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Respiratory Careers Start Here

USI’s Respiratory Therapy Program provides instruction and resources that build the knowledge, skills, attitudes and critical thinking needed for competent, successful respiratory therapists.

Make Every Breath Count

usi respiratory therapy student inserting breathing tube in simulation labRespiratory therapists care for heart and lung patients of all ages, from premature infants to adults, assessing, treating and educating to help patients breathe easier.

A career in RT isn’t limited to inpatient settings, offering flexibility, growth, diverse work settings and strong income potential. Graduates of USI’s Respiratory Therapy Program find careers in:

  • Adult, pediatric and newborn intensive care
  • Flight medicine and transport
  • Emergency departments
  • Trauma and critical care
  • Pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation
  • Sleep centers
  • Home care
  • Physician offices

As hospitals increasingly prefer or require a BSRT for advancement into specialty or supervisory roles, USI students develop critical hands-on clinical skills that give you more options, mobility and enhanced long‑term career possibilities.

Respiratory therapy is one of the fastest-growing, in-demand job markets in healthcare; start your journey to a rewarding career at USI. The application period for each new cohort of future respiratory therapists opens May 1 with classes beginning the following January.

Start Your USI Fall 2027 Application
Applications for Fall 2028 open August 2027

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Fountain in front of the Rice Library

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USI alumna Rylie Farr portrait

Choose a Rewarding Career

"My cousin's baby, who survived 19 days in the NICU, ignited my dream of becoming a respiratory therapist and providing care to premature babies. USI has given me the knowledge and skills to achieve this goal. "

- Rylie Farr '24, Respiratory Therapy

16
Students in Average Class
Nationally-Accredited Program
100%
Graduate Employment
Fully-Online RT to BSRT Degree Completion (for Current RTs)

Program Options

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Professional Accreditation

CoARC logoThe USI Respiratory Therapy program is nationally accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

  • Respiratory Therapy students work together to revive a code blue practice patient
  • Students practice intubating a practice patient in a skills lab
  • Respiratory Therapy students work on a simulation with Radiologic Technology students
  • Graduating Respiratory Therapy students pose together in scrubs by the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions sign

A Respiratory Student’s Global Impact

USI respiratory therapy student Rachel Borman gives TEDx talk

Rachel Borman '26, TEDxUSI Speaker

"Teaching respiratory care in Ghana changed how I define healthcare—not as what we have, but how we care."

Why Choose USI?

USI offers a wide array of resources and people dedicated to helping you succeed:

  • Dedicated advising center in the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions
  • Opportunity for connection with classmates in the Kinney College Themed Learning
  • Community Career guidance and job and internship opportunities through the Career Success Center

USI boasts a vibrant campus and community with many activities on offer.

  • A full calendar of student events and athletic competitions by USI's 19 NCAA Division I teams
  • Clubs and organizations, including a chapter of the national honor society for respiratory therapy students, the Lambda Beta Society
  • Opportunities to gain experience and make a difference in the campus community through the student Respiratory Therapy Organization

USI offers a quality education you can afford that provides a great return on your investment.

  • $20+ million in annual scholarships from the USI Foundation and several scholarship opportunities specifically for students in the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions
  • Pass rates for USI students who sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) board exam are consistently above the national average
  • Respiratory therapy has one of the fastest growing job markets in the health field with jobs in high demand

USI provides a healthy and secure environment for your education.

  • A recently remodeled Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center, with cardio and strength training areas, recreational courts, a running track, and climbing wall.
  • Support for your physical and mental health through USI's on-site medical clinic and counseling and psychological services
  • Safe spaces monitored 24/7 by USI's Public Safety department and local law enforcement, with access to the Screagle Watch safety app

Your future awaits at USI. We can't wait to meet you!

Start Your Application