The Roman Catholic Church founded Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky in 1905, and since that time, the private college's enrollment has grown to more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The college offers a 4-year Bachelor of Health Science in respiratory therapy. Among the courses required for the major are psychology, mathematics, biology, ethics, pathology, physiologic testing, cardiac monitoring, life support and pediatrics. Four clinical rotations are required for the major as well. The university also offers an accelerated course of study for individuals who already possess a bachelor's degree in a field other than respiratory therapy. All freshmen and 95 percent of continuing students receive some type of financial aid while studying at Bellarmine, according to the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges."
Bellarmine University
2001 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40205
502-452-8131
bellarmine.edu
Founded in 1948, Nicholls State University is a pubic institution in Thibodaux, Louisiana, a small town 50 miles from New Orleans. Among the programs offered for the college's more than 6,200 undergraduate students is an Associate of Science in Cardiopulmonary and Respiratory Care. To enroll in the program, applicants must pass a criminal background check. Those admitted to the program complete classes in a variety of subjects, including anatomy, chemistry, psychology, English, mathematics, pediatrics, critical care, monitoring, diagnostics and pharmacology. The curriculum also features three clinical placements and three laboratory courses. Around 84 percent of freshmen and 74 percent of continuing students at Nicholls State benefit from some type of financial aid, explains the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges." The college also offers a 1-year advanced practice certificate program intended to provide extra training and practice for licensed respiratory therapists.
Nicholls State University
P.O. Box 2004
University Station
Thibodaux, LA 70310
985-448-4507
nicholls.edu
The oldest public, 2-year community college in California, Fresno City College opened in 1901. Applicants to the college's Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program must complete biology, chemistry and college-level athletics in order to receive admissions consideration. The program requires 2 years of full-time study to complete, and features courses in anatomy, microbiology, physical or industrial science, speech, psychology and sociology in addition to courses related to the major, such as therapeutic techniques and pharmacology. At least two clinical rotations are mandatory for graduation. In addition to federal and state financial aid programs, the college offers a limited number of work-study placements and institutional scholarships. An on-campus daycare provides low-cost child care for students' children. Job placement assistance is available for all students.
Fresno City College
1101 East University Ave.
Fresno, CA 93741
559-244-2604
fresnocitycollege.edu