Department of Respiratory Therapy

Faculty: Arndt, Haustveit, Nuss, Schneider, Sperle (Chair), Trebas, Wahl

The Profession

Respiratory therapists (RTs) are vital members of today’s interdisciplinary healthcare teams. They work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other health professionals in a wide range of settings, including adult and neonatal intensive care units, emergency departments, inpatient respiratory services, outpatient clinics, sleep centers, rehabilitation facilities, and patients’ homes.

Graduates of CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy programs are trained to:

Assess patients with acute or chronic cardiopulmonary conditions,
Develop and implement individualized care plans,
Administer therapeutic interventions such as oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and aerosolized medications,
Monitor and evaluate treatment effectiveness, and
Adjust care strategies based on patient response and clinical data.

In addition to direct patient care, RTs perform advanced diagnostic procedures, including pulmonary function testing, arterial blood gas analysis, and sleep studies. They also play a key role in patient and family education, particularly in the management of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Promoting tobacco cessation and supporting long-term self-management are essential components of their work in community and home care settings.

Respiratory therapists are trained to think critically, act decisively in emergencies, and contribute to evidence-based practice. CoARC-accredited programs ensure that graduates are prepared to meet national credentialing standards and excel in clinical, educational, and leadership roles within the profession

Mission

To prepare students at the baccalaureate and graduate level to become competent registered respiratory therapists who think critically, engage in evidence-based practice, function as expert resources to physicians and other health care professionals, assume
leadership roles, and interact respectfully and compassionately with others regardless of cultural background, values, and lifestyles.

Vision

To be recognized as a premier respiratory therapy educational program in the United States, known for the quality and professional competence of its graduates.

Respiratory Therapy Program Overview

The University of Mary offers three academic pathways in respiratory therapy, each designed to meet the needs of students at different stages of their professional journey:

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT)

Designed for students entering the field without prior respiratory therapy education. This pathway includes a two-year pre-professional phase followed by a four-semester professional phase, including summer sessions. The professional phase is delivered on-site at CHI/St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck and includes classroom, laboratory, and over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for state licensing and national credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), leading to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

RRT-to-BSRT Completion Program

Designed for licensed Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) who hold an associate degree and wish to complete a bachelor’s degree. This program is delivered fully online through the University of Mary. It offers flexibility for working professionals while maintaining the same academic rigor and outcomes as the traditional BSRT.

Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT)

The MSRT program at the University of Mary is designed to accommodate a wide range of students-those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to transition into respiratory therapy, as well as students who begin their academic journey as freshmen or transfer students seeking a graduate-level entry into the profession. This flexible structure allows students to pursue advanced preparation in respiratory care regardless of their starting point.

The curriculum builds upon a 70-credit-hour foundation in baccalaureate-level respiratory therapy and includes two additional semesters (34 credit hours) of graduate coursework. These final semesters emphasize advanced clinical techniques in critical care, patient monitoring, and specialized electives in areas such as education or leadership. This comprehensive approach equips graduates with both the clinical expertise and strategic insight needed to excel in today’s evolving healthcare environment.

Accreditation Status

All respiratory therapy programs at the University of Mary are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT); CoARC Program Number: 200133
RRT-to-BSRT Completion Program; CoARC Program Number: 510018
Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT); CoARC Program Number: 220133

Accreditation ensures that each program meets rigorous national standards for quality and prepares graduates for professional credentialing and licensure. Program outcomes, including credentialing success, job placement, and program completion rates, are publicly available on the CoARC Programmatic Outcomes Data page.

For more information, contact:

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690

Website: www.coarc.com

Admissions

See program-specific admission policies on each of the respiratory therapy program pages, linked below.

Immunization Requirements

Immunization requirements for health science programs are officially listed online in the student handbook (umary.edu/studenthandbook under Student Experience | University of Mary Health Clinic | Immunization Policy), along with the full immunization policy. These immunization requirements supersede and replace all other immunization requirements listed in previous editions of the academic catalog and/or health science program handbooks (printed or digital).

Advanced Placement Policy

The University of Mary offers advanced placement opportunities across all respiratory therapy program tracks: the Traditional BSRT, the RRT-to-BSRT Completion Program, and the Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT). These options are designed to recognize prior academic achievement, professional experience, and licensure, allowing qualified students to progress efficiently through their chosen pathway.

1. Traditional BSRT Track

Students may be eligible for advanced placement in the Traditional BSRT program if they have:

Completed relevant coursework at a regionally accredited institution,
Earned a minimum grade of “C” in transferable math and science courses,
Maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher,
Successfully passed a competency assessment (if required),
Submitted course syllabi for equivalency review,
Earned qualifying scores on Advanced Placement (AP) exams or CLEP exams in applicable subject areas (e.g., biology, chemistry, mathematics, English).

Advanced placement may reduce the time required to complete the pre-professional phase but does not exempt students from the professional phase requirements.

2. RRT-to-BSRT Completion Program

Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) entering the completion program may receive credit for prior professional education and clinical experience. To qualify:

Applicants must hold the RRT credential,
Submit official transcripts from an associate degree program in respiratory therapy,
Provide verification of current licensure and NBRC credentials.

This program builds upon existing knowledge and does not require repetition of foundational respiratory therapy coursework.

3. MSRT Track

Students entering the MSRT program may qualify for advanced placement if they:

Earned qualifying scores on AP or CLEP exams in applicable subjects,
Submit transcripts for evaluation,
Submitted course syllabi for equivalency review.

Advanced placement may allow for substitution of select foundational courses, but all students must complete the full professional and graduate-level curriculum to be eligible for the RRT credential.

Note:

Advanced placement does not guarantee admission to any program. All applicants must complete the formal application process and meet the program’s technical standards and immunization requirements. Final decisions are made by the Respiratory Therapy Admissions Committee.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

In accordance with applicable laws, the University of Mary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or public assistance. The university will not tolerate any discrimination, and any such conduct is prohibited. The university also prohibits any form of discipline or retaliation for reporting incidents of discrimination. The non-discrimination policy and contact information for the persons designated to handle inquiries can be found at www.umary.edu/nondiscrimination.

Respiratory Therapy Essential Functional Requirements

Applicants to the University of Mary Respiratory Therapy Program must meet the essential technical standards required for safe and effective practice in the profession. These standards reflect the cognitive, physical, and behavioral abilities necessary to meet program objectives and perform essential job functions.

Students seeking reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must submit a written request to the Program Director at the time of application. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure that accommodations do not compromise patient safety or the integrity of the program.

Essential Technical Standards Include the Ability To:

Physical and Motor Skills

Move quickly and safely in confined spaces.
Stand, sit, and maintain balance for extended periods.
Reach above shoulders and below waist; twist, stoop, squat, and climb stairs.
Walk rapidly in emergency situations.
Perform CPR and other physically demanding procedures.
Lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
Precisely manipulate small instruments and equipment.

Sensory Abilities

Hear, see, and feel with sufficient acuity to assess patients and equipment.
Distinguish colors and detect odors.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Read, write, and comprehend English.
Communicate clearly in person and by telephone.
Establish rapport and maintain professional boundaries with patients and colleagues.
Function effectively under stress and in emotionally charged situations.

Cognitive and Behavioral Abilities

Interpret written and verbal information.
Identify cause-and-effect relationships.
Perform basic math functions (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
Measure and interpret time accurately.
Demonstrate sound judgment, emotional stability, and ethical behavior.

These standards are essential for successful completion of the program and entry into professional practice. Students who are unable to meet these requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, may be unable to progress in the program.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

Graduate Major

Respiratory Therapy, M.S.R.T.