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Respiratory Care (RRT to BSRT)

Continue growing your career as a respiratory therapist through this accelerated path to a bachelor’s degree.

Many Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) have already earned an associate degree and obtained certification in their field — so why is career mobility such a challenge? As hiring practices and industry standards shift, more and more employers are looking for RRTs who hold a bachelor’s degree. They’re looking not only for clinical expertise, but also leadership skills, good communication, and an understanding of ethics.

To assist working respiratory therapists in completing their four-year degree and optimizing their skill sets, York College has developed an accelerated RRT to BSRT program. This degree pathway makes the most of the college credits you’ve already earned, as well as your wealth of professional experience. 

YCP’s strong relationship with WellSpan and nearby York Hospital ensures that Respiratory Care students have access to specialized equipment and labs. You’ll also benefit from a large network of healthcare professionals and expert faculty who will support you from classroom to clinicals.

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A young healthcare professional in a lab coat holds a stethoscope up to the back of a patient.

Majoring in Respiratory Care (RRT to BSRT)

  • Key Courses

    Respiratory Care Courses

    York College makes it simple to transfer credits you earned in an accredited associate degree program, so you won’t be starting from square one. 

    Once your transfer credits have been processed, you and your program advisor will plan your path to graduation. You’ll take a variety of required specialized Respiratory Care major courses, as well as leadership electives. Course offerings include:

    • RT 320: Pulmonary Physiology
    • RT 330: Cardiac Physiology
    • BHA 310: Public Health Administration
    • MGT 380: Leadership and Change in Organizations
    • NUR 385: Comparative Health Care
    • RT 440: Advanced Respiratory Assessment and Life Support
    • RT 460: Respiratory Care Leadership

    For more information about clinical program requirements and policies, please refer to the Academic Catalog and the Department of Health Professions' Clinical Program Guide.

  • Career Opportunities & Benefits

    Careers in Respiratory Care

    A bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy will, of course, prepare you for work as a respiratory therapist — but your options don’t end there. With a BSRT, you’ll be well positioned to advance into leadership and management positions, as well as roles in clinical education, research, and more. 

    Here are just a few of the respiratory care jobs you may pursue upon earning your BSRT.

    • Respiratory Therapist
    • Director of Respiratory Care
    • Clinical Education Coordinator
    • Critical Care Specialist
    • Researcher

    Respiratory Care Salary

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for Respiratory Therapists was $62,810 in May 2020. Respiratory Therapists in hospital settings earned slightly more than average at $63,090. 

    Leadership and management roles at healthcare facilities often earn higher salaries, with Indeed.com reporting the average Clinical Director salary at $80,795 per year.

    Benefits of a Degree in Respiratory Care

    A career in Respiratory Therapy allows you to pursue work that changes — and saves — patients’ lives. You’ll work with people every day and you’ll get to see your impact firsthand. If you’re looking for a field where you can make a difference, help others, and contribute to a meaningful organization, Respiratory Care may be the perfect fit. 

    Respiratory Therapists also benefit from the job security of a high-growth industry. Bureau of Labor Statistics data projects that demand for these jobs will grow 23% from 2020 to 2030.

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  • Internships & Work Experience

    Internships & Work Experience

    All students in the RRT to BSRT Respiratory Care program will complete a clinical capstone experience. Working professionals have the option of completing clinicals at their home hospital. 

    Students also have the opportunity to take 3-4 credits of independent study, and may focus on a clinical area of interest.

  • Mentorship & Community

    Mentorship & Community

    Faculty in York College’s Respiratory Care program have real-world clinical experience and a unique understanding of the challenges faced by RTs in the workplace. 

    YCP maintains a close partnership with WellSpan Health, and WellSpan’s York Hospital is located just down the street from campus. Respiratory Care majors benefit from access to the hospital’s classrooms, labs, and training spaces, as well as an extended network of healthcare professionals.

  • High-Demand Skills

    Respiratory Care Skills and Requirements

    In York College’s RT to BSRT program, you’ll gain all the skills needed to become a well-rounded healthcare professional. In addition to expertise with state-of-the-art respiratory care equipment and clinical skills, the Respiratory Care major supports an understanding of:

    • Leadership
    • Communication
    • Critical thinking
    • Patient psychology
    • Public health
    • Healthcare administration
    • Laws and policies related to healthcare
  • Accreditation & Professional Recognition

    An Accredited Respiratory Therapy Degree Program

    The Baccalaureate of Science Respiratory Care Program (CoARC# 210273) at York College of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). 

    CoARC regularly provides an updated outcomes report, detailing accredited schools’ records in job placement and certification testing.

Program Requirements

Required Courses and Degree Requirements for Graduation
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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Related Programs

Contact Us
Health Professions Department
Tony Ruppert, Director
Respiratory Care Program
Wellspan York Hospital, 1001 S. George St.
Phone: 717.851.2464
truppert@wellspan.org
Hours:
Contact for appt.

Learn more about York College's Respiratory Care program from the WellSpan Health website.