Curriculum
Learn about the requirements to earn your degree from KU.
This program requires a minimum 30 credit hours of respiratory care coursework. Students work with an advisor to organize a graduation plan and select a clinical specialty area. Specialty areas include neonatal critical care, adult critical care, asthma education specialist, leadership, and management.
To qualify for graduation, a minimum grade of C or better is required on all respiratory care courses. The university requires at least 120 hours of total college credit to receive a bachelor's degree from KU.
With the exception of the capstone course, all courses are offered in eight-week blocks. Therefore, students may elect to take courses during the first and/or second block each semester. The eight-week format is designed to provide an organized and manageable pace for the student.
Students must complete all core courses and the capstone project course, in addition to at least three elective courses (9 credit hours) from the list below.
Required Core Courses
RESP 450 Chronic Respiratory Disease Management 3
RESP 480 Simulation and Interprofessional Education 3
RESP 495 Management, Ethics, and Law in Respiratory Care 3
RESP 620 Community and Global Health 3
RESP 650 Medical Writing & Research 3
RESP 665 Capstone Project (Students will complete this final course of the program in his or her chosen clinical specialty area.) 6
Electives (at least nine credit hours needed)
RESP 460 ACCS Specialty Credential Prep 3
RESP 465 NPS Specialty Credential Prep 3
RESP 470 AE-C Specialty Credential Prep (Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics) 3
RESP 490 Special Studies or Projects 1-9 *
RESP 630 Lean Management 3
RESP 640 Professional Communication 3
RESP 655 Leadership Management 3
* This course involves individual study, research or projects in the field of respiratory care under instructor guidance. Written reports and periodic conferences are required. Content and unit credit will be determined by student-instructor and/or departmental conferences. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prior consent by the instructor is required to enroll in this course.
Vaccines and Clinical Site Requirements
The University of Kansas Medical Center requires various immunizations for its students. For a detailed list please visit the student health forms webpage or speak with Student Health Services. These immunization requirements help promote health and safety and facilitate clinical placement.
Many, if not all, clinical sites who partner with the University of Kansas Medical Center require proof of these vaccines for students engaged in training or other programmatic experiences at clinical sites. Not being vaccinated may preclude students from participating in activities, potentially impeding their ability to complete all program requirements for degree completion. Applicants with questions should speak with a representative from the academic program to which they intend to apply.