Respiratory Care - degree completion program
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Online • 120 Credits
Respiratory care is a healthcare field focused on the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary conditions.
Overview
Grand Valley's Respiratory Care B.S. Degree Completion program is designed for working respiratory therapists seeking to advance their careers. The fully online program allows students to transfer up to 80 credits from an associate degree and complete the remaining 40 credits through Grand Valley. It prepares students for advanced roles in administration, research, and critical care.
The curriculum covers pulmonary diagnosis and treatment, respiratory care specialties, adult and neonatal critical care, and aligns with industry standards. This ensures students are well-prepared for leadership roles in the field.
Benefits of studying at Grand Valley include flexible online learning, personalized attention from faculty, hands-on clinical education at top hospitals, and strong industry connections. The program's comprehensive curriculum and growing demand for respiratory therapists make it an excellent choice for career advancement.
Admission Information
The program is designed for working respiratory therapist who would like to advance their education and careers. Minimum criteria for acceptance:
- Associate degree in respiratory care from a CoARC accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) who is RRT eligible
- Application for admissions to Grand Valley State University
- Submission of official transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended
- Secondary application for BSRC program
- Personal statement of career goals and how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives
Students who are not currently respiratory therapists and are interested in pursuing a career in respiratory care are encouraged to visit gvsu.edu/respiratory to contact the respiratory care program director.
College of Health Professions
School of Interdisciplinary Health
Respiratory Care
gvsu.edu/respiratory
500 Lafayette Ave. NE, Suite 420
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5572
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 63,752.00 | 10% |
| $ 66,539.19 | 25% |
| $ 77,459.19 | 50% |
| $ 81,889.60 | 75% |
| $ 87,422.40 | 90% |
#1
Provider of Healthcare Professionals in West Michigan
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
An In-Demand Degree
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the job outlook for respiratory therapists is predicted to grow at a rate of 19 percent, much higher than other healthcare fields and occupations. The degree prepares the respiratory therapist for careers in management, education, and research, and to become an advanced practice respiratory therapist or physician assistant.
Two Tracks Offered
- Respiratory Care Track A: This track is for students entering Grand Valley State University (GVSU) who do not currently have a respiratory care degree. This is a secondary admission program, and upon completion of prerequisites, the students will complete a sequenced full-time live respiratory care curriculum before entering the final year of online BSRC classes.
- Respiratory Care Track B: This track is for students who are already graduates from a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)-credentialed associate degree program who have at least the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Students can complete the 45 required credits in as little as one year/three semesters.
CHP Advising
The College of Health Professions maintains a dedicated staff of academic advisors in its Student Services Office to meet the academic advising needs of its students.
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