The Respiratory Care Program is designed to provide students with an outstanding education in preparation for a satisfying professional career as advanced respiratory care practitioners as well as to provide a foundation for leadership in management and supervision, education, and clinical specialization.

Rush officers both BS and MS degrees in Respiratory Care. Prospective students have several degree and curriculum options to choose from to suit their life situations and yet achieve their goal to be a respiratory therapist.

Bachelor of Science Program
In addition to at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of general education and preprofessional pre-requisite course requirements, the Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care requires a minimum of 98 quarter hours of upper division credit for graduation.  This program requires 29 semester hours of specific program preprofessional prerequisite requirements and 31 or more semester credits of general education prior to admission to Rush University for the professional phase (21 months).  The preprofessional phase requirements may be completed at any accredited college or university. Dedicated to clinical and academic excellence, the professional phase includes over 1000 hours of in-hospital clinical practice.   Additional elective course work in management and education may be taken, for students interested in these areas.

As a leadership program in respiratory care, this course of study aspires to provide graduates with the foundation needed to assume professional leadership roles in clinical practice, clinical specialty areas, and management.  Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for the national board examinations in respiratory care as well as state licensure.

MS in Respiratory Care
The Master of Science in respiratory care degree program is designed to provide students with an outstanding education in preparation for a satisfying professional career as advanced respiratory care practitioners as well as to provide a foundation for leadership in management and supervision, education, research and clinical specialization.

The Master of Science degree in Respiratory Care requires a minimum of 117 quarter hours of credit for graduation.  This is an integrated program, requiring 29 quarter hours of program preprofessional prerequisite requirements prior to admission to Rush University for the professional phase (21 months).  The preprofessional phase requirements may be completed at any accredited college or university and include the successful completion of a baccalaureate degree.  Dedicated to clinical and academic excellence, the professional phase includes over 1000 hours of in-hospital clinical practice. 

As a leadership program in respiratory care, this course of study aspires to provide graduates with the foundation needed to assume professional leadership roles in clinical practice, clinical specialty areas, research, education and management.  Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for the national board examinations in respiratory care as well as state licensure.