Respiratory Therapy Major

The Respiratory Therapy Program prepares the student for licensure and practice in the field of respiratory therapy. The program for traditional college students and transfer students is a four-year course of study that culminates in the Bachelor of Health Science 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.

Admission Criteria for Undergraduate Students in the BHS in RT

1. Acceptance to Bellarmine University

2. Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5

3. Completion of required prerequisite courses for the specific program (under Degree Requirements see Suggested Program of Study with minimum grade requirements).

4. 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, 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 require a TOEFL or IELTS from any applicant. The official score should be sent to Bellarmine University. Students may petition to alternatively use one of the following to document English-language proficiency: a) Language training at an approved center; b) Prior educational experiences in a TOEFL Exempt Country; or 3) satisfactory scores on the SAT or ACT. See applicable Undergraduate or Graduate International Student Admission Requirements in the Bellarmine University Catalog for specific criteria.

5. A personal interview, if requested by the program admission committee.

Additional requirements for students enrolling in the AS to BHS degree program:

1. Completion of an accredited advanced-level respiratory care program.

2. Earned Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

3. Proof of RCP licensure.

Transfer of respiratory therapy courses for advanced placement is not permitted for students entering the entry-level BHS or MHS program.