Program Description
PROFESSIONThe respiratory care practitioner is a member of the health-care team in medical centers, skilled-nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation programs, physician offices, and in-home care. Many are involved in research and development of new and innovative care protocols and equipment. They are effective communicators and compassionate caregivers, possessing an awareness of cultural sensitivity and diversity. They have leadership roles in patient education, wellness intervention and development of respiratory care plans. Respiratory care professionals apply critical-thinking skills in cardiopulmonary diagnostics and patient assessment to optimize the delivery of patient care. In a time of high technology, increasing growth of the elderly population and increasing numbers of patients with asthma and chronic lung disease, there is a great demand for educated and skilled respiratory care practitioners.
PROGRAM
The Respiratory Care program begins with the autumn quarter and is based on the completion of two years of prerequisite course work at any accredited college or university. The first year at Loma Linda University primarily emphasizes the theoretical aspects of respiratory therapy science, with twenty weeks of introductory clinical fieldwork. The remaining year combines clinical training three to four days per week, with more advanced classroom topics in management and research. The schedule is suspended for Christmas and spring vacation periods.
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, the graduate is eligible to pursue all credentialing examinations offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Program Length
2 yearsPossible Careers
Respiratory Care Practitioner, Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory ResearcherApplication Deadlines
There are currently no published application deadlines.Admissions Requirements
1. Complete the required prerequisites and achieve a minimum of 78 quarter units / 52 semester units of transferable credit prior to admission.
2. A minimum of 2.0 GPA is required for all transfer courses. C-minus grades are not acceptable for transfer credit.
3. Applicants need to arrange for an interview.
Prerequisites
- 20 quarter or 14 semester units of humanities
- Two years of high school algebra with C grade or better or college algebra
- Human anatomy and physiology with lab (complete sequence) or General Biology with lab (complete sequence)
- Introductory chemistry or general chemistry with labs (complete sequence
- Introductory physics, one quarter or one year of high school level physics with lab
- Microbiology with lab
- Intro or General psychology
- English Composition (complete sequence)
- Speech
- Intro to computers
- Cultural diversity course (cultural anthropology)
- 10 quarter or seven semester units of social science
- Personal health or nutrition
- Two physical education activity classes
- If attending a Seventh-day Adventist college, four quarter or three semester units of religion per year is required.
- Four to eight hours observing a respiratory therapist participating in patient care in a hospital setting is recommended.
Discipline Accrediting Agency
Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; telephone: (510) 748-9001. The BS Respiratory Care Therapy (Entry-Level) program is accredited by the: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021; Tel: 1.817.283.2835
Expected Cost of Attendance
The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.
Required Program Costs
Academic Year 2024-2025
| Year of Program Months Enrolled |
Year 1 9 |
Year 2 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $35,802 | $42,432 |
|
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance (May or may not be purchased through the school) |
$2,600 | $2,600 |
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
Notes
The cost of attendance varies from year to year. Please contact the office of Student Accounts for up-to-date costs.- Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
- Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
- To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.