Program Overview

Introduction to the RRT-BS Degree Advancement Program

The RRT-BS Degree Advancement Program is an online program designed to advance the careers of respiratory care professionals. The program is offered by the School of Respiratory Care Sciences at Boise State University and is provisionally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Program Overview

The program is designed to enhance respiratory care skills, advance professional careers, and provide networking opportunities for fellow professionals. The program consists of 30 credits, which can be completed online, and is designed to be flexible to accommodate working respiratory therapists.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for the program, students must have one of the following:

• Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Care from a regionally accredited institution
• Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Health Science Degree in Respiratory Care from a regionally accredited institution
• RRT credential (verified on the NBRC database)
• 64 semester credit hours, including respiratory care courses, from a regionally accredited institution
• 35 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited institution

Idaho Core Requirements

Students who have met the admission criteria may also need to meet Idaho State Board of Education and Boise State general education/core requirements, which include:

• ENGL 101: Introduction to College Writing (3 credits)
• ENGL 102: Introduction to College Writing and Research (3 credits)
• Oral Communication (FC) (3 credits)
• Natural Physical & Applied Sciences (FN) (7 credits)
• Mathematics (FM) (3 credits)
• Social Sciences (FS) (6 credits)
• Visual and Performing Arts (FA) (3 credits)
• Literature and Humanities (FH) (3 credits)
• UF 100 & 200 or two General Education Courses (6 credits)

Tuition and Fees

The average cost to complete the program is estimated at $9,800, which includes:

• Boise State Application Fee: $50
• DAP Application Processing Fee: $30 (currently waived)
• DAP Tuition and Distance Ed Fees (30 credits @ $300 per credit): $9,000
• Challenge Credits to Receive 26 Upper Division Credits for RRT Credential: $200
• Books (Approximate): $500
• Graduation Application Fee: $20

Curriculum

The program consists of the following required courses:

• RESPCARE 355: Professional Communication in Health Care
• RESPCARE 440: Senior Theory: Advanced Concepts
• RESPCARE 441: Teaching Techniques for Health Care Professionals
• RESPCARE 444: Leadership and Management for Health Care Professionals
• RESPCARE 445: Patient Advocacy and Ethical Considerations
• RESPCARE 432: Critical Review of Health Care Research
• RESPCARE 480: Capstone

Elective Courses

Students must choose three of the following four elective courses:

• RESPCARE 431: Quality Improvement in Health Care
• RESPCARE 442: Sleep Medicine
• RESPCARE 443: Current Topics in Respiratory Disease
• RESPCARE 446: Introduction to Disease Management

Challenge Credits

A degree requirement for the RRT to BS program is 26 upper division challenge credits, which can be earned by holding an RRT credential. The challenge credits fee is $200, but can be waived through the Refer a Colleague Program.