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Degree Completion Program

Upgrade your RRT to a BSRT degree entirely online and advance in your career as a respiratory therapist. USI has the only 100% online degree completion program for respiratory therapists in Indiana. Courses are only seven weeks long, completely online and designed for working professionals. With a BSRT degree, you can care for your patients with advanced skills, step into leadership roles, and gain new expertise and capabilities.

We are proud to be an RRT to BSRT program that holds provisional accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). In our RRT to BSRT online program you’ll prepare for advanced clinical respiratory therapist jobs. You will gain skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, communication and practice that allow you to advance in your career, acquire advanced respiratory therapist jobs or continue your education in other healthcare specialties.

Online Learning

USI faculty and staff are dedicated to giving you the support you need no matter the modality for which you're taking classes. Check out our robust resources for online students including what online learning is, technology requirements and frequently asked questions.

Online Student Resources

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Respiratory Therapy - 4-Year Degree Program
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Complete in as Few as 4 Semesters
Accredited Program
Earn Credit for Prior Learning
Two Starts a Semester

Credits Breakdowns

General
Education

19
Credits

Major Credit
Requirements

24
Credits

Maximum Prior Learning Credit (up to 77 hours)

77
Credits

Total Credits

120
Credits
About General Education and Additional Credits, listed above:

Students may transfer in credits earned at an accredited community college or four-year university.

Program and Graduation Requirements
  • No limitation on number of credits that may transfer into USI.
  • For students who earned an AS degree somewhere other than USI, a block of up to 50 credit hours may be awarded with confirmation of the RRT credential and licensure.
  • A minimum of 30 credit hours toward the completion of the baccalaureate degree must be earned from USI.
  • 22-30 core respiratory therapy credits
  • Not more than 19 non-respiratory support courses 
  • Total program requirements: 120 credits
  • 39 credit hours of the 120 credit hours earned must consist of courses at the 300/400 level to be eligible for the Bachelor of Science degree.
  • Students must make a “C” or better in each REST course to progress or complete the RRT to BSRT program. Students will not receive course credit for grades of “D” or below and must repeat the REST course to progress.
Credit for Prior Learning through Validation

The University of Southern Indiana provides opportunities for RRT students progressing toward a BSRT degree to receive credit for previous professional experience.  Students may receive credit for professional certification in a respiratory therapy specialty.

Validation with a nationally recognized certification:

  • Students who are currently certified in an area which correlates to the course content may receive credit for the entire course. 
  • Students should submit a copy of their current certification to the course coordinator for approval.
  • Students must request third party verification of certification submitted directly to administrative assistant for the RRT-BSRT program.

Specific Course Validation Guidelines:

REST 499: Special Topics in Respiratory Therapy

Course Coordinator: Jody Delp – jmdelp@usi.edu 812-464-1778

National certification specific to special topic covered. Special topics include:

  • Pulmonary Function Technologist
  • Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist
  • Adult Critical Care Specialist
Course Checksheet View in Bulletin Required Core Courses

Admission to the program is competitive and the selection of the applicants is based upon the following criteria:

  • Completion of an associate degree in a CoARC accredited respiratory therapy program and regional accreditation of the college or university
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale in previous academic work; students with a 2.0 – 2.29 GPA will be considered on an individual basis
  • Must have an RRT credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
  • Completion of the University of Southern Indiana's undergraduate application
  • Submission of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • A one-time, nonrefundable $40 application fee

Non-native speakers of English must provide an official report confirming a TOEFL score of 197 (computerized test) or 71 (Internet based), or IELTS score of 6, or Cambridge English (Advanced) Minimum grade of C, or ELS Completion Level 112.

College & Department Contacts

Mrs. Mary L. Phillips
Assistant Professor of Respiratory Therapy
Chair of Respiratory Therapy

Career Outlook

Evansville Regional Data

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy can significantly enhance career opportunities, earning potential and job security in this growing and essential healthcare field.

Respiratory therapists are in high demand due to an aging population and the increasing prevalence of respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory illnesses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

A bachelor's degree can help meet the requirements for advanced certifications such as Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and specialized credentials offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Plus, a bachelor's degree provides a solid foundation for pursuing further education, such as a master's degree or doctoral programs, for those interested in research, teaching or higher-level administrative roles.

Evansville Regional Data

Top Regional Occupations by Income

*income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.

Related Career Fields

  • Respiratory Therapist

The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.

Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Aid
Grants

Accreditation

CoARC LogoThe University of Southern Indiana RRT-BSRT Program, 510009, holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

CoARC's Main Webpage: www.coarc.com

Program Number: 510009

View the accreditation statement for USI's program:

RRT to BSRT Program

Out-of-State Licensure Information

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Respiratory Therapy - 4-Year Degree Program
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