Cardiopulmonary Science Curriculum and Application
The curriculum in the CPS is designed to prepare advanced respiratory care practitioners.
Before applying to the program, candidates must first be admitted to the university.
The curriculum is divided into two phases: a pre-professional curriculum and a professional
curriculum. To apply for admission into the professional curriculum, a grade of "C"
or better is required in all pre-requisite courses. Students must complete a Cardiopulmonary
Science Program application to be considered and accepted for admission into the professional
curriculum. Only one class is admitted annually (fall semester). The program begins
accepting applications in the spring semester. The professional phase consists of
classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences. Students must clear a criminal background
check annually to be eligible to participate in courses involving patient/client contact
and/or medical record information. Students must complete 16 hours (clock) of clinical
observation of respiratory therapists at an approved clinical site as determined by
a CPS program representative. The curriculum is structured to provide the necessary
knowledge and clinical competence requisite to entry-level practice and eligibility
to advanced practitioner credentials. All courses in the professional phase must be
completed with a "C" grade or better. In addition, students must obtain passing scores
for comprehensive exit examinations.
Curriculum
Alternate Course Listing
Application to Upper Level
Clinical Observation Form
Professional Credentials
A Bachelor of Science degree is awarded upon completion of the curriculum and comprehensive examinations. Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Board for Respiratory Care entry-level examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful candidates will be eligible to apply for the Advanced Practitioner Examinations administered by the NBRC.