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Advanced imaging of lungs via BS Respiratory Therapy program at Thomas Jefferson University.

Respiratory Therapy

At a Glance

  • College

    College of Health Professions, Online Programs

  • Degree

    Bachelor of Science

  • Campus

    Center City, Denver

  • Format

    Hybrid (Online and On Campus)

  • Duration

    2 Years

Leadership

Jerin George Juby, DMgt, RRT
Program Director
Respiratory Therapy Student Handbook (PDF)
JCHP Alumni
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Entry Into Practice BS in Respiratory Therapy

A two-year Bachelor of Science program that occurs after a student has completed 60 credits of general education and prerequisite courses.

Program Goals

For Entry Into Practice BSRT Program
  • To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
  • To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in one or more of the following: management, education, research, and advanced clinical practice (which may include an area of clinical specialization).

Admission Prerequisites

Before applying to Jefferson, please review the prerequisites required for admission into the BS in Respiratory Therapy.

Prerequisite Course Requirements Semester Credits    
Chemistry I w/ Lab 4
Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab 4
Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab 4
Microbiology w/ Lab* 4
Other Sciences*: Physics (strongly recommended but not required), Biology, Organic Chemistry, or upper-level biology or chemistry courses 8
Mathematics (Algebra, Pre-calculus, Calculus) 3
Statistics 3
English or Writing Intensive 6
Humanities: Philosophy, English, History, Art, Language 6
Ethics 3
Introduction to Psychology 3
Social Science: Anthropology, economics, political science, sociology  3
Medical Terminology  3
General/Free Electives** 6

Prerequisite Coursework Requirements:

  • All prerequisite courses are required to be completed at a regionally accredited institution before enrolling at Jefferson.
  • The majority of prerequisite courses should be completed at time of application.
  • Prerequisite courses are required to be completed with a grade of “C” or above.
  • Non-science prerequisite credit can be earned through standardized tests such as AP, IB and CLEP.
  • Credits are calculated on a semester scale; if courses are taken on a quarter scale, they may not be equivalent. Please contact your admissions counselor with any questions.

* The Science courses must be completed within 10 years of enrollment at Jefferson

**Acceptable elective courses are theory-based—not performance-based—coursework. We will not accept coursework that is remedial or review in nature, or courses taken as Pass/Fail.

Entry Into Practice Curriculum

Fall Semester
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
RESP 300 Orientation to Respiratory Therapy 0
RESP 301 Cardiopulmonary A&P 3
RESP 303 Pulmonary Function Testing w/lab 4
RESP 305 Respiratory Care Equipment. & Techniques w/lab 4
RESP 307 Respiratory Pharmacology 3
  Total Credit Hours for Fall Semester 14
Spring Semester
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
RESP 309 Clinical Practicum I - Introduction to RT 3
RESP 311 Introduction to Mechanical Ventilation w/lab 4
RESP 315 Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care w/lab 4
RESP 317 Resp. Care for Special Populations 3
  Total Credit Hours for Spring Semester 14
Summer Semester
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
RESP 319 Clinical Practicum II 3
RESP 321 Advanced Ventilator Management w/lab 4
  Total Credit Hours for Summer Semester 7

Fall Semester
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
RESP 401 Critical Care 3
RESP 403 Clinical Practicum III 3
RESP 405 Pulmonary Disease Management 3
RESP 407 Fundamental of Respiratory Care Research 3
  Total Credit Hours for Fall Semester 12
Spring Semester
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
RESP 409 Current Issues in Respiratory Care 3
RESP 411 Clinical Practicum IV 3
RESP 413  Exam Prep course 1
RESP 415 Teaching and Learning in Respiratory Care 3
RESP 417 Leadership and Management in Respiratory Care 3
  Total Credit Hours for Spring Semester 13
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