Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy
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Degree
Bachelor's
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School
Health Professions
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Program Feature(s)
Guaranteed Admission
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy provides students with the opportunity to develop as professionals who are qualified to perform as Registered Respiratory Therapists. Respiratory Therapists focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of patients with breathing and/or other cardiopulmonary issues. Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the Registry Examinations for Advanced Level Respiratory Therapists administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
On This Page
Program Contact
Sue Davis, MA Ed, RRT, NPS
Phone: (225) 526-1802
Email: sue.davis@franu.edu
Fast Facts About FranU Respiratory Therapy
“As a respiratory therapy student at FranU, I am very grateful to have incredibly supportive professors who always make time outside of class to help me understand challenging concepts and review material.”
Catherine Glaude
Respiratory Therapy Student
Respiratory Therapy at FranU
Program Highlights
- Spiritus Vitae Scholarships
Named for the "breath of life," these scholarships are a powerful way we support our students. Senior students can apply for these scholarships, which cover most of their tuition in the final year of the clinical program. - Comprehensive Clinical Experience
Our clinical rotations offer hands-on experience with patients of all ages. Through this program’s clinical rotations, students will develop a deep understanding of respiratory care in diverse settings, ready to step into any clinical environment. - Faculty that Cares
Our low faculty-to-student ratio means you're never just a number. Our dedicated instructors take the time to know each student, offering personalized guidance and mentorship every step of the way. - Guaranteed Employment
With a 100% employment rate, our graduates don’t just find jobs, they launch careers. Most students secure positions before they even walk across the stage at graduation, thanks to strong clinical partnerships and employer trust in FranU-trained professionals. - Exam Readiness
Our students are well prepared for the NBRC credentialing exam, boasting a 3-year 96% ultimate passage rate. We don’t just teach the material, we build confident and competent respiratory therapists.
Explore a Career That’s Nationally Ranked
Respiratory Therapy is ranked #25 on U.S. News’ 2025 list of the 100 Best Jobs, thanks to strong job growth, competitive salaries and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. It’s a career that’s in demand, and one that makes a difference.
Respiratory Therapy Faculty
Our Respiratory Therapy faculty members are highly-skilled professionals with extensive content expertise and a passion to teach students how to apply practical, clinical knowledge to their future careers.
Respiratory Therapy FacultyProgram Mission, Goals and Program Learning Outcomes
Program Mission
The Respiratory Therapy Program of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University extends the mission of the College by providing an educational environment in which individuals can develop into excellent therapists who think critically, engage in evidence-based practice, effectively function as members of the healthcare team, be expert resources to physicians and other healthcare professionals, assume leadership roles and become compassionate healthcare providers. As a community of learners, educators and practitioners, we strive to serve as a role models and to be a healing presence within the communities we serve.
Program Goals
The goal of the Respiratory Therapy program is to graduate competent respiratory therapists.
Upon completion of the program, the graduate will demonstrate competencies in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
- Graduates will demonstrate knowledge essential for performance as a respiratory therapist.
- Graduates will demonstrate psychomotor competencies in performing the various skills required for the role of the respiratory therapist
- Graduates will demonstrate behaviors consistent with the role of a respiratory therapist
- To provide students with the fundamental knowledge to foster further academic advancement and leadership roles in respiratory care.
Enrollment in the Respiratory Therapy program is selective. A maximum of 20 students will be selected each year into the clinical phase (second year) of the program. The deadline for applying for the Fall cohort is March 15th.
There are two ways in which students can qualify for guaranteed admission into the Respiratory Therapy Program:
- A student who enters the University as a freshman is guaranteed admission when:
- All prerequisite courses towards the degree are taken at FranU with at least a grade point average of 3.0 on all prerequisite coursework.
- All other minimum program admission requirements are met.
- A transfer student is guaranteed admission when:
- More than 30 hours of required coursework in the program (including courses that are in progress at the time of application to the University) are transferred in with at least a grade point average of 3.2 in these courses.
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 is maintained while completing remaining prerequisite courses at the University.
- All other minimum admission requirements are met.
**Students transferring in less than 30 hours of coursework may be considered for guaranteed admission. Students falling in this category should call the Admission Office (225-526-1631)**
Upon entry into the clinical portion of the program, ALL students must have successfully completed all program specific admission requirements.
Meet all University minimum admission criteria at the time of application;
Minimum 2.0 GPA on all coursework; 2.5 GPA on all prerequisite coursework; and
Completion of or enrollment in the prerequisite course work in the Respiratory Therapy curriculum with a grade of “C" or better in all prerequisite courses at the time of application to the clinical program
*Priority is given to applicants who have completed the Arts and Science pre-requisite course at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Students who choose to pursue admission to the Respiratory Therapy program must:
- complete all prerequisites by the end of the fall semester preceding the clinical phase;
- earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all university coursework attempted;
- earn a minimum of ‘C” or better (GPA of 2.5) in prerequisite courses (semester 1-4);
- submit a complete application to the Respiratory Therapy program by March 15th;
- meet with an advisor who is a member of the Respiratory Therapy faculty.
