➤ Request More Information
Submit the form below, and a representative will contact you to answer any questions!
➤ Request More Information
Submit the form below, and a representative will contact you to answer any questions!
Overview
Gain key knowledge from our RRT to BSRT online program
The online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement Program at UNCW is designed to help you, as a registered respiratory therapist, complete your bachelor’s degree, prepare for leadership positions and deepen your ability in providing top-quality patient care. Our up-to-date curriculum offers you the essential, evidence-based knowledge and skills you need to deliver effective, ethical and interprofessional caregiving that improves—and even saves—lives.
$7,558.92*
N.C. Resident
Tuition & Fees
Core Courses as few as 12 months
Program Duration
36
Program
Credit Hours
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The growing number of middle-aged and elderly populations will lead to an increased rate of respiratory conditions and more skilled pulmonary therapists will be needed to meet the demand.
The online B.S. in Respiratory Therapy program at UNCW equips you with deeper knowledge and the management acumen to advance to leadership positions and to provide a higher level of care to patients. This 100% online program, designed for students with an associate degree and an RRT credential, can help you grow in your career and compete for higher-level positions.
The RRT-BSRT program expands on your current expertise as a registered respiratory therapist and can be completed in a short amount of time, providing you with the foundation for further graduate study. To complete your bachelor’s education, you will have the opportunity to summarize your learnings in a capstone course, giving you confidence to excel as an advanced respiratory therapist. You will also receive advisory assistance from the UNCW Student Success Center to help you through your journey.
In this online respiratory therapy degree program, you will:
- Synthesize information from an interprofessional healthcare practice to provide effective care for diverse patient populations
- Acquire knowledge on the practice of respiratory therapy in an interprofessional healthcare setting that promotes diversity and inclusion when caring for patients in a pluralistic society
- Comprehend the impact of quality care on patient outcomes with compassion for the patient, family and caregivers
- Apply skills to safely deliver respiratory therapy that promotes patient autonomy, empowerment and education
- Analyze patient data to make informed decisions about patient care in an interprofessional setting that is collaborative, culturally sensitive and adheres to professional standards
- Synthesize patient data to develop a care plan for patients with comorbid conditions, including management of risk reduction, prevention, education and disease management
- Evaluate the practice of evidence-based medicine within the scope of respiratory care
As a graduate, you will be prepared to help patients achieve the best possible health outcomes in acute care hospitals, diagnostics labs, physician offices and other healthcare settings. You will also be ready to pursue graduate degrees in respiratory care leadership, education and clinical residency.
The UNCW RRT-BSRT program is provisionally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Ready to Get Started?
Begin your application today, or call 855-306-4734 with questions.
Tuition
Pay for your online respiratory therapy B.S. program by the course
Tuition and fees for the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (RRT-BSRT) Degree Advancement program are for core RT courses only. Additional general education courses may be required to complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Any general education courses needed will be determined after a transcript review. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
| Per Credit Hour | Fees Per Credit Hour | Tuition Per 3 Credit Course | Total Tuition & Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Residents: | $185.13 | $24.84 | $629.91 | $7,558.92 |
| Non-North Carolina Residents: | $771.17 | $24.84 | $2,388.03 | $28,656.36 |
*Total tuition and fees may vary by student and are subject to change. Learn more.
[close-]Calendar
Review these milestones to guide your student journey
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (RRT-BSRT) Degree Advancement program is delivered in an online format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring rolling admissions and six start dates each year. Choose the start date that best suits your goals.
| Term | Classes Begin | Application Deadline | Document Deadline |
Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
| Summer 1 | 05/15/23 | 04/15/23 | 04/22/23 | 05/17/23 | 05/18/23 |
| Summer 2 | 07/03/23 | 06/03/23 | 06/10/23 | 07/05/23 | 07/06/23 |
| Fall 1 | 08/28/23 | 07/29/23 | 08/05/23 | 08/30/23 | 08/31/23 |
| Fall 2 | 10/23/23 | 09/23/23 | 09/30/23 | 10/25/23 | 10/26/23 |
Ready to Get Started?
Begin your application today, or call 855-306-4734 with questions.
Admissions
Read the details of our admission criteria
To apply for the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (RRT-BSRT) Degree Advancement online program, applicants must hold an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Here's a checklist of what you'll need to begin the admission process for your BSRT degree online:
- Submit an application to UNCW that includes a section for application to the BSRT option
- Meet criteria for both admission to UNCW and the BSRT program:
- A 2.50 cumulative GPA. Each student's cumulative GPA is calculated on all transferable college courses attempted at all accredited institutions of higher education according to the guidelines in use by the UNCW Admissions Office
- At least 24 credits of transferable college coursework, including: at least 3 credits in college-level English. Three credits in college-level mathematics is recommended.
