Following some major updates, Bellarmine University has the fastest entry-to-practice graduate Respiratory Therapy program in the country.
The program is now four semesters long, rather than five, comprising 56 credit hours. In addition, pre-requisites for the program have been reduced to 12 hours from 28-30.
“In just four semesters, you will be prepared to start a career as a respiratory therapist,” said Dr. Christy Kane, director and chair of Bellarmine’s Respiratory Therapy Program. “We hope that anyone who had found the program’s previous time commitment a deterrent will welcome this news and consider applying for the fall 2025 semester.”
The name of the degree will be changed from Master of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy to Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy.
Kane said the changes will not affect the quality of Bellarmine’s Respiratory Therapy Program, which is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and is rated a Top 10 program in the nation, with 100% of graduates
earning the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
The program will also remain eligible for funding through the Norton Healthcare Scholars Program, which provides tuition assistance to
students who make a post-graduation work commitment. Norton Healthcare Scholars can complete the Respiratory Therapy Program with no upfront tuition costs.
Respiratory therapists are specialized healthcare practitioners with training and expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of cardiopulmonary diseases, including mechanical ventilation in emergency, critical-care and long-term ,care settings.
Respiratory therapy as a profession has a 13% projected job-growth outlook between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Bellarmine’s graduate Respiratory Therapy degree was launched in 2017 and is one of only eight programs of its kind in the nation. Through a robust combination of in-person and virtual classes, labs and clinical experiences, the program produces
excellent respiratory therapists and also prepares graduates to become leaders in the profession in the areas of education and research.
“Our Respiratory Therapy Program is providing the next generation of providers in areas critical to our region’s healthcare needs,” said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, Bellarmine’s president. “In this way, the program supports Bellarmine’s
larger mission to benefit the public interest and improve the human condition.”
The Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy program is accredited for 10 seats per cohort. To apply or get more information, visit Bellarmine's Respiratory Therapy site.