Texas State University stands as a leading institution for aspiring respiratory therapists, offering one of the largest Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) programs in the United States. Since its inception in 1972, the program has proudly prepared nearly 1,800 therapists who are now serving in significant leadership roles throughout the nation’s healthcare landscape.
What is Respiratory Therapy?
Respiratory therapy is a specialized healthcare profession dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary (lung) and cardiovascular disorders. Respiratory therapists work with a diverse patient population, from newborns to the elderly, in various settings including hospitals, intensive care units, sleep disorder centers, and rehabilitation facilities. To gain a deeper understanding of this vital healthcare field, you can explore resources like the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Nationally Recognized Program
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care program at Texas State University has received national acclaim, including the prestigious Distinguished Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) for the 2019-2020 academic year. This award highlights the program’s commitment to excellence and its success in preparing graduates for professional credentialing examinations.
Diverse Learning and Specialization Opportunities
Texas State’s BSRC program provides a holistic and comprehensive curriculum, allowing students to explore a wide spectrum of respiratory care specialties. Students gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in areas such as neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), sleep laboratories, surgical units, and critical care settings. This diverse exposure ensures a well-rounded education and prepares graduates to handle various clinical scenarios and patient populations.
Excellent Career Trajectories for Graduates
A degree in respiratory care from Texas State University opens doors to a multitude of rewarding career paths. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue clinical practice, assume healthcare leadership positions, contribute to medical equipment development, engage in patient education, and participate in cutting-edge research. The program is designed to foster the skills and knowledge necessary for graduates to excel in their chosen area of respiratory care and make a significant impact on patient lives.
Expert Faculty Leading the Way
The Respiratory Care Department at Texas State University boasts faculty members who are internationally recognized experts in their respective fields. These faculty are actively involved in research, contributing to the advancement of respiratory care knowledge and practices. Their research interests span crucial areas such as sleep disorders, ventilator technology, the dynamics of airflow in the upper airways, leadership strategies in healthcare, innovative learning methodologies, and evidence-based clinical best practices. Students benefit directly from learning from and working with these leading researchers and educators.
Program Goals Focused on Graduate Success
The BSRC Entry-Level program at Texas State University is driven by clear and ambitious goals:
- To cultivate graduates who demonstrate competency in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains essential for competent respiratory care practice as performed by Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs).
- To develop future leaders in the respiratory care profession by integrating curriculum content focused on acquiring skills in key areas such as management, education, research, sleep technology, and advanced clinical practice, potentially including specialized clinical areas.
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care program at Texas State University (CoARC #200197), offered on the Round Rock campus, holds full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Accreditation signifies that the program has met rigorous standards for quality and effectiveness in respiratory care education. CoARC programmatic outcomes data provides valuable insights into program effectiveness, including credentialing success rates, graduation rates, and job placement, demonstrating the program’s commitment to student success and positive career outcomes.
“The Texas State University, CoARC #200197, Bachelors Degree of Science in Respiratory Care awarded, on the Round Rock campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. (www.coarc.com)”