- Additional rules may apply to students under 24—if you are under 24, ask your Enrollment Specialist for details
- Eligibility to return to the last institution that you attended
- An Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program
- Proof of current National Board of Respiratory Care Registered Respiratory Therapist credential and be in good standing
- Proof of current and valid respiratory care practitioner state license
- Proof of current BLS/CPR for healthcare providers certification
- PLEASE NOTE: All applicants must submit official transcripts—including an official high school transcript, GED, or Adult High School Diploma—unless they have already earned a Bachelor’s degree
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities are required. Electronic transcripts are preferred and can be emailed to: [email protected]. Transcripts can also be mailed directly from the institution(s) to UNCW at this address:
University of North Carolina WilmingtonOffice of Undergraduate Admissions
601 South College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403-5904
Have a question? Call us at 855-306-4734.
[close-]Courses
Advance your knowledge in these online RRT to BSRT courses
For the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (RRT-BSRT) Degree Advancement online program, the curriculum is comprised 36 credit hours of required core courses. Students will be awarded 34 RRT credential credits after completion of the first course, RSP 324: Disease Management for Respiratory Therapists. The remaining 50 credits consist of general education courses to complete the 120 hours needed for a baccalaureate degree. The actual number of general education credits needed will be determined through a transcript review. Students can transfer in up to 64 credits, depending on prior academic history and a transcript review.
How can I get an evaluation of my transcripts?
- You can request an unofficial evaluation by following these directions on the Registrar's website.
RSP 324: Disease Management for Respiratory Therapists
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course provides practicing clinicians a foundation that augments their skills to enable them to competently perform the duties of a pulmonary disease manager. The emerging role of disease managers, among the respiratory therapy profession, is to enhance the quality of life of the patient with chronic disease. Emphasis is placed on essential knowledge of pulmonary diseases, case management, care transition coordination and elements of behavior for health promotion. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence though written evaluations.
RSP 420: Health Law and Ethics
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course provides and introduction to health law and ethical dilemmas through a series of case studies. Topics will include strategies on how to recognize the legal and ethical issues that healthcare professionals face. Topics are based on real-world scenarios from a variety of healthcare practitioners. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts on health law and ethics through written evaluations
RSP 421: Information Literacy in Respiratory Care
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces concepts of evidence-based practice in respiratory care. Learners will be able to recognize the hierarchy of evidence and different types of designs used in medical research. Learners will review medical research to identify evidence for current or new standards. Learners will develop a plan to collect and present data for the respiratory therapy capstone course. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate how to use clinical expertise, unique patient characteristics and best evidence to recognize evidence-based practice.
RSP 422: Advanced Critical Care Respiratory Therapy
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course provides further refinement of acute patient care and underlying pathophysiology. Topics include a continuation in the application and management of mechanical ventilation, specialty modes of mechanical ventilation and techniques related to complex diseases. Techniques related to adjunct therapies and treatments will include the use of ECMO, nitric oxide, prone positioning and recruitment maneuvers. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written evaluations.
RSP 423: Healthcare Policy and Administration
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces healthcare concepts, using a case study approach, of policy and administration in the healthcare industry. Topics include the role of healthcare management in a delivery system, contrasting management and leadership, organizational behaviors, strategic planning, quality improvement, information technology and finance. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate competence on the internal and external factors that healthcare managers and administrators face through written evaluations.
RSP 424: Advanced Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course covers the drugs used in the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. Emphasis is placed on the efficacious practice of cardiopulmonary medications, including indications, administration, and hazards of pharmacological agents. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence though written evaluations.
RSP 425: Advanced Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course identifies the structure and function of the cardiac pump and cardiovascular system’s role in hemodynamics. Emphasis is placed on clinical signs and symptoms of pulmonary disease and respective treatments, protocols and evidence-based practice used in a local context by learners. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency in these concepts through written evaluation.
RSP 426: Advanced Pulmonary Pathophysiology
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course identifies the physiology of the pulmonary system and microcirculation of the lungs. Students will review the pulmonary system and pathophysiology associated with lung disease. Emphasis is placed on clinical signs and symptoms of pulmonary disease and respective treatments, protocols and evidence-based practice used in a local context by learners. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written evaluations.
RSP 427: Advanced Renal and Endocrine Pathophysiology
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course identifies the physiology of the renal and endocrine systems. Students will review the pathophysiology associated with these systems and their impact on the cardiopulmonary system. Emphasis is placed on clinical signs and symptoms of renal and endocrine diseases and respective treatments, protocols and evidence-based practice used in a local context by learners. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written evaluations.
RSP 428: Neonatal-Pediatric Critical Care Pathophysiology
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course provides in-depth coverage of the concepts of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on neonatal and pediatric pathophysiology and on the special therapeutic needs of neonates and children in the intensive care unit. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate competence in these concepts through exams as well as written evaluations.
RSP 432: Subacute Care and Telemedicine in Respiratory Care
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the role of the respiratory care practitioner within interprofessional teams promoting cardiopulmonary wellness. This course provides an in-depth study of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and alternatives to hospital care. Emphasis is placed on the procedures and technologies applied to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, patient education and alternatives within respiratory care practice. Upon completion, students should be able to design appropriate respiratory care plans for the home and extended care environments.
EXS 310: Research Methods in Exercise Science
Duration: 7 weeks : Credit Hours: 3
Methods of research in the field of exercise science. Identification of research problems, sampling methods, data analysis and interpretation, and planning of evaluation studies.