Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care - Entry to the Profession Program

This program provides an excellent career opportunity to join one of the fastest growing professions in healthcare. Prospective students do not need any healthcare experience to be considered. The Entry to the Profession Program provides students the necessary knowledge and skills to become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs). The professional phase includes 1,100 hours of in-hospital clinical practice and prepares graduates to enter the profession as skilled, highly sought clinicians.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national board examinations in respiratory care as well as apply for state license. Our graduates are recognized for their clinical excellence and patient advocacy.

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care - Degree Advancement Program

The Degree Advancement Program is designed for RRTs with associate degrees to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care degree. The Degree Advancement Program is provided in a 100% online format. This provides a pathway for RRTs to meet the professional expectation of having a bachelor degree while opening up career opportunities in clinical and non-clinical leadership positions.

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Objectives/Program Outcomes

Goals of the Bachelor of Science Respiratory Care Program

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) program is designed to offer the student an environment that fosters learning through planned experiences so that the student develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes for the respiratory care profession. The goals of the BSRC program include preparing graduates to demonstrate competence as registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) and to develop skills in one of the following areas: leadership, advanced clinical practice, or research.

Program Goal for Students

1. The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) program will 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 therapist (RRT). 

2. The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) program will prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content that includes objectives related to the acquisition of skills in one or more of the following: management, education, research or advanced clinical practice. 

General Respiratory Care Program Policies and Regulations

Computer Requirement

Students are required to purchase a laptop computer from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Computer Store upon matriculation.  The cost of the purchase is included in the determination of students' financial aid package.

Program Costs

In addition to required tuition and fees, there are costs for textbooks, scrubs, and equipment. Clinical rotations in the curriculum may require that students relocate outside of San Antonio for the duration of the rotations. The expenses associated with these clinical rotations will vary according to individual arrangements for the cost of travel, temporary housing, etc. Students are encouraged to budget for major expenditures that could be associated with these assignments.  Detailed information about program costs can be found on the Division of Respiratory Care website.

Background Checks and Drug Screening

Background checks are required prior to matriculation.  Any events that occur after the initial background check that might affect the student’s status in the program must be reported to the department immediately. Students are required to comply with additional requests for background checks at any time during their course of study. 

Students are responsible for the cost of any/all required background checks.

Some medical facilities require students that rotate in their facility to undergo drug screening prior to being awarded temporary privileges.  It is the student’s responsibility to comply with this screening.  It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for the screening in a timely fashion so as not to impact their rotation duties. 

The student is responsible for any applicable fees associated with drug screening. 

Working and Employment While Enrolled as a Respiratory Care Student

Students are encouraged to devote the maximum time possible to their studies while enrolled in the Respiratory Care Program. The curriculum is intense, demanding, time consuming, and requires long hours of class and study time. Any activity that takes time away from a student’s efforts within the program is discouraged.