Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC)

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to become a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists are members of a team of healthcare professionals working in a wide variety of clinical settings to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders.

Program Description

The BSRC program at BGSU Firelands provides opportunities for the development of knowledge, skills, and behaviors consistent with those required by the respiratory therapist (RRT). Theory and laboratory practices precede clinical experiences, which are achieved in a variety of settings under the supervision of selected clinical instructors.

Admission Criteria

Students interested in the Respiratory Care Program must meet the following criteria for consideration:

• Be formally admitted to BGSU
• Submit a program application to the academic advisor by April 1 for fall admission
• Be a graduate of an accredited high school and have attained an overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale in high school, or have earned the GED
• Complete prerequisites (Pre-professional requirements) with a grade of "C" or higher in all AHTH, BIOL, and CHEM coursework or equivalent coursework if transferring from another accredited institution
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4-point scale) for all college/university coursework
• Complete a hospital/medical center tour of a respiratory or cardiopulmonary services department and submit the observation verification form to the program director
• Complete an interview with the respiratory care admissions committee

Program Progression

Following program admission, students must continue to meet the following standards to progress:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Earn a grade of "C" or higher in all RESP courses
• Successfully complete the following NBRC/AMP self-assessment examinations prior to graduation: Therapist Multiple Choice Examination at the RRT level
• Comply with Respiratory Care Program and Clinical Policies

Clinical Admissions

To be admitted to the clinical portion of the program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4-point scale
• Have a "C" or higher in all RESP, AHTH, CHEM, and BIOL coursework
• Obtain and provide documentation for all required health work, including a physical examination, lab work, and immunizations according to clinical policy
• Meet all clinical policy requirements as stated in the Respiratory Care Program and Clinical Policies
• Complete a criminal background check
• Obtain health care insurance

Expenses and Financial Aid

The student is responsible for the following expenses incurred as a result of participation in clinical training:

• Pre-clinical physical exam, lab work, and immunizations
• Textbooks and/or clinical training manuals and folders
• Transportation to and from clinical training sites
• Meals while at clinical sites
• Scrub attire, lab coats, and/or uniforms
• Stethoscope
• BGSU Firelands student nametag
• NBRC/AMP Self-Assessment Examinations
• Online Clinical Tracking System Scholarships are available for eligible respiratory care students through the BGSU Firelands Scholarship Program.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates from the Respiratory Care program will possess the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors:

• The ability to comprehend that body of technical information according to nationally accepted standards as being related to the role and scope of practice for the advanced respiratory care practitioner
• The ability to perform all of the clinical procedural skills associated with the role and scope of practice of the advanced respiratory care professional
• The set of personal behaviors expected of the advanced respiratory care professional
• Meet nationally accepted standards for the scope of practice of the advanced respiratory care practitioner
• Utilize and apply knowledge of accepted respiratory care procedures in the diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and management of patients
• Adhere to the code of ethics for the respiratory care professional
• Abide by the laws of the State of Ohio
• Master fundamental principles of natural, physical, and social science and mathematics related to respiratory care
• Read the scientific literature and critically evaluate clinical research findings related to respiratory care
• Use reference materials, empirical methods, and statistical and computing skills to solve occupational problems, detect/resolve problems and errors, and develop/test/validate new models.