Explore All Programs

Pre-Respiratory Therapy

MajorBachelor of SciencePre-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 students interested in the field at the start of their time at Butler begin as a Pre-Respiratory Therapy (Pre-RT) major.

Pre-Respiratory Therapy

The Pre-Respiratory Therapy major ensures you complete the full year of prerequisite coursework needed before moving into 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.

You’ll have a direct pathway into the Respiratory Therapy program as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress and complete the professional phase admission process.

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 will have a direct pathway into 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.

Apply

Program Information

Curriculum (Pre-RT)

Sample courses in the Pre-RT program include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology 1
  • Anatomy and Physiology 2
  • Chemistry
  • Elementary Statistics
  • Medical Terminology
  • Microbiology
Curriculum (Respiratory Therapy)

Sample courses in the Respiratory Therapy program 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​
Related Programs
Accreditation

The Butler University Respiratory Therapy Program, Program #200705 offering a B.S. degree in Indianapolis, IN, holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self-Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.

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

Headshot of Christy Kane
Christy Kane
Program Director and Professor, Respiratory Therapy
 Dr. Christy J. Kane, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC, serves as the Program Director and Professor in the Respiratory Therapy program. With more than thirty years of experience, Dr. Kane has integrated academic leadership, clinical…
View more about Christy Kane

LEARN MORE ABOUT RESPIRATORY THERAPY AT BUTLER

About the Department Respiratory Therapy Program

Take the Next Step

Apply Now Schedule a Visit

Your Saved Programs

Want to learn more? Select your top program to receive more information.