A student who meets selection criteria is not guaranteed admission to the clinical phase of the Respiratory Therapy program. Selection is competitive and is limited due to faculty and clinical resources available. Qualification does not assure selection. Students will be notified by letter. Applicants who are not selected must re-apply the following year.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on all College coursework; 2.5 GPA on all prerequisite coursework
- Completion of prerequisite courses (semesters 1-4) in the Respiratory Therapy curriculum with a grade of “C" or better
Hear From Our Students
Hear directly from our students as they share their experiences, insights and what makes the Respiratory Therapy program at FranU special.
The rigorous academic environment and hands-on clinical rotation of the respiratory therapy program allowed me to grow not only intellectually, but also personally and professionally. with faculty who are incredibly supportive and invested in our success, we are always encouraged to think critically, develop strong clinical skills and treat every patient with the care and respect they deserve.
Johnathan Nguyen
Current Student
The respiratory therapy program is an amazing experience. The instructors are very supportive and knowledgeable. The hands-on labs have prepared me to feel confident in the clinical setting.
Itzel Sanchez
Current Student
FranU played a pivotal role in preparing me for the fast-paced and high-responsibility roles I have taken on in my career. The foundation I gained there continues to guide me in making sound clinical decisions, collaborating effectively, and upholding the highest standards of respiratory care.
Sharonda N. Franklin, B.S., RRT
Class of 2019 | Respiratory Manager, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center
The respiratory therapy program is designed so students can complete all of the prerequisite and professional courses within a four-year period.
The professional (clinical portion) courses involve lecture/laboratory coursework and clinical experiences at various clinical sites in the greater Baton Rouge area. Professional courses will focus on preparing students to provide respiratory care services in general and acute care settings.
Currently the professional (clinical) portion of the program is only available in the daytime hours, typically from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
During the professional phase of the Respiratory Therapy program students are in class, lab or clinics for approximately 30-35 hours/week.
- Textbooks: $400.00/semester (approximate)
- Uniforms/shoes (2 sets): $100
- Watch with second hand or digital watch: $25.00
- Trajecys clinical report system: $150.00
- Stethoscope with ID label: $50.00
- Registration for LSRC Annual Convention: $65.00 (subject to change)
- AARC Student membership: $60.00 (subject to change)
- Graduation fees: see university website
- Post-graduation costs: see university website
- License Application Fee: $175.00 (subject to change)
- License application fee is currently: 125.00
- New credentialing exam name: NBRC Respiratory Therapist Exam (Cost TBD)
In Louisiana, respiratory therapists must be licensed in order to perform patient care. Jobs for students are available; however duties do not include patient care.
The job market for credentialed respiratory therapists is promising; according to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in respiratory therapy are expected to increase
by 14% over the next 10 years, much faster than the national average of 5%. This employment
growth can be attributed to an aging population, nationwide air quality issues and
advances in medical care.
The current Baton Rouge area salary for new graduate RTs is approximately $25/hr.
Salary.com reports that the median annual salary for RTs in Baton Rouge is $68,468.
Applications for the clinical phase of the RT program are due March 15 of the year preceding the first clinical semester (fall). Applications may be submitted BEFORE all coursework is completed, Actions based upon applications so received are provisional; students so admitted (with provision) must complete all pre-professional courses by the end of the summer semester preceding the clinical year. Interested students are strongly urged to seek academic counseling from a member of the University Academic Advisors or Respiratory Therapy faculty.
Ready to Make a Difference in Respiratory Care?
Explore the rewarding career of respiratory therapy and access helpful resources to start your journey.
Respiratory Therapy at FranU Accreditation
Regional Accreditation
For information about our SACSCOC accreditation, please visit our Institutional Accreditation page.
CoARC Accreditation
The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 264 Precision Blvd. Telford, TN 37690. You may visit the CoARC Website by clicking this link: https://www.coarc.com.
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.
The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC Program #200577, BS degree, 5414 Brittany Drive, Baton Rouge , LA 70808 is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)Programmatic Outcomes Data
The Learning Experience
Get a preview of FranU’s Respiratory Therapy program. Check out the complete curriculum.
- RESP 4210- Emergency Care & ECG interpretation
- RESP 3325- Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory Care
- RESP 4325- Critical Care Medicine
- RESP 4410- Advanced Diagnostics
Award-Winning Excellence at FranU
Our nationally recognized programs set the standard in higher education.
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