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Respiratory Therapy, AS

Keiser University

This program is available in the following Florida campuses:

Fort Lauderdale Campus

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy prepares students for employment as respiratory therapists under the supervision of licensed physicians. A Respiratory Therapist provides education, diagnostic testing and respiratory therapy in the management of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute cardio-respiratory failure, asthma, and other pulmonary pathologies.

Responsibilities of a respiratory therapist include:

  • Identifying lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods;
  • Interviewing patients and doing chest physical exams to determine what kind of therapy is best for their condition;
  • Consulting with physicians to recommend a change in therapy, based on patient evaluation;
  • Analyzing breath, tissue, and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases;
  • Managing ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients who can’t breathe normally on their own;
  • Responding to Code Blue or other urgent calls for care;
  • Educating patients and families about lung disease so they can maximize their recovery.

Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates to receive an Associate of Science degree, and become eligible to sit for the national accreditation exams for the designation of the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and apply for state license as a respiratory therapist. The national examinations consist of the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TCM) and the Clinical Simulation Examination(CSE) offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Information on the exam process is available through the NBRC at www.nbrc.org.

Program Objectives

The following objectives are designed to meet Keiser University’s Respiratory Therapy Program’s mission and goals:

  • To provide an environment in which students demonstrate ethical behaviors, critical thinking skills and a commitment to lifelong learning;
  • Development of clinical skills, treatment techniques, understanding of methodology, and rationale for implementation and interpretation of diagnostics and cardio-respiratory care;
  • To provide the students with an academic foundation to adequately fulfill the role of a respiratory care practitioner in a clinical setting.

Program Goals

  • To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRT’s).

2022 Programmatic Outcomes Data:
Published by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Outcomes data from the Annual Report of Current Status has been posted on the CoARC website. Follow this link directly https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/. CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.

Program Mission

The Respiratory Therapy program at Keiser University offers an associate of science degree that is designed to prepare students to become effective, knowledgeable, safe and competent respiratory therapy practitioners who will practice under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician.

Program Philosophy

Respiratory Therapy is a profession that serves a diverse population. The respiratory therapy practitioner plays an integral role in the delivery of respiratory therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician.

The Respiratory Therapy curriculum integrates didactic, laboratory and clinical practicums, each of which plays a significant role in the education of the student.

The program:

  1. Recognizes that communication and interaction skills play an integral role in the preparation of a student to become an advanced practitioner respiratory therapist
  2. Recognizes that each student is an individual participant who brings a variety of needs and attributes to the educational process
  3. Promotes diverse educational methodologies to create a rich learning environment for all students
  4. Encourages both the faculty and the student to take responsibility for the learning environment, which requires cooperation and commitment from all individuals involved in the program
  5. Recognizes that learning and assessment is a continuous process that is a necessary component of professional growth and development

Prerequisites for Major Courses

  • Background check and drug screening;
  • Completion of prerequisites BSC2085C and BSC2086C, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with a minimum of a “B” in each course;
  • Completion of the following prerequisite courses: MCB2000C and CHEM2045/L and all general education coursework with a minimum grade of “C” for each course;
  • Cumulative grade average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.

Program Outline

To receive an Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy, students must earn 76.0 credit hours. Each course in the Respiratory Therapy major is a prerequisite for the subsequent course and must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher in order to progress to the next course in the sequence. Students must complete all courses in the program core.

Requirements are as follows:

Lower Division Courses

Respiratory Therapy Major Courses (42.0 credit hours total)
Respiratory Therapy Fundamentals 3.0 credit hours
Respiratory Therapy Theory 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Respiratory Medicine 3.0 credit hours
Pharmacology for Respiratory Care 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum I 3.0 credit hours
Diagnostic Procedures in Respiratory Care 3.0 credit hours
Intensive Respiratory Care 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum II 3.0 credit hours
Pediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Therapy 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum III 3.0 credit hours
Special Topics in Respiratory Therapy 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum IV 3.0 credit hours
Clinical Practicum V 3.0 credit hours
Respiratory Therapy Management 3.0 credit hours
Behavioral Science (3.0 credit hours)
Introduction to Psychology 3.0 credit hours
Communications (3.0 credit hours)
Speech Communications 3.0 credit hours
Computers (3.0 credit hours)
Introduction to Computers 3.0 credit hours
English (3.0 Credit Hours)
English Composition I 3.0 credit hours
Humanities/Fine Arts (3.0 credit hours)
American Literature 3.0 credit hours
English Literature 3.0 credit hours
Mathematics (3.0 credit hours)
College Algebra 3.0 credit hours
Natural Science (16.0 credit hours)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4.0 credit hours
Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4.0 credit hours
Microbiology I 4.0 credit hours
General Chemistry 3.0 credit hours
General Chemistry Laboratory 1.0 credit hour

* An Associate of Science Degree is considered a terminal degree and is not transferable.

