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Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy, BS Program have the skills to become registered respiratory therapists. Find out more about the program.

Respiratory Therapy (Bachelor of Science)

The Respiratory Therapy program at Indiana University School of Medicine prepares leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content related to the acquisition of skills in management, education and research. Students gain demonstrated competence in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.

Graduates of the program receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy from the IU School of Medicine. Graduates are eligible to take credentialing examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (nbrc.org). Successful completion of each examination allows the graduate to use credentials recognized throughout the nation, and makes them eligible to apply for state licensure, which is required in most states. The respiratory therapy program prepares its graduates to meet the requirements for licensure in Indiana. The university and program have not determined if graduates will need to meet additional requirements for licensure in other states. 

Career Exploration

Students interested in respiratory therapy can learn more about working as a respiratory therapist and explore clinical observation opportunities.

Faculty Spotlight

Christopher D. Porter, MPH

Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine

Tammy A. Hunt-Dimirsky, MS

Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine

Learning Environment

Classroom and laboratory courses are held at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Clinical Courses are located at medical facilities throughout central Indiana with IU Health being a primary clinical affiliate.

This undergraduate education program is part of a consortium that includes Indiana University, Ball State University, the University of Indianapolis and IU Health. Students are enrolled at IU Indianapolis for all their respiratory therapy courses and receive their degree from the IU School of Medicine.

The program is fully accredited under its official title “Indiana Respiratory Therapy Education Consortium” by the Commission on the Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Outcome data for the program can be found at https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/.

Upon completion of the program, students demonstrate:

  • professional behavior consistent with employer expectations as registered respiratory therapists

  • the ability to comprehend, apply and evaluate clinical information relevant to their roles as registered respiratory therapists

  • technical proficiency in all the skills necessary to fulfill their roles as registered respiratory therapists

Licensing is required in most states to work as a respiratory therapist. Many states, including Indiana, use the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential offered by the NBRC as part of the licensing process, however some now require the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

Graduates of CoARC-accredited, associate degree programs in respiratory therapy at a regionally accredited college or university are eligible to apply for advanced standing in the Respiratory Therapy baccalaureate degree program at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Once admitted, advanced standing candidates are enrolled in the fourth year of the program’s professional program curriculum. In most cases, no additional clinical hours are required.