Master of Health ScienceRespiratory Therapy

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Why choose Respiratory Therapy at Bellarmine?

The Master of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy is a two-year 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 as well as a preparing leaders in the profession in the areas of education and research.

  • Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who evaluate and treat persons of all ages having lung and heart disorders.
  • The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates that this career will grow by 13% over the next 10 years-well above average career projections for other fields.
  • Respiratory therapists find careers in multiple settings including hospitals, home care and rehabilitation.

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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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).

Transcript Review

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.

 


Admission Requirements

Students must submit an application online: https://application.bellarmine.edu/apply/. We require a bachelor’s degree, with a GPA of at least 2.75. Students should have completed all pre-requisite course work with a GPA of at least 3.0. We ask students to submit an essay, and 2 professional references. We do not require the GRE. For the full admission process, visit admission requirements page.

Tuition and Fees

Visit our Graduate Tuition and Fees page for the most up-to-date tuition and fees information.

Financial Assistance
At Bellarmine, we recognize that the cost of private higher education is a major consideration for you, and we are committed to providing you with a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. Our staff will work closely with you to explore all the resources and funding options available. Our goal is to ensure that every student receives our best offer of financial assistance and that your affordable investment in a Bellarmine education is a reality. Federal student loans are available for eligible students and students may choose to apply to local hospital scholarship-to-work programs. For more information on how to fund your Bellarmine education, please visit www.bellarmine.edu/financialaid and  www.fafsa.gov. The Bellarmine school code is 001954.

Accreditation

The Respiratory Therapy Program (CoARC program number #200281, offering the Bachelor of Health Science degree in Louisville, KY) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (www.coarc.com).

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

This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit) to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.

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.