Master of ScienceRespiratory Therapy

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The quickest way to become a Respiratory Therapist.

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Program Overview

The Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy program is a 15-month graduate program focused on preparing individuals for a career as a respiratory therapist. This is one of only eight programs of its kind in the nation. The program focuses on developing strong clinical skills and preparing leaders in the profession in the areas of education and research.

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Why Bellarmine?

100% of graduates have earned the RRT credential (Top 10 program in the nation earning that award)

Only 56 Credit Hours – Lowest number of credits and fastest time to completion of all graduate entry-to-practice RT programs.

Clinical placements are secured by us – We work with local sites to ensure that our students are placed in the best clinical environments to gain hands-on experience.

No Upfront Tuition Costs

Bellarmine and its partners offer programs like the Norton Healthcare Scholars that enable students to earn their Bellarmine degree with no upfront tuition costs. Free residential summer housing is also available.

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“The people at Bellarmine are like a second family. The faculty are not only teachers but true mentors. The connections you make here will last a lifetime. And the opportunities available to all students here, to make connections and to not only learn your discipline but to work with others are incredibly valuable. Completing my undergraduate and graduate studies at Bellarmine was an easy choice.” —Thomas Johnston ’17 ’19 MHS-RT

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Curriculum

SemesterCourse#Course TitleCr Hours
Fall 1RTH 508RT 13
RTH 509RT 1 Lab1
RTH 540Clinical Ed I2
RTH 511Clinical Assessment3
HLTH 606Research and EBP3 OR
FALL 1 Hours12
Spring 1RTH 513RT 24
RTH 514RT 2 Lab1
RTH 550Clinical Ed II3
RTH 530DM I2
RTH 655ACLS and Emergency Care2
NURS 639Health Systems Management3
SP I Hours15
Summer 1RTH 620RT III3
RTH 650Neo/Ped Respiratory Care3
RTH 660Clinical Ed III6
SU I Hours12
Fall 2RTH 690Seminar3
RTH 685Clinical Ed IV3
RTH 640Adv Cardiopulmonary Monitoring3
HLTH 660Capstone3
RTH 630DM II3
NURS 620Quality and Safety in Healthcare2
FALL 2 Hours17
TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS56

Transcript Review

We can provide feedback about your transcript(s) and coursework. Simply complete the form below by attaching unofficial copies of your transcript(s).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a demand for respiratory therapists?

Yes. Demand for this career is projected to grow by 13 percent over the next 10 years, this is well above the national average and that means an RT degree is a good investment in your future.

What are the prerequisite course requirements for a master’s in RT?

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, students must have 8 hours of anatomy and physiology I and II, 4 hours of microbiology, 4 hours of general chemistry, 3-4 hours of physics, 3 hours of psychology, 3-4 hours of pathophysiology, and 3-4 hours of statistics. Complete our transcript review to see if you meet our minimum requirements.

Will I need to find my own clinical placement?

No. We work with area hospitals to place our students for their clinical rotations.

Can I work while I get my RT degree?

This is a rigorous program, with a great deal of time devoted to in-class lecture, labs, and clinical experiences. We strongly encourage students to devote their time to the program for the best career outcomes.

Would I be eligible for any financial assistance?

Yes. You will want to file the FAFSA and apply for federal loans at fafsa.ed.gov. Graduate students are eligible for loans in the amount of $20,500 per academic year (fall, spring and summer) while enrolled.

Can I visit a class to get a better feel for the program?

To schedule a visit, please contact Dr. Christy Kane directly at 502.272.8424 or ckane@bellarmine.edu.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. When you complete your application to Bellarmine, you’ll receive a comprehensive financial aid award, based on your experiences and need.

Faculty Profiles

Christy Kane, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC

Christy Kane, Ph.D., RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC 
Dr. Kane completed an Associate of Applied Science degree from Vincennes University as well as a Bachelor of Health Science degree, a Master of Education, and a PhD from the University of Louisville. She served as the Director of Clinical Education at the University of Louisville’s respiratory program for six years. In 2001, the University of Louisville’s Respiratory Therapy Department moved to Bellarmine. Dr. Kane was appointed the department chair in 2008. In addition to her role in respiratory therapy, Dr. Kane also teaches in Bellarmine’s PhD in Health Professions Education Program as well as serving as the Lansing School’s Associate Dean. In 2016, American Association for Respiratory Care honored her service with a fellowship. Dr. Kane is the current president-elect of the Coalition for Baccalaureate and Graduate Respiratory Therapy Education (CoBGRTE), with her term beginning in 2020. Dr. Kane has numerous peer-reviewed publications as well as presentations at state, regional, and national conferences

Christy Kane, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC

Shannon Terry, MSM, RRT, RRT-NPS
Ms. Terry completed a Bachelor’s in Cardiopulmonary Science degree from the University of Louisville as well as a Master's of Science in Management degree from Sullivan University. Ms. Terry is an experienced educator, previously serving as the Respiratory Therapy Department Chair at Sullivan University from 2008-2020. She is currently a Staff Respiratory Therapist at Norton Children’s Hospital.

 


Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program (CoARC program number #220281, offering the Master of Science degree in Louisville, KY) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com).

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ 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 can be found at https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/.>

Disclosure for Students who Reside Outside of KY

Bellarmine University cannot confirm whether its courses or programs meet requirements for professional licensure in states other than Kentucky. Prior to enrolling in a Bellarmine program, a student who does not reside in Kentucky should contact applicable licensing board(s) in the student’s home state to determine whether the program meets requirements for licensure in the state where the student resides.

Respiratory Therapy licensure contacts: http://www.aarc.org/advocacy/state-society-resources/state-licensure-contacts/

 

Learn more about Bellarmine University.

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Contact Information

Christy Kane, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC
Program Director and Chair
502.272.8424
ckane@bellarmine.edu

For more information, call 502.272.7100 or email your questions to admissions@bellarmine.edu.