Health Science Respiratory Therapy

Bachelor of Science, Track

Home 禄 Programs 禄 Health Science Respiratory Therapy

Jump to

Program Facts Sample Courses Related Programs Career Outlook Financial Aid FAQ

The Respiratory Therapy Track, part of UWA’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Comprehensive program, prepares students for careers as Registered Respiratory Therapists through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and clinical training. Students complete rotations at hospital and clinical affiliates across Alabama and Mississippi while developing the knowledge and skills needed to provide life-saving respiratory care. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) and Clinical Simulation (CSE) examinations to earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials, preparing them for careers in one of healthcare’s fastest-growing fields.

Visit the聽Academic Catalog聽or contact Program Director Jerry King at聽(205) 652-3475听辞谤听[email protected]聽for information regarding program admission requirements, prerequisites, course offerings and more.

Accreditation

The University of West Alabama Respiratory Therapy Program 鈥� CoARC聽, awarding a Baccalaureate of Science in Health Sciences Comprehensive Respiratory Therapy Track in the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (). This status signifies that a program that has been granted an Approval of Intent, has demonstrated sufficient compliance to initiate a program in accordance with the Standards through the completion and submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR), completion of an initial on-site visit, and other documentation required by the CoARC. The conferral of Provisional Accreditation denotes a new program that has made significant progress towards meeting the Standards of Accreditation. The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until achieving Continuing Accreditation. It is recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) toward eligibility to the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). Enrolled students completing the program under Provisional Accreditation are considered graduates of a CoARC accredited program. CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an 鈥榦utcomes based鈥� process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. CoARC Programmatic Outcomes Data webpage can be found at:聽

Program Facts

Program Format

On Campus

Start Term

Fall, Spring and Summer semesters

Tuition Cost

Tuition & Costs can be found here

Number of Credits

123

Academic Calendars

Request More Information

Interested in becoming a UWA Tiger? Fill out this form to join our mailing list and get the latest updates on admissions, deadlines, and the enrollment process.

Sample Courses

RT311 Respiratory Care Procedures I

4 Credits

Review of physical concepts and laws governing fluids; composition and percentages of atmospheric gases. Principles, operations, maintenance, and identifying characteristics of primary gas systems. Rationale, indications, contraindications, hazards, and maintenance of common Medical Gas delivery systems. Humidity and humidifiers; aerosol and nebulizers; administration of aerosolized solutions; gas analysis and analyzers. Patient care procedures, physical assessment, laboratory assessment, communication skills and charting, and patient care issues. Ethics, professionalism, and civic responsibility in Respiratory Care.

RT312 Respiratory Care Pharmacology

2 Credits

Legal aspects, terminology, use of pharmacology references, routes of administration, solutions and dosages, pharmacodynamics, autonomic nervous system, alpha and beta receptors, bronchodilators, mucolytics, respiratory stimulants, neuromuscular blocking agents, expectorants, cough and cold medications, steroids, cromolyn sodium and anti-infective agents.

RT320 Respiratory Care Pathophysiology

2 Credits

Diseases affecting the respiratory system, genetics and genetic diseases of the respiratory system, including symptoms, signs, laboratory tests, etiology, and treatment; emphasis on diseases commonly encountered by practicing respiratory therapists.

Career Outlook

Respiratory therapy stands as a vital profession in healthcare, ranked #12 in terms of job outlook. With a mean salary of $70,540 and a projected growth rate of 13%, the field promises both financial stability and ample opportunities for advancement. Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients with respiratory issues, from asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, driven by an aging population and increased awareness of respiratory health, the need for skilled respiratory therapists will remain robust. This career path offers a rewarding blend of compassionate care and technical expertise, making it an attractive option for those seeking a fulfilling profession in healthcare.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial aid and scholarships provide invaluable opportunities for students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. Financial aid encompasses various forms of assistance, including grants and fellowships, loans, work-study programs and scholarships. Financial aid and scholarships alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees, textbooks and living expenses, making higher education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. By supporting students鈥� financial needs, universities foster a culture of inclusivity, equal opportunity and lifelong learning.

Hear From Our Alumni

Hear from previous and current students about their experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a prospective student or visitor looking for information quickly and efficiently? The frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on the university’s website answers common inquiries about admissions, tuition, programs, campus facilities and more.

麻豆视频