Respiratory Therapy Programs at Idaho State University

The Bachelors of Science in Respiratory Therapy is a degree advancement program, offering students the opportunity to enhance their bedside understanding, obtain insight in healthcare administration and healthcare leadership. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach to medicine for registered respiratory therapists. This approach helps the program ensure that its graduates are well-rounded, skilled, and prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare field.

Program Overview and Pathways

The Bachelors of Science program starts in August (Fall Start) and is a fully asynchronous online program. A Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) credential is preferred for this degree advancement track. To accommodate working professionals, this program has two pathways to completion:

• Full time: 1 Year (12 credits per semester)
• Part time: 2 Years (6 credits per semester)

Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy

The Associate of Science degree: Respiratory Therapy degree program has two pathways to completion: Accelerated (2 years) or Full Time (3 years). The application process for the Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy (ASRT) program will begin on October 1st and ends on March 1st. Applications will NOT be accepted after March 1st, and all required documents must be submitted by that date.

Application and Admission Requirements

Students must complete the following items to be considered for admission:

1. Prospective Student Assignment
2. Respiratory Therapy Application
3. Application Reference Form (recommended)
4. Face to face interview (required before acceptance can be determined)

A Background Check and Drug Screen are required for this program. Students are encouraged to complete the following courses with a “C” grade or better before the Fall start:

• Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2 (BIOL 2227/L or BIOL 3301/L)
• Introduction to General Chemistry or General Chemistry 1 (CHEM 1101 or CHEM 1111/L)
• English Composition (ENGL 1101)
• Medical Terminology (HO 0106, HCA 2210, or HE 2210)
• Introduction of Psychology, Sociology, or Social Problems

Program Goals and Career Opportunities

The program goals are to enhance students' baseline competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), communication, and affective (behavioral) learning domains of respiratory care practice, and to improve their understanding of total patient care through a multidisciplinary approach.

Career Opportunities in Respiratory Therapy

Graduates are prepared for various professional roles, including:

• Management and Director roles
• Hospitals and Adult Critical Care Specialist
• Neonatal Care Specialist and ECMO Specialist
• Sleep Lab and Pulmonary Function Lab
• Home Care and Life Flight

Program Completion Summary

• BS Degree Advancement (Full Time): 1 Year
• BS Degree Advancement (Part Time): 2 Years
• AS Respiratory Therapy (Accelerated): 2 Years
• AS Respiratory Therapy (Full Time): 3 Years