Respiratory Therapy Bachelors Program

Respiratory Therapy is a career with a “great return on investment” (U.S News & World Report, April 15, 2010). According to a survey by American Association for Respiratory Care in 2009, the projected average salary for a respiratory therapist in the U.S. is over $62,000.

The University of Akron's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care. Visit their website to obtain more information on the accrediting agency and its policies and standards. Find CoARC program outcomes here.

After successfully completed all the requirements for this program, and after being recommended by faculty of Summit College, a student will be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Respiratory Therapy.

Respiratory Therapy Advisory Committee

What is Respiratory Therapy?

Respiratory Therapy is...

• a health care profession that works with patients who have heart or lung disease
• a baccalaureate degree program
• a great career with outstanding job prospects
• a licensed profession in the State of Ohio

The University of Akron's Respiratory Care Program...

• has been an accredited program for over 30 years. It is currently accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• has 100% job placement every year since it has been in existence
• has pass rates on certification and registry exams which exceed national averages

What do Respiratory Therapists Do?

• the primary job of the respiratory therapist is to help diagnose and treat the patient with lung or heart disease
• the physician orders the therapy, and we carry it out
• we spend a lot of time evaluating the therapy to assure that it is working, and is appropriate for the patient
• we help the physician provide the correct therapy

Types of Settings

• Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, nursing homes, offices, and even in the patients' own homes
• we care for the very young (newborn) to the very old (geriatrics)
• our equipment may be quite simple (oxygen cannula) to very complex (mechanical ventilators that breathe for the patient)

How the Clinical Training Works

• students learn the skills they need on campus in lecture classes
• they practice the skills in labs on campus
• they later practice the skills on real patients in hospitals, under supervision of a clinical instructor

Hospital Affiliations

• students receive over 1100 hours of clinical time in hospitals
• there is an excellent working relationship between the hospitals and the University of Akron

Working in Respiratory Therapy

• Ohio has a licensure law. To be eligible for the license, you must graduate from an approved program, and pass an exam.
• students are eligible to work in a hospital while in the program, after completing a clinical course
• the state licensure law is designed to protect the public, if you have a criminal background, you many not be able to get a license. Contact the licensure board for specifics.

How to Apply for the Program

• Application to the program is a 2-part process
• Apply and get accepted to the University of Akron
• Apply to the Respiratory Therapy program itself
• April 15th is the deadline for applying
• Acceptance is based upon the highest grade point average, and science/math course grades
• Clinical space is limited. Not everyone who applies may be accepted.

If I'm a High School Student, What Can I Do to Prepare Myself?

• Take classes which emphasize science and math, since that is the background needed for Respiratory Therapy
• Take biology, algebra, physics, chemistry
• Get the highest grade point average you possibly can
• Visit a respiratory care department and talk with a respiratory therapist to make certain you know what you are getting into
• Research the career at www.aarc.org

If I'm a College Student, What Can I Do to Prepare Myself?

• Take classes which emphasize science and math, specifically those in the respiratory therapy curriculum
• Take Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry and Math for Modern Technology
• Get the highest grade point average you possibly can
• Visit a respiratory therapy department and talk with a respiratory therapist to make certain you know what you are getting into

What are my chances of getting into the Respiratory Therapy program?

• Interest in this profession is very high and growing.
• Admission to the program is limited to 25 students as full admits who start in Fall Semester of their junior year.

Is this a good career?

• Respiratory Therapy is an excellent career choice
• Jobs in have been great in Respiratory Care! The demand is very high, and generally exceeds the supply of new respiratory therapists. Demand for RT's will grow by 26%
• Graduates are passing the exams in high numbers
• The baccalaureate program offers additional prestige over associate degree programs from other institutions.

Click to Request Info