Our hybrid AAS Entry to Practice respiratory therapy degree program combines the convenience of online classes with the power of practical learning experiences.
Our online BSRT Completion degree allows practicing respiratory therapists to continue their education with courses in leadership, education, research, and clinical specialties.
Respiratory therapists work with patients at all stages of life and in circumstances of all kinds, from providing life-saving treatments in emergency rooms to conducting breathing function tests to help doctors make a diagnosis. Your skills and training will help improve the quality of life for people of all ages, and that makes for an incredibly rewarding career.
Earning a degree in respiratory therapy from a CoArc-accredited program prepares you to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care licensure exam.
National median salary in 2021 (BLS.gov)
on the U.S. News & World Report 100 Best Jobs in America List (2022)
growth through 2030, much faster than the average profession (BLS.gov)
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Entry to Practice
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) Completion Degree*
*You must first complete the entry-to-practice AAS degree in order to be eligible to apply for the respiratory therapy bachelor’s degree program.
With an education rooted in Franciscan values, USF has a rich history in the helping professions. Our liberal arts approach to a premier health sciences education develops you into a well-rounded, compassionate, ethical professional ready to serve others.
Through a mix of asynchronous online courses and on-site labs and clinical rotations, you’ll receive respiratory care training from an expert faculty of active healthcare practitioners. You’ll gain a foundation in medical terminology, anatomy/physiology, and cardiopulmonary diseases, and hone your patient care and technical skills—including how to use respiratory care diagnostic and treatment devices—through practicum experiences.
As a student in USF’s AAS Entry to Practice respiratory therapy program, you’ll put learning into practice in real-world, professional environments. You’ll complete skills training with your peers at on-campus labs at our main campus in Fort Wayne or our satellite campus in Crown Point. You’ll also participate in clinical rotations with our partner sites around the region, including:
Fort Wayne Campus Clinical Affiliates
Crown Point Site Clinical Affiliates
“I like that my education and my faith are working together at USF. It continually reminds me of my greater purpose, which is to make positive change in this world.”
Lizzie Gomez ’23
Respiratory care professionals are in high demand at healthcare facilities of all kinds. Career opportunities are also available with health agencies, medical device companies, and emergency medical services providers.
Here are a few places where you might find respiratory therapy jobs:
With on-the-job experience, additional training, and, sometimes, advanced certifications, you could also pursue leadership or educator roles in respiratory therapy.
Respiratory therapists often continue their education and expand their opportunities by earning additional credentials. As you discover your strengths and interests in the respiratory care field, you might consider certification in specialty areas such as:
“USF students stand apart [from other applicants] not only for their clinical skills, but for the deep level of care they bring to their work.”
Erin LaCross, MSN ’09 and vice president of nursing services at Parkview Hospital
In addition to tuition and fees, the Respiratory Therapy program has the following costs:
These costs are subject to change.
*These costs will be determined by student’s choice of brand and style of uniforms and equipment.
AAS Entry to Practice Program Goal
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).
Bachelor’s Degree Completion Goal
To provide graduates of entry into respiratory care professional practice degree programs with additional knowledge, skills, and attributes in leadership, management, education, research, and/or advanced clinical practice that will enable them to meet their current professional goals and prepare them for practice as advanced degree respiratory therapists.
“The Respiratory Therapy program at the University of Saint Francis, programs #200650 and #300038, in Fort Wayne and Crown Point, IN, holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.”
The Respiratory Therapy program at the University of Saint Francis, program #510028, in Fort Wayne, IN, holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.
The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN, 37690
817-283-2835
https://coarc.com
Find state-specific information regarding respiratory therapy licensure on the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website.
Indiana Society for Respiratory Care
https://www.in-isrc.org
American Association of Respiratory Care
https://www.aarc.org
National Board for Respiratory Care
https://www.nbrc.org
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