Respiratory Therapy Program Details

The Respiratory Therapy Program prepares the student for licensure and practice in the field of respiratory therapy. The program for traditional college students and transfer students is a four-year course of study that culminates in the Bachelor of Health Science degree. There is also an accelerated, second-degree program for students already holding a bachelor’s degree. Respiratory therapists are health care professionals who evaluate and treat persons of all ages having lung and heart disorders. The responsibilities of the therapist include: acute care management of patients requiring ventilatory support, pulmonary function assessment, diagnostic testing, administering oxygen and aerosolized drugs, breathing retraining, pulmonary rehabilitation, and emergency care. Respiratory therapists find careers in multiple settings, including the hospital, home care and rehabilitation.

Respiratory Therapy Program Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program (offering the Bachelor of Health Science degree in Louisville, KY) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com).

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
817.283.2835

Program Goals and Objectives

The mission of Bellarmine University is to educate its students to “…develop the intellectual, moral, ethical and professional competencies for successful living, work, leadership, and service to others.” Thus directed, the larger university would, “…benefit the public interest, to help create the future, and to improve the human condition.” The goal of the respiratory therapy program is subsumed within the university mission, in that the program graduates students who serve as, “…competent advanced level respiratory therapists.” Intellectual, moral, ethical, and professional competencies are explicitly stated in terms of three program objectives. Program objectives are as follows:

Intellectual competencies: To comprehend, evaluate, and apply clinical information relevant to advanced-level respiratory therapy practice (Cognitive Domain).
Moral, ethical competencies: To demonstrate professional behavior (Affective Domain).
Professional competencies: To demonstrate technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of an advanced-level respiratory therapy practitioner (Psychomotor Domain).

Working toward its goals and objectives, the respiratory therapy program addresses Bellarmine’s larger mission to benefit the public interest and improve the human condition.

Program Admission Requirements

Complete and sign the application.
Submit a $40 application fee (fee waived for Bellarmine alumni).
Candidates must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.
Provide a written statement explaining why you want to become a Respiratory Therapist.
Successful completion of required prerequisite courses for the Respiratory Therapy program. Prerequisite course(s) may be taken at Bellarmine University.
If your undergraduate degree is from an international institution, you were born outside the United States, or English is your second language, you will be required to submit an official TOEFLiBT (internet-based test) score and receive a total score of 83 or higher and 26 or higher on the speaking test. We will also consider an equivalent score on the IELTS or MELAB tests. The Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee reserves the right to require a TOEFL score from any applicant.
Final official transcript(s) from each college or university attended should be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admission and not be marked “Issued to Student”.
If any transcripts or undergraduate degree(s) are from an international institution you must provide an official copy of a third party course by course credential evaluation. The following organizations offer this service and information regarding processes and fees available at: www.aacrao.org, www.wes.org and www.ece.org. The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s).
A personal interview, if requested, by the Respiratory Therapy Admission Committee.
Provide one letter of recommendation from a faculty member and/or supervisor who knows you. A recommendation form is included in the packet.

International Applicants

Please complete the items under Procedure for Admission and submit the following:
U.S. law requires financial statements from a bank or other financial institution certifying the student’s ability to fund the cost of attendance for one academic year minus the amount of any scholarship dollars received. Figures should be in U.S. dollars and must be certified as an official document by the bank or financial institution. A sponsor may be used if the sponsor attaches a signed affidavit stating that he/ he will financially support the student until completion of a degree at Bellarmine University. If a sponsor is used, the sponsor’s bank statement should accompany the letter. The amount that would need to be shown is $49,631. These amounts include tuition and fees associated with the program and an average cost for living expenses, books, supplies, health insurance, transportation and personal expenses for two semesters.

Tuition and Fee Information

Graduate Tuition Rates

Financial Aid

For information on financial aid, click here.