Respiratory Therapy Major

Program Chair: Dr. Chris Sperle

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy

The undergraduate Respiratory Therapy Program at the University of Mary consists of two distinct phases:

• A two-year pre-professional phase (typically completed during the freshman and sophomore years), followed by
• A four-semester professional phase, conducted on the CHI/St. Alexius Medical Center campus.

The professional phase spans four consecutive semesters, including the summer session, and is equivalent to two academic years. Students begin the professional phase in the fall semester completing the program at the end of the following fall semester.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) degree. The Respiratory Therapy Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). For more information, visit www.coarc.com. See also umary.edu/accreditation.

Students who meet academic qualifications may choose to pursue the Respiratory Therapy, M.S.R.T.  track. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in respiratory therapy courses and must declare their intent to pursue the MSRT during the spring semester of the professional phase.

Program Goals

The goals of the undergraduate and graduate major in Respiratory Therapy are:

1. To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) and as professional members of the health care team as defined by the “Essential Functions and Professional Expectations:”
   1. Demonstrate knowledge of the physiological bases for all therapeutic interventions and diagnostic procedures in all areas of respiratory therapy practice
   2. Demonstrate proficiency in implementing all respiratory therapy treatment and diagnostic procedures
   3. Demonstrate proficiency in interpreting physical exam findings, cardiopulmonary monitoring data, laboratory data, and diagnostic imaging information
   4. Demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills as consultants to physicians and other health care personnel in developing cardiopulmonary care strategies
   5. Demonstrate proficiency in establishing an evidence base for best practice through research and the critique and interpretation of the professional scientific literature
   6. Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical obligations and responsibilities of health care professionals and institutions
   7. Demonstrate knowledge of the legal, social and economic environments in which the health care institutions function
   8. Demonstrate effective cross-cultural and interdisciplinary human interaction skills in the  health care setting and the broader community
   9. Demonstrate knowledge of current issues and trends in health care, including public policy, access and reimbursement issues
   10. Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication
   11. Educate patients and the general public in matters of cardiopulmonary health and chronic disease management
   12. Demonstrate leadership abilities in health care through the development of honest, competent and forward-looking practice techniques.
2. To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content that includes objectives related to acquisition of skills in the areas of management, education, research, and advanced clinical practice such as:
   1. Becoming a valued member of the health care team by sharing expertise in the field of respiratory therapy through the use of and promotion of evidence-based practices, research, and the utilization of clinical practice guidelines.
   2. Exploring areas of advanced clinical practice by creating and completing a specialty rotation tailored to individual student interests in areas of advanced practice to prepare for future leadership opportunities in research, management and education within the respiratory therapy profession.

University of Mary Respiratory Therapy Program - Admission Overview

Admission to the University of Mary’s Respiratory Therapy Program is competitive. Students may declare a respiratory therapy major as freshmen, but acceptance into the professional phase requires a formal application, typically submitted in the spring of the sophomore year. Accepted students begin professional coursework in the fall semester of the same year.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to apply, students must:

• Complete all math and science pre-professional courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in:
  • Math/science coursework, and
  • Overall University coursework.

Meeting these criteria qualifies students to apply but does not guarantee admission. A separate application must be submitted to the Respiratory Therapy Department.

Additional Admission Considerations

• Admissions decisions are based on academic GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
• Preference is given to equally qualified applicants who completed their pre-professional coursework at the University of Mary.
• Completion of all program immunization requirements.

Immunization Policy

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).

Application Deadline

February 15 for fall semester admission of the same year.

Next Steps

Prospective applicants should contact the Respiratory Therapy Department Chair at 701-530-7756 or cksperle@umary.edu  to:

• Request an application,
• Ask questions, and
• Learn more about the program.

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 enroll@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.

Students who wish to pursue the pre-med track should declare the Pre-Med Concentration as part of their program of study. It will supplement the Respiratory Therapy major and prepare students for eventual application to medical school.

• Pre-Health Care Concentration