The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in respiratory care is offered for Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) who are graduates of an accredited certificate or associate degree respiratory care program. The program gives CRTs the opportunity to enhance clinical skills and further develop leadership skills necessary for advancement into positions in management, education, research, marketing and sales.
The Curriculum
CRT students are awarded 33 credits for the NBRC certification in respiratory therapy and are exempt from all 100- and 300-level respiratory courses. Students in this track complete 27 credits of 400-level respiratory care courses that build on basic preparation and include study in leadership/management, teaching skills, ECG interpretation, research, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. All respiratory care courses are taught by dedicated and experienced faculty at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Respiratory Care in Pittsburgh.
Transcripts from the student’s initial preparation are reviewed against remaining requirements on a course-by-course basis. Courses more than ten years old or similar but not exactly equivalent to IUP’s liberal studies requirements may undergo a special review and approval process. Typically, students with an associate’s degree and certification have to complete additional coursework in areas such as natural sciences, mathematics, English, social sciences, history, fine arts, and the humanities. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 45 credits from IUP to the Bachelor of Science degree which includes the 27 credits of respiratory care courses.
Some remaining requirements may be taken online through IUP and at IUP’s regional Northpointe campus located on Route 28 approximately thirty miles from Pittsburgh. There is also the opportunity to complete some required courses at other colleges or universities.
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
For more information, see the undergraduate catalog:
B.S. in Respiratory Care/Certified Respiratory Therapist Track
