Medicine
Undergraduate Programs
Respiratory Therapy
Educational Program
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy at IU Indianapolis
- Program Director: Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor Porter
- Medical Director: Assistant Professor Naum
- Associate Medical Director: Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine Ober
- Clinical Director: Adjunct Lecturer Hunt-Dimirsky
- Instructor: Adjunct Lecturer Bischoff, Adjunct Lecturer Newby, Adjunct Lecturer Sears
Description of the Profession Respiratory Therapists evaluate and treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, and are actively involved in health promotion and disease prevention. They care for all sorts of patients, from the premature infant to the extremely old, and practice in a variety of settings, ranging from patients' homes to the highest level of critical care units.
Respiratory therapists perform simple, hands-on diagnostic procedures and use highly sophisticated computerized equipment when evaluating patients. Patient treatment skills include everything from the administration of medical gases and inhaled medications to maintaining critically ill patients on ventilators. Successful Respiratory Therapists use problem solving skills that enable them to be effective in the education and rehabilitation of their patients.
Structure of the Program Once admitted to the program, students attend classes and laboratory courses at IU Health Methodist Hospital. Clinical courses are located at medical facilities throughout central Indiana with IU Health being a primary clinical affiliate.
Location of Clinical Sites Clinical education experiences occur in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, physician offices, and other health care facilities in Indiana. Most of the clinical sites are located within a 60-minute drive from downtown Indianapolis, and many are in Indianapolis. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to all clinical sites.
Length of the Program Four years; two years of prerequisite course work (50 credits) and two years of professional course work (70 credits).
Additional Cost In addition to standard university fees, students are responsible for travel to clinics, laboratory fees, clinical fees, uniforms, vaccination costs, and BLS course. Students may be required to attend professional meetings or seminars, and fees for attending these events may be necessary. Membership in the professional organization is required.
Opportunity for Students to Work Many students work part time while completing the program. Students may be eligible to apply for a limited student permit as a respiratory care practitioner following successful completion of the first year of the professional course work.
Accreditation The Indiana Respiratory Therapy Education Consortium (program number 200039) is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690, (817-283-2835)
Accreditation is in effect through March 31, 2027. Program outcomes can be found here.
Updated: March 2024
