered care. UNCW's respiratory therapy program prepares students to become highly competent respiratory therapists who display professional excellence and integrity.

Our goal is 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 (RRTs). We aim to prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in one or more of the following: management, education, research, and advanced clinical practice (which may include an area of clinical specialization).

About the Program

30 students are admitted annually, in the fall of each academic year.
If admitted, students must successfully complete required courses consistent with national accreditation standards outline by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and University Studies requirements to earn the degree.
Graduates of CoARC accredited programs are eligible to obtain professional credentials through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT). Professional credentials demonstrate competency within the scope of practice for respiratory therapists and may be used to apply for state licensure and employment.

Advising Questions? Contact the Student Success Center

Explore More: BSRT

Admissions

Program Information

Student Opportunities

Certification & Licensure

Career & Graduate School Information

Watch an Information Session (Spring 2024)

Overview and Course Descriptions (UNCW Catalogue)
Course Requirements and Sequence
Student Learning Outcomes (UNCW Catalogue)
CoARC Outcomes Data
North Carolina Community Course Equivalents
RSP NC Community College Transfer Guide 2024-2025
Student Handbook (PDF)
Meet the Faculty

Additional Program Cost Estimates*

Compliance Requirement and Monitoring: $105 (background check, drug screen, clinical tracker)
Identification Badges: $20
Uniforms: $150 (prices may vary and are dependent upon student selection)
Stethoscope: $65 (prices may vary and are dependent upon student selection)
CPR Certification through the American Heart Association for Health Care Providers: $75
Students are responsible for transportation required for clinical practice rotations.

Post-Graduation Credentialing Cost Estimates

National Board for Respiratory Care Exam fees for graduates:

Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) Credentialing Examination Fee: $190
Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) Credentialing Examination: Fee $200

_{*Costs are estimates and subject to change.}

Advising

Schedule an appointment with a Student Success advisor.

A big part of an well-rounded, successful and fun college experience happens outside the classroom. Participating in student organizations gives you the chance to get to know your classmates, explore new interests and discover who you are.

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UNCW degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for applicable exams. However, requirements in other states may be different. If you are considering a degree program that in order to qualify for a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time UNCW may or may not be able to advise whether the program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.

Career Information

Professional Organizations

Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is pursuing accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care has voted on and accepted our application for provisional accreditation.