Pre-Respiratory Therapy

Pre-Professional

Medical professionals intubate patient in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Pursue a High-Demand Career to Help People Live and Breathe.

Train to become a respiratory therapist and you’ll enter one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields with job stability, a competitive salary, and the flexibility to work in a wide variety of healthcare contexts.

Respiratory therapists specialize in treating patients who face challenges with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions. They’re a vital part of healthcare teams, saving lives with critical equipment and therapies, collaborating with physicians on care plans, and coaching patients and their families along their journey of respiratory health.

Respiratory therapists are in higher demand than ever, and Butler students interested in the field begin with a Health Sciences major and choose the Pre-Respiratory Therapy (Pre-RT) concentration.

Pre-RT Concentration

The Pre-RT track ensures you complete the full year of prerequisite coursework needed before applying to Butler’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program (launching in 2027*). You’ll take hands-on science courses your first year in state-of-the-art labs and learn the skills needed to become a uniquely specialized healthcare professional.

By the time you apply to enter the Respiratory Therapy program and complete your interviews for admission, you’ll already have the academic preparation and support necessary to transition smoothly into the major.

Respiratory Therapy Program

While acceptance to the Respiratory Therapy major is competitive, if you are a Butler student and fulfill the required prerequisites, you are guaranteed an interview for the program.

Once accepted to the three-year Respiratory Therapy program, you’ll begin practicing real procedures through advanced simulation training using high-fidelity mannequins and ventilators. You’ll begin clinical rotations and gain experience in the robust Indianapolis healthcare corridor.

*Butler is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for a respiratory care program. However, Butler can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC.

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Program Information

Curriculum (Pre-RT)

Sample courses in the Pre-RT program could include:

Curriculum (Respiratory Therapy)

Sample courses in the Respiratory Therapy program could include:

Introduction to Respiratory Care
Cardiopulmonary and Renal Anatomy & Physiology
Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Fundamentals of Respiratory Care
Assessment of a Respiratory Patient
Diversity and Inclusivity in Healthcare or equivalent

Learning Outcomes

The American Association for Respiratory Care has indicated its desire for all respiratory therapists to hold at least a bachelor’s degree by 2030. Students successfully completing the Respiratory Therapy program will meet that expectation and be able to:

Work collaboratively in inter-professional, patient-centered teams, demonstrating ethical and professional standards.

Plan respiratory care services based on acquiring and evaluating clinical data to assess patients.

Implement respiratory care services, including diagnostic studies, therapeutic procedures, and troubleshooting equipment.

Evaluate outcomes of respiratory care services, including management of healthcare expenditures, infection, quality control, disparities, healthcare delivery systems, and advocacy.

Conduct case management of patients from wellness to cardiopulmonary and related diseases.

MEET YOUR FACULTY

Christy Kane

Program Director and Professor, Respiratory Therapy

LEARN MORE ABOUT RESPIRATORY THERAPY AT BUTLER

Pre-RT Concentration Respiratory Therapy Degree

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