Course Overview!

Ball State University's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy is a four-year program preparing students for rewarding careers in respiratory care. The curriculum focuses on developing comprehensive skills in evaluating, treating, and educating patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Students gain hands-on experience through immersive learning in healthcare facilities throughout central Indiana, working with patients of all ages. The program includes advanced training opportunities through internships at prominent hospitals. Graduates are eligible to take national board examinations to obtain licensure as respiratory therapists and boast a 100% domestic employment rate within six months of graduation.

Course Structure

The program consists of two phases: a general studies phase completed at Ball State's Muncie campus, encompassing university core curriculum requirements; and a professional studies phase at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, focusing on advanced respiratory therapy skills and providing extensive clinical experience. The general studies phase involves courses in English, speech, chemistry, psychology, mathematics, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, ethics, physics, and statistics. The professional studies phase includes courses in cardiorespiratory physiology, assessment and patient care, pharmacology, neonatal-pediatric respiratory care, and cardiorespiratory monitoring, along with extensive clinical rotations. Students complete approximately 1000 hours of patient contact.