Program Overview
You can live without food for a few weeks. You can live without water for a few days. But, if you are deprived of air, you will die within minutes. In terms of survival, breathing is your most immediate need.
Respiratory care practitioners are specialists who evaluate treat and care for patients with breathing disorders. Practitioners work under the direction of a physician and assist in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with respiratory disorders.
The need for respiratory care practitioners is expected to grow faster than the national average for all job growth. The respiratory care profession has a bright future with a great deal of job security and opportunity for advancement. Once you enter the profession, you may want to specialize in an area such as neonatal care, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, helicopter transport, patient education, management or homecare.
The Respiratory Care Program offers both an Associate and Bachelor degree in Science. Both degrees qualify the student to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. The two-year degree provides the student with an excellent foundation in Respiratory Care. The four-year degree is designed for those individuals who wish to be leaders in the field. The Bachelor degree curriculum includes additional education in the adult critical care environment and offers specialization in an area of the student choice.
Students enrolled in the program must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 in the sciences and overall in the pre-professional courses. Only those students having the 2.5 grade point average or higher in the pre-professional courses will advance to the professional phase of the program. All courses denoted by the RSPC symbol must be passed with a "C" grade or better to progress in the program. Admission prerequisites may be obtained by contacting the Admission's office.
Program Options
- Bachelor of Science
- Associate of Science
- Polysomnography Certificate
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
Open Curriculum in New Window
Liberal Studies Core
The Liberal Studies Core Curriculum is one reflection of Gannon University's commitment to
its Catholic identity. The Core's design offers students a defined, integrated, shared
experience as the foundation for their undergraduate program.