Why this program?

Respiratory care therapists trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine in order to work therapeutically with people suffering from acute critical conditions, cardiac and pulmonary disease. Respiratory care therapists need to be efficient in diagnosing lung and breathing disorders, but it's just as important that they're caring and compassionate professionals who can put nervous patients at ease.

One program, two degrees: As a radiologic technology major, you'll earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Briar Cliff, in addition to an Associate of Science degree in radiology from a certified partner program such as St. Luke's College in Sioux City which is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Practical Hands-On Experience: More than just concepts and theories, we believe in the the power of experiential learning. With that, we have created a practical program that will provide every student countless hands-on lab experiences.
Active Learning Approaches: Group-, project-, and team-based learning approaches are taken in the majority of courses offered. These highly interactive classes mean students will apply fundamental concepts and develop skills required for successful career. The Carver Molecular Biology Teaching Lab gives our student researchers unparalleled lab experience.

More about the program

The purpose of the respiratory care major is to provide students who wish to become Respiratory Therapists a broad liberal arts background which they can take advantage of throughout their professional careers. The B.S. in respiratory care consists of two years of coursework at Briar Cliff University and two years of clinical work at an accredited respiratory care program. The usual manner in which this program is followed is for the student to enroll in foundational coursework and courses which support application to the clinical portion of the program. Application to the clinical program(s) is (are) made in the fall semester of the year prior to the anticipated clinical years. Typically, acceptance to the clinical programs occurs in early spring and the two clinical years begin in the late summer or early fall. If the clinical program is done at a college-based curriculum then upon successful completion the specific credit hours are transferred back to Briar Cliff University. If the clinical program is completed at a hospital-based program, where specific credits are not earned, upon successful completion the additional two years of academic credit (60 semester hours) is awarded by Briar Cliff University.

This program may also be completed by students who have already completed a two-year respiratory care program and attained a passing grade on the American Registry Examination. As before, the clinical portion of the program is granted specific course credits (from accredited college) or two years of academic work (from hospital-based program) and is then followed by the completion of the foundational coursework and graduation requirements.

Career Options

Respiratory Therapist
Sleep Technologist
Exercise Specialist
Cardiac Rehabilitation Counselor
Respiratory Care Practitioner

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Respiratory Therapy

Why this program?

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