Respiratory therapist with patient

About the Pre-Respiratory Therapy Program

On Campus

Respiratory therapists specialize in the treatment and care of patients with breathing disorders such as asthma, emphysema, and pneumonia. Patients range from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic lung disease. Respiratory therapists perform pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analysis. They administer oxygen therapy, bronchodilator medications, and mechanical ventilation to support patients’ breathing. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. Learn more about this career. 

PROGRAM INFORMATION GUIDE

Two Paths to become a Respiratory Therapist

PATH 1 – Students in the pre-respiratory therapy program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney may receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Health Sciences from UNK after satisfactory completion of 85 semester hours of pre-respiratory therapy and a 12-month clinical year at Nebraska Methodist College. Students in the Nebraska Methodist College’s respiratory therapy clinical program will complete their training in Kearney at Good Samaritan Hospital.

PATH 2 – Students may enter the profession by pursuing a master’s degree program after completion of a bachelor’s degree in any discipline at UNK. Students may receive a Master’s Degree in Respiratory Care from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) through a 21-month graduate program at the Omaha or Kearney campus. This program offers more advanced training and a larger scope of practice for professionals.

Median Pay: $70,540

100% Acceptance Rate to Respiratory Therapy Clinical Programs

13% Projected Employment Growth

from 2022 to 2032 according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Acceptance into a respiratory therapy professional clinical training program is competitive and not guaranteed. Admission is based on GPA, test scores, recommendation letters, an interview, essay, shadowing and medical experience, and other extra-curricular activities. Our dedicated advisors will guide and equip students to excel in these areas. In addition, smaller class sizes, top faculty, and unique learning experiences such as research opportunities will give you an advantage. UNK students in the pre-respiratory therapy program have a phenomenal acceptance rate showcasing our commitment to excellence.

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