Program Details
BS in Respiratory Therapy
Bachelor of ScienceRadford University
The Respiratory Therapy (RT) program is a four-year program distributed over nine semesters. Foundational courses are delivered within the first two years. The blend of classroom, lab, and clinical components is designed to prepare students for careers as Respiratory Therapists. RT courses begin in the junior year and are interspersed with other foundational courses. Students wishing to decrease their course load in the Junior and Senior years may take some of their required foundational courses prior to beginning the first semester of their junior year of the program. The Respiratory Therapy (RT) Degree Advancement (DA) program is designed specifically to meet the needs of current or soon to be practicing respiratory therapists who wish to obtain advanced training in Respiratory Care.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Students within this curriculum may transfer Human Anatomy and Physiology, Statistics, and Research Methods but must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours from Radford University to graduate. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Radford University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of the transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the RU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequesisites needed for the major. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met as indicated in the pathway map. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | You enter as a junior with general education requirements met as indicated in the pathway map. |
Credit for Prior Learning | We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. Enter your test into the portal to see if your scores will earn credit. If you have industry or military experience, please use College Connect to reach out to us to discuss these prior learning experiences. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Radford University is a medium-sized residential college campus of just over 7,500 students. Located the city of Radford in southwest Virginia, we offer 76 academic majors in six academic colleges. Incoming freshmen are required to live on campus their first two years; incoming transfer students do not have an on-campus requirement but are able to live on campus should they so choose. Opportunities to get involved on campus are numerous and include more than 200 student organizations, Division I athletic teams, and plenty of outdoor adventure trip planned by the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Respiratory Therapy Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Respiratory Therapy, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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25-1071.00 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
29-2099.00 | Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | All health technologists and technicians not listed separately. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-2099.01 | Neurodiagnostic Technologists | Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-2099.05 | Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-2099.08 | Patient Representatives | Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-1126.00 | Respiratory Therapists | Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
Cost To Complete
