Students must complete the 60 semester hour core curriculum including specific courses in biology, physics, chemistry, and psychology. Careful advisement at an early stage in the education process is necessary to fulfill all the preprofessional requirements in two years. After completing the preprofessional requirements, a student must apply to a professional school for the last two years of training. Since they all have a limited enrollment admission to these programs is competitive. The professional degree granted upon successful completion of the program is a Bachelor of Science with a major in Respiratory Therapy.
Most professional schools admit new students one time each year in the fall semester.
The preprofessional adviser can assist students in the application process. Generally respiratory therapy programs are offered by schools of allied health associated with large teaching hospitals. During the professional phase of the training, the student receives clinical training as well as exposure to research methods and management practices. Work Location and Salary Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals and clinics although some choose careers in education, management, or research. Because there is a current shortage of respiratory therapists in some areas, the job market is excellent and trained professionals have no difficulty in finding jobs upon graduation.