Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy

The Respiratory Therapy Program prepares the student for licensure and practice in the field of respiratory therapy. The Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy is for students already having a bachelor’s degree. Respiratory therapists are health care professionals who evaluate and treat persons of all ages having lung and heart disorders. The responsibilities of the therapist include pulmonary function assessment, diagnostic testing, administering oxygen and aerosolized drugs, breathing retraining and pulmonary rehabilitation, acute care management of patients requiring ventilatory support, and emergency care. Respiratory therapists find careers in multiple settings, including the hospital, home care and rehabilitation. The program focuses on developing strong clinical skills as well as preparing leaders in the profession in the areas of education and research. As an entry-to-practice program, no prior health care experience is required for admission.

Admission Criteria for Graduate Students in the MS in RT

1. Acceptance to Bellarmine University.

2. Completed a baccalaureate degree or higher.

3. Minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.

4. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale with the following:

• Grade of C or better in all prerequisite natural science and math courses.

• Grade of C or better in all other prerequisites courses.

5. Applicants who do not have a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA will be reviewed for admission if they meet the following requirements:

• Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Grades of B- or higher in Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Physics.

• No prerequisite grade below a C.

6. Visit ahcas.liaisoncas.com to complete your application.

• Submit a personal statement which describes experiences which have led you to consider respiratory therapy as a career.

• The Office of Admission reserves the right to request additional information or a personal interview.

• Submit two completed reference forms from individuals who can speak about your potential as a respiratory therapist. One reference should be from a current or former professor with the other from a current or former employer. References should not come from family members.

7. If any transcripts or undergraduate degree(s) are from an international institution you must provide an official copy of a third-party course by course credential evaluation to Allied Health CAS. Information regarding processes and fees is available at: www.aacrao.org/international/, www.wes.org and www.ece.org.

8. Language Proficiency: Bellarmine’s Respiratory Therapy Program requires an official TOEFL iBT or IELTS score for verification of language proficiency for applicants: a) who were born outside the US in a non-English language speaking country, b) for whom English is a second language, or c) who have a degree or transcripts from a non-US institution. Applicants must 1) earn a total score of 83 or higher and a speaking score of 26 or higher on the TOEFL iBT OR 2) earn a total band score of 7 or higher AND a speaking band score of 8 or higher on the IELTS OR 3) earn a score of 105 or higher on Duolingo to meet the language proficiency requirement. Only official score reports will be accepted. The program reserves the right to review English language experience or to require a TOEFL or IELTS from any applicant. The official score should be sent to Bellarmine University. Alternatively, students may petition to use one of the following requirements to document English-language proficiency – degree completion from a TOEFL exempt country OR successful completion of Language training at an approved center*. In addition, the program reserves the right to require an in-person or “live” (through distance technology) writing sample from any applicant.

*Bellarmine University recognizes the following standards and centers. The MSRT Admission Committee may use discretion and approve other centers:
>> English Language Services level 112 (http://www.els.edu/en)
>> Interlink Level 5 (http://interlink.edu/)
>> Intensive English Program at Indiana University Level 6 (http://iep.indiana.edu/)

Prerequisite Course Requirements

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II: 8 credit hours

• Microbiology: 4 credit hours

• Total Credit Hours: 12

Transfer of respiratory therapy courses for advanced placement is not permitted for students entering the MSRT program.