What is Respiratory Care?
Respiratory care is a specialized healthcare profession focused on the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages, from the tiniest premature infants to older adults, who experience breathing or cardiac disorders. They play a critical role in emergency medicine, intensive care, neonatal and pediatric care, pulmonary rehabilitation, and diagnostic testing. As essential members of the healthcare team, respiratory therapists use advanced technology, clinical expertise, and compassionate care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Why Study Respiratory Care at Grand Valley?
- Rigorous. Grand Valley's Respiratory Care Program combines expert faculty and extensive clinical training to prepare students for success in a growing healthcare profession.
- Networked. Through partnerships with leading healthcare organizations and a commitment to student success.
- Prepared. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel as respiratory therapists and future healthcare leaders.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care has been developed for two distinct audiences: Students who are already graduates from a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) associate degree program who have at least the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, and those entering Grand Valley State University (GVSU) who do not currently have a respiratory care degree. Students entering GVSU who do not currently have a respiratory care degree will have two pathway options to acquire that degree. The three available tracks are:
- BSRC- Entry level is for students entering GVSU who do not currently have a respiratory care degree and would like to complete the entire program at GVSU. Students will complete the first year as prerequisites to the respiratory care portion of the program and then enter the respiratory care portion of the program, completing the entire degree from that point.
- BSRC- 1 + 2 + 1 is for students entering GVSU who do not currently have a respiratory care degree. Students will complete the first year as prerequisites to the respiratory care portion of the program and then enroll concurrently in a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program in partnership with GVSU. Students will then complete the last 40 credits of the degree at GVSU.
- RRT-BSRC is for students who are already graduates from a CoARC-accredited associate degree program. Students can transfer up to 80 credits from the respiratory care associate degree program.
Admissions Process
Application Opens:
October 1st
Priority Application Deadline:
March 15th
Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled.
Apply as a Future Respiratory Therapist BSRC- Entry Level