KU Respiratory Care

Respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory care practitioners, address breathing and other cardiopulmonary disorders. Working in exciting and dynamic environments, their services are integral in emergency rooms, clinics, sleep labs, hospitals, home care, research, leadership, management, and other areas of health care.

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Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care

This program prepares entry-level respiratory therapists for employment in health care. Most students enter this program after completion of their sophomore year of undergraduate study or after two years at a community college. With an advanced curriculum and located at an academic health center, students receive extensive experience in advanced respiratory therapy techniques. Learn more

Bachelor's Degree Advancement Program

For working professionals with an associate degree, KU also offers a flexible online program to acquire the bachelor's degree in respiratory care. Please note: this program is available only to those with professional experience as a respiratory therapist and possessing current RRT credential. Learn more

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Graduates of KU’s respiratory care bachelor's degree program are eligible to sit for the entry-level Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam given by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Passing the CRT examination is required for licensure in the state of Kansas.

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Mission

The mission of the KU respiratory care program is to educate students to become leaders in clinical practice, teaching, and research in order to make a positive impact on the advancement of the profession.

The department strives to achieve this goal through excellence in the following areas:

• Providing the highest quality education possible in respiratory therapy,

• Mentoring students during experiences on faculty research projects, and

• Remaining active in community outreach efforts and serving in leadership positions with national professional organizations.

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Accreditation Statement

The University of Kansas respiratory care program at KU Medical Center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com), 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244; (817) 283-2835.

Documents relating to accreditation status are available at the department office by request. Information for students.

Outcomes data from the Annual Report of Current Status has been posted on the CoARC website. View the Programmatic Outcomes Data at coarc.com.

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