Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy

The program offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Respiratory Therapy. Graduates are eligible for two credentials after graduation, and would be eligible for three board sub-specialist certifications after significant experience and training under medical direction.

The healthcare field of respiratory therapy focuses on treating patients with cardiopulmonary (heart/lung) illnesses and breathing difficulties.

Armstrong Atlantic State University's program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and has an advanced practitioner, registered respiratory therapist (RRT) outcome goal. Our graduates are eligible to sit for the credentialing exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), and our graduates consistently pass their boards at a rate 20 to 25 percent higher than the national mean. We have a near 100 percent job placement history and our annual graduate and employer surveys indicate a high level of satisfaction with our program.

Because enrollment in the program is competitive, we strongly recommend that pre-respiratory therapy majors contact the department regarding advisement as soon as possible after enrolling in AASU.

Unique Program Features

Students in the Respiratory Therapy program will have opportunities to train and observe in sleep, neonatal-pediatrics, long-term acute care, home care, durable medical equipment, cystic fibrosis and asthma patient education, and other diverse diagnostic and patient respiratory care specialties. Students also receive intensive preparation for the board and credentialing examinations. Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) has standing agreements with many regional hospitals, and the first four semesters of clinical practicum are done at local hospitals and clinical sites outside of Savannah. In the fifth semester, students may apply for a respiratory therapy externship at hospitals across the states of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Florida. If a hospital and the university agree to provide the student an opportunity, the student may work with a preceptor at a hospital where they would like to be employed after graduation.