State Licensure Disclosure

Faculty Directory

Medical Director
Dr. George Peter Azar MD, FCCP
[email protected]

Program Director
Raymond Robinson M.Ed., RRT
[email protected]

Director of Clinical Education
Jose Molina BS, RRT
[email protected]

Faculty

Alicia Forbes BA, RRT
[email protected]

Estimated Student Costs

Estimated Average Expenses for the Respiratory Therapy Program
Tuition $ 9,504.00 per semester
Education Fee $ 770.00 per semester
Books $ 600.00 per semester
Health Insurance Market Value
Other Fees
Registration Fee $ 145.00 non-refundable
Application Fee $ 55.00 non refundable
Withdrawal Fee $ 100.00
Re-Entry Fee $ 150.00
Transcript Fee $ 5.00
One-Time Expense
Clinical Compliance Tracking $ 266.00
BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP Market Value
Medical Expenses/Screenings $ 293.00
Uniforms/Lab Coat/Stethoscope $ 200.00
Practice Electronic Exams $ 20.00
Self-Assessment Exam:  Therapist Multiple Choice $ 50.00
Self-Assessment Exam:  Clinical Simulations for RRT $ 70.00
Boards and State Licensure Fees
National Board of Respiratory Care:  Therapist Multiple Choice Exam $ 190.00
National Board of Respiratory Care:  Clinical Simulations Exam $ 200.00
Florida Board of Respiratory Care License Fees-RRT $ 165.00

* Refer to undergraduate student catalog for specific tuition and program fees.

Equal Opportunity

Keiser University’s policy of equal opportunity, consistent with Federal policy, is that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, handicap, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or belief, be excluded from any training, be denied the benefit of training or be subjected to discrimination in any hiring practice or activity of the University. To ensure continued success in achieving equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its programs and departments, Keiser University hereby reaffirms that it is the responsibility of all staff administration and supervisory personnel to work actively to ensure equal opportunities within their respective departments, as well as to demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to equal opportunity for all persons. Management and supervisory personnel have a responsibility to provide leadership and support for equal opportunity programs.

The program, #200571, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

My instructors believed in me. They were more than instructors, they tried to get to know you as a person and tried to understand your goals so they could push you towards them. Student services helped me find a job before I even graduated. Everyone was dedicated to my overall success.

Jessica Kircher

Going to Keiser University was one of the greatest experiences in my life. All of my deans, professors, and staff made me feel that I was a part of something very special, and I am. I would recommend for anyone to get their education at Keiser University.

Belinda Haney

The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.

Justin Pugh

If not for my education at Keiser I probably would not be where I am today, in both life and career. It is because of going to Keiser and the instructors I had that I joined a club started by Mr. Williams, The Lakeland Shooters Photography Group, which allowed me to venture into an amazing and very creative field that I use to enhance all aspects of my life.

Anthony Sassano

The Design program at Keiser University was filled with real world learning and hands on instruction… Based on the portfolio I created while a student at Keiser University, I landed a job in Graphic Design for a major online retailer immediately after graduation.

Ty Fitzgerald

The year and a half I spent in the program better prepared me for attaining a job in the field…As a hands-on learner, the project-centered teaching was perfect for me.

Jackson Tejada

Keiser University has given me the opportunity to embrace a career change… It has opened the door for a timely graduation and quick return to the work force…

Dale Caverly

Without the education I received at Keiser University, I would not be where I am today!

Meisha Ebanks, R.N.

I not only received an excellent education but also encouragement and training that built my self-confidence every day.

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I realize the amount of knowledge I gained and feel that the educational experiences have developed me in to a person who can move higher up the career ladder.

Carlos Ramirez Flores

Keiser University’s MBA program has renewed my mind, changed the way I think, and given me a new sense of purpose.  The professors transformed my attitude and behavior, gave me the self-confidence I was lacking, and restored my energy.

Connie Sue Centrella

It has been great attending and graduating from Keiser University.  Because of the small class sizes, I was able to build good relationships with classmates and professors.  The PA professors care very much about the progress and success of the students and have been great advisors every step of the way through the program.

Annelise Merriner, PA-C

Attending Keiser University and getting my degree was the best decision I have ever made.  The small class sizes and personalized attention helped me get my degree quickly.  The hands-on experience and the education landed me a job at a neighboring law firm.

Dedrick Saxon

I chose Keiser because it had everything—small classes, caring professors, hands-on learning, and counselors that are really there for you.  I feel like I’m part of a family here, not just a number.

Natalie Dou

After being denied for several promotions at my current employer, I decided that I needed to further my education.  Since graduating from Keiser with my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I have been promoted and I am able to obtain positions that weren’t available to me before.

Laurie Williams

Beyond the curriculum of the courses, the lessons the instructors have taught me have paid dividends in my real work experiences. How to respond to criticisms, project and time management, interview skills, the list goes on and on. At the end of the day, they not only showed me how to design, but they taught me how to be a professional.

Ryan Bushey

Keiser helped change my life by getting my education at the right school! I had been going to another school before, I dropped out because I felt that I was not getting enough information. When I found out about Keiser, I was pleased because the instructors were great.

Nadege Dor

My decision to attend Keiser University has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I chose to enroll in the Information Technology program… The one-class-a-month pace helped incredibly with my self-discipline.

Marla Hadley

The BA for Business Administration at Keiser has to be one of the best in the nation. Keiser takes the basics that are taught at the Associates level and uses them to strengthen your skills and knowledge.

Vivian R. Howard, BA in Business Administration Graduate

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