Course of Study

There are two degree routes to the professional phase of the program:

• B.S. in Biology - Respiratory Therapy (pdf) - three years of undergraduate liberal arts and science coursework
• B.S. in Allied Health Technologies - Respiratory Therapy (pdf) - two years of undergraduate liberal arts and science coursework

In both degree routes the professional phase is the same.  See our AHTRT vs BSRT curriculum comparison page.

The nineteen-month concentrated professional program is designed to provide the student with all of the skills needed to practice as a graduate respiratory therapist. The professional phase is conducted fifteen minutes from the MU campus in a specially equipped facility at UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster.

The early months of the professional component are classroom oriented with clinical observation beginning immediately. Skills lab activities follow the didactic presentation where small group learning activities emphasize skill-based hands-on experience. The program progresses from simple to complex, with emphasis on critical thinking and decision-making.

After achieving a pass rating on any procedure in a simulated patient environment, the student begins to practice the procedure on patients under the supervision of a clinical instructor. As less supervision is warranted, more freedom is afforded to encourage a transition to independent practice.

The final semester of the program consists of specialized or advanced clinical experiences. Most of this assignment is carried out in area medical centers where the student works directly with therapists, nurses and physicians in assigned clinical areas. Each day and week of these rotations is outlined for the student. Behavioral objectives describe and guide the experiential learning. The program culminates in a comprehensive final examination.