Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care
JOIN UNA’S Bachelor of Science in RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM!
The North Alabama region’s only bachelor’s degree program in Respiratory Care launched in Fall 2023 at the University of North Alabama! UNA's entry-to-profession Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care program is perfect for individuals aspiring to become respiratory therapists. Contact our undergraduate admissions office to learn more about applying to UNA and enrolling in our new Respiratory Care Program.
Request More InfoBy earning a degree in respiratory care from the University of North Alabama, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become an expert in mechanical ventilation, airway maintenance, breathing disorders, and diagnostic evaluation. Respiratory Therapists care for patients of all ages in acute hospital areas such as critical care, emergency rooms, pediatric and neonatal units, outpatient, and home health.
The respiratory care program focuses on two years of basic courses in biological sciences, humanities, and other classes designed to prepare for entrance into the respiratory care program in the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. BSRC faculty bring educational, leadership, and clinical experience and expertise to the classroom. Students will also benefit from our state-of-the-art simulation lab and quality hands-on clinical experiences to prepare them for a career as a respiratory therapist.
Time to Complete:
4 years
Modality Offered:
On Campus
Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC)
Why North Alabama?
With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, the University of North Alabama offers flexible course schedules, competitive pricing, and a highly reputable education that fits your life. As a leader in healthcare education since 1973, the University of North Alabama prepares you to demonstrate knowledge, competencies, and skills to effectively deliver health care services that ensure quality care and ethical decision-making.
Respiratory Care Curriculum
| Title | |
|---|---|
| Area I (Written Composition) - 6 Credit Hours | |
| Area II (Humanities and Fine Arts) - 12 Credit Hours | |
| Area III (Natural Sciences and Mathematics) - 11 Credit Hours | |
|
MA 110 or MA 112
|
Finite Mathematics or College Algebra |
|
BI 101
|
Introductory Biology |
|
CH 101
|
Introductory Chemistry |
|
CH 101L
|
Introductory Chemistry Laboratory |
| Area IV (History, Social and Behavioral Sciences) - 12 Credit Hours | |
| PY 201 or SO 221 | General Psychology (3) or Introductory Sociology (3) |
| ED 299 | Human Growth & Development (3) |
| Area V - 16 Credit Hours | |
|
FYE 101
|
First-Year Experience Seminar |
|
BI 241
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
|
BI 242
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
|
BI 302 or BI 307
|
Microbiology |
|
MA 147
|
Elementary Statistics |
| Major Core Requirements | |
| RC 300 | Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology - 3 |
| RC 302 | Respiratory Pathophysiology - 3 |
| RC 304 | Foundations of Respiratory Care - 3 |
| RC 306 | Patient Assessment & Disease Management - 3 |
| RC 308 | Respiratory Assessment and Foundations Lab - 3 |
| RC 310 | Clinical Practice I - 1 |
| RC 330 | Pulmonary Diagnostics - 3 |
| RC 332 | Respiratory Pharmacology - 3 |
| RC 334 | Mechanical Ventilation I - 3 |
| RC 336 | Critical Care Lab - 3 |
| RC 338 | Clinical Practice II - 4 |
| RC 410 | Pediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Care - 3 |
| RC 412 | Advanced Critical Care Lab - 2 |
| RC 414 | Seminar I - 2 |
| RC 416 | Mechanical Ventilation II - 3 |
| RC 418 | Clinical Practice III - 6 |
| RC 442 | Clinical Practice IV - 6 |
| RC 444 | Seminar II - 2 |
| RC 446 | Respiratory Care Leadership and Education - 3 |
| RC 448 | Senior Capstone - 2 |
| RC 450 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice - 2 |
Accreditations
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care, CoARC program number 200649, located at the University of North Alabama holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.
“CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.”
Faculty
Ms. Jabril Diamond
Lecturer; Program Coordinator, Respiratory Care
Ms. Erin K. Cantrell
Lecturer - Director, Clinical Education
Candy Bishop
Coordinator, Undergraduate Enrollment
Dr. Jan Westerman, M.D.
Medical Director
Program Goals and Outcomes
Goals of the Respiratory Care Program:
- 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).
- To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in one or more of the following: management, education, research and advanced clinical practice (which may include an area of clinical specialization).
Additional Program Goals/Student Outcomes:
Upon completion of the respiratory care program, graduates will be able to:
- Collaborate effectively with other health care professionals to provide direction and input with decisions related to the plan of respiratory care services and resources for clients.
- Demonstrate the ability to recall, apply, and analyze information required of advanced-level respiratory therapists.
- Utilize effective and professional communication with clients from diverse backgrounds, in addition to peers and other health care professionals.
- Engage in critical thinking and problem solving through evidence-based practice in multiple health care settings.
Admission Requirements
Initial admission is based on requirements for admission to the University; however, admission to the University does not assure admission to the program in respiratory care. Requirements for admission to the professional phase of the respiratory care program include:
- Submit a formal respiratory care application to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions.
- Possess a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) or higher in required BSRC courses, including a “C” or higher in all required prerequisite courses.
- Students previously enrolled in another respiratory care program must provide a letter of eligibility to return to the program without stipulation by the dean or director. If ineligible to return to the program, student is ineligible to apply to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions.
- Students enrolled previously in healthcare realted programs (other than respiratory) must talk with their advisor. An eligibility letter may be required.
- Students must be eligible to participate in rotations in all clinical facilities to be eligible for admission to the program.
- Complete a criminal background check and negative drug screen and be in good standing with university student conduct as specified on the application for admission.
Students may be accepted and enrolled in the respiratory care program during the fall of each academic year. Applications will be made available online March 1st and due July 1st.
Students will be notified of acceptance status after the application deadline.