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School of Medicine

Respiratory Therapy, BSRT

The Respiratory Therapy Program is a dynamic, highly interactive major characterized by individual support and mentorship from program faculty and clinical partners.

Blending a robust curriculum with innovative simulation facilities and practical experience in the field, our students learn extensively across all specializations of respiratory therapy and benefit from hands-on clinical opportunities in West Virginia’s largest health system, WVU Medicine.

With a critical demand for respiratory therapists in the state of West Virginia due to a growing community with respiratory disorders and the rapid expansion of healthcare organizations, our program is designed to provide the skills and expertise needed to become valued, knowledgeable and capable clinicians across all respiratory care practice areas.

Interested in enrolling for fall 2024? If you're a first-time freshman, email Julie Day. If you're a prospective transfer or change-of-major student, email Kayla Poling.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Meet Your Community Places and Spaces Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Respiratory therapists manage patients with various cardiopulmonary disorders, promoting optimal patient outcomes as part of an interprofessional care team.

With a strong emphasis on hands-on experience in the laboratory and through clinical placements, our curriculum prepares you for immediate employment or further study. While granting of the Bachelor of Science (BSRT) degree is not contingent on passing any external certification or licensure examination, the RT program also prepares graduates to sit for the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE), given by The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and leading upon successful completion to the designation of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

The first two years of study consist of a pre-professional curriculum where students complete prerequisite coursework, while the last two years consist of the Respiratory Therapy professional curriculum. The pre-professional curriculum can be completed at the WVU Morgantown campus, one of the WVU regional campuses or any regionally accredited college or university. Prerequisites are outlined under Indirect Admission Pathway requirements, and include anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, psychology, communication and other general education requirements.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • RT 301:
    An Introduction to Respiratory Therapy

    This course introduces the science of respiratory therapy medicine. Topics to be explored include the history of respiratory medicine, what is respiratory therapy, acute, non-acute, and atypical areas of RT practice, obtaining a patient history, performing inspection and clinical assessment techniques, medical ethic theories, outpatient diagnostics, vaping/smokeless cessation strategies, RT therapeutics, and maximizing skills to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Open to all WVU students regardless of major.

  • RT 400:
    Hemodynamic and Intensive Care Principles and Practices

    This course provides a comprehensive examination into concepts, theories, and procedures utilized by the respiratory therapist to optimally manage the critically ill patient. Topics covered include hemodynamic applications/philosophies, invasive lines/drains, neurological considerations, difficult airways, patient assessment, chest tubes, fluid balance, skin integrity, high flow oxygen delivery, EKG’s, apnea testing and monitoring, BP assessment, heart rhythm/sounds, bronchoscopies, and emergency interventions.

  • RT 420:
    Advanced Application and Theories in Mechanical Ventilation

    The application of mechanical ventilation concepts, theories and principles is among the most important responsibilities for respiratory therapists to master for their patients. This course will present an immersive experience which serves to prepare, examine, and synthesize advanced analytical theories and applications of mechanical ventilation. This course presents innovative interventions and strategies to maximize patient outcomes receiving mechanical ventilation support.

  • RT 430:
    Interdisciplinary Science, Leadership, Management and Education in Respiratory Therapy

    This course examines theories and concepts promoting the advancement and optimization of the respiratory therapy professional. Areas to be covered include interdisciplinary science, leadership roles, management strategies, respiratory education and evidence-based practice.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Our students enjoy the unique opportunity to benefit from a 1:1 student-to-ventilator ratio.
  • The demand for respiratory therapists nationwide is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 14% growth in the field by 2031.
  • The WVU Respiratory Therapy Program is one of only two BSRT programs in West Virginia.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

As a Respiratory Therapy student, you'll learn to perform clinical skills like:

  • Managing ventilators and hemodynamic monitoring
  • Observing critical care patients
  • Assessing and adjusting patient treatment modalities
  • Performing sleep studies and quality pulmonary diagnostics testing in acute and outpatient facilities

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $77,960

Possible job titles include: Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Explore Career

Meet Your Community

The Respiratory Therapy family will inspire and support you.

  • Michael Mehall

    Professional highlights:

    • Program Director, Assistant Professor, Respiratory Therapy
    • Possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise as a program director and educator in the field of respiratory therapy for nearly 20 years.
    • Over 30 years of experience as a registered respiratory therapist and considered a leader within the profession.
    • Has numerous board specialization credentials from the National Board of Respiratory Care and shares his knowledge and experience with students.
    • Strongest passion is treating critically ill and neonatal/pediatric patients.
    • Uses teaching strategies that immerse students in all areas of respiratory therapy.

  • Keleigh Pershina

    Professional highlights:

    • Program Director of Clinical Education, Respiratory Therapy
    • Degrees: MHA, Oklahoma State University; BSRT, Wheeling Jesuit University
    • Certifications and Credentials: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), RRT-Adult Critical Care Specialty, RRT-Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty, RRT-Sleep Disorders Specialty, Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist, Asthma Educator Specialist, Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist
    • Served as a respiratory therapist at Ruby Memorial for five and a half years and also led initiatives to provide respiratory education to employees hospital-wide.
    • Committed to creating a fun, safe and inclusive learning environment.

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Facility - Respiratory Therapy Lab

Respiratory Therapy Lab

The WVU Respiratory Therapy Program boasts state-of-the-art facilities to enhance student learning. Our dedicated respiratory therapy lab, completed in 2024, offers students a one-to-one ventilator ratio and ample opportunities to practice vital clinical skills.

Explore the Respiratory Therapy Lab
Facilities Thumbnail - STEPS Center

Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS) Center

The state-of-the-art STEPS Center provides a safe and supportive environment for deliberate practice of clinical skills by individuals and teams, including the development of inter-professional, collaborative competencies. STEPS provides 14,000 square feet of instructional space, including four Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setups for life-like manikins; two 10-bed open lab spaces for practicing nursing, basic life support and ultrasound skills; 12 patient exam rooms; a room for obstetrics and pediatric practice; a large surgical skills unit; and more.

Explore the Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS) Center
  • Virtual Tour
    It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.
  • Student Life
    You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
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Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Respiratory Therapy major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Respiratory Therapy at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Respiratory Therapy major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Respiratory Therapy at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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