Respiratory Care, B.S. degree completion
To ensure the respiratory therapy workforce is prepared to meet the growing challenges and demands it will face in terms of protocol-driven care and disease management, the American Association for Respiratory Care has called for 80 percent of therapists to either hold or be working toward a bachelor's degree. The degree provides opportunity for professional career enhancement and offers the foundation for rapid advancement in administration, research, and critical care.
Program Overview
The program is designed for working respiratory therapist who would like to advance their education and careers. Minimum criteria for acceptance:
- Associate degree in respiratory care from a CoARC accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) who is RRT eligible
- Application for admissions to Grand Valley State University
- Submission of official transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended
- Secondary application for BSRC program
- Personal statement of career goals and how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives
Students who are not currently respiratory therapists and are interested in pursuing a career in respiratory care are encouraged to visit gvsu.edu/respiratory to contact the respiratory care program director.
Why Study Respiratory Care at Grand Valley?
- To keep working professionals on track, the program offers flexibility with an entirely online format that can be taken full- or part-time.
- Students can complete the program in as little as one year or three semesters.
- Multiple start times are available throughout the year.
- Small class sizes allow for attention to the needs of each student.
- Courses are taught by faculty members who meet the highest levels of professional standards, not graduate assistants.
- The College of Health Professions maintains a dedicated staff of academic advisors in its Student Services Office to meet the academic advising needs of its students.
Coursework
Students pursuing this degree will need to transfer in an associate degree in respiratory care from a CoARC accredited institution, and can transfer up to 80 credits of coursework. In addition, you will need to complete 40 credits of GVSU respiratory care coursework.
Career Options
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the job outlook for respiratory therapists is predicted to grow at a rate of 19 percent, much higher than other health care fields and occupations. The degree prepares the respiratory therapist for careers in management, education, and research, and to become an advanced practice respiratory therapist or physician assistant.
Helpful Links
For More Information
College of Health ProfessionsSchool of Interdisciplinary Health
Respiratory Care
gvsu.edu/respiratory
500
Lafayette Ave. NE, Suite 420
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5572