Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy
The undergraduate respiratory therapy program consists of a two-year pre-professional phase (freshman and sophomore years) followed by two years of professional preparation (junior and senior years) on the CHI/St. Alexius Medical Center campus. The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) degree is granted to students who successfully fulfill University of Mary Respiratory Therapy Program requirements. The Respiratory Therapy Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), www.coarc.com.
To qualify for admission consideration, students must complete all math/science pre-professional requirements with a minimum grade of “C” in each course and an overall math/science grade point average of 2.5 or higher. In addition, the overall University grade point average must be a minimum of 2.5. Students who successfully complete these pre-professional requirements are eligible to apply for admission to the professional Respiratory Therapy Program. Completion of pre-professional requirements does not guarantee admission to the professional program; separate application must be made to the Respiratory Therapy Department. Personal interviews, academic performance, and letters of reference are used in the admission process. For equally qualified applicants, admission preference will be given to eligible students completing their pre-professional work at University of Mary. The professional program application deadline is February 15 of the sophomore year for admission to the fall semester of the same year. Prospective applicants should make an appointment with the respiratory therapy department chair (701-530-7756; cksperle@umary.edu) for applications and to tour the CHI/St. Alexius Health and to arrange a job shadow experience to learn more about the responsibilities and duties of respiratory therapists.
Respiratory Therapy Essential Functional Requirements
In addition to admission criteria, qualified applicants are expected to meet essential functional requirements of the respiratory therapy profession. Students requesting reasonable accommodation to meet these requirements must inform the Program Director in writing of the need for such accommodations at the time of application. Essential functional requirements include cognitive, motor and behavioral abilities.
Respiratory therapy students must be able to: move quickly in confined spaces; sit and stand while maintaining balance; stand in-place for prolonged periods; reach above the shoulders and below the waist; twist, stoop, squat; climb stairs;walk rapidly (emergency situations); precisely manipulate small instruments and pieces of equipment; squeeze forcefully with hands; write with a pen; key information into a computer; lift and carry 30 pounds; have sufficient physical strength and mobility to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation; hear, see, feel with fingers, smell; distinguish colors; read, write and comprehend English; interpret written information; identify cause and effect relationships; add, subtract, multiply and divide; tell and measure time; orally communicate and interact with others; speak on the telephone; establish rapport with others (patients, coworkers); establish appropriate emotional and interpersonal boundaries; maintain effectiveness under stress and strong emotions.
Transfer Students
Transfer students completing respiratory therapy program prerequisites at other regionally accredited colleges and universities are welcome to apply to the respiratory therapy program; professional courses in the respiratory therapy curriculum fulfill the University of Mary’s residency requirement for the baccalaureate degree. Transfer students must also meet the University of Mary’s liberal arts graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree. Academic advising for transfer students occurs through the Office of Admission at 701-355-8030 or admissions@umary.edu.
Rolling Admissions
If the class number does not reach its maximum capacity by the application deadline, a rolling admissions policy will be followed. Students must meet all criteria previously outlined and participate in the formal interview process. Rolling admissions are considered until the first day of class in the fall. Applicants will be reviewed based on the time of submissions of a completed application.
Credential/License
Students who complete the accredited professional program and all degree requirements are eligible to take the credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) leading to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Licensure requirements in the state of North Dakota (and in all other states) are also met by successful completion of the NBRC examinations.
Optional: Respiratory Therapy Pre-Med Track
This option allows students to take all courses required for admission to most medical schools while completing requirements for the B.S.R.T. degree. After completing the degree, graduates may, at their option, apply for admission to medical school; if accepted, they may decide to work as a respiratory therapist before and during medical school. Regardless of medical school admission status, graduates have a marketable professional credential in health care.
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