Program Details

Save Lives...Become a Respiratory Therapist!

Respiratory Therapy (RT) was established in 1971 in the School with the mission to prepare advanced-level therapists who have the abilities to provide leadership for the ongoing development of the profession. The program has been successful, awarding baccalaureate degrees in respiratory therapy for over 45 years. RT Alumni are leaders in administration, education, professional practice and RT associations.


With all of the advantages and opportunities of one of America's best universities, a comprehensive academic medical center, and a statewide clinical education network which includes some of the nation's best hospitals, there is no better place to become a respiratory therapist than RT at OSU.


Mission & Goals

Missions & Goals of the Respiratory Therapy Undergraduate Major

The MISSION of the Respiratory Therapy Division is to impact the advancement of the profession through leadership in teaching, research, and service. Specifically, our mission is to:

  • Provide a model undergraduate respiratory care educational program and develop graduate studies for respiratory therapists.

  • Engage all faculty and students in research and scholarly activity.

  • Provide state and national leadership for the respiratory care profession and professionally-related community outreach activities.


The GOALS of the undergraduate major in Respiratory Therapy are:

  1. To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) and as professional members of the health care team as defined by the “Essential Functions and Professional Expectations":

    • Assess patients’ need for respiratory therapy by reviewing existing clinical data and recommending the collection of additional pertinent data;

    • Perform cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures, calculate test results, determine reliability, perform quality control, and evaluate implications of test results;

    • Evaluate all clinical data to determine the appropriateness of the prescribed respiratory care, to participate in the development of the respiratory care plan, and to provide care using clinical patient care protocols;

    • Select, assemble, and check for proper function, operation, and cleanliness of all equipment used in providing respiratory care;

    • Be responsible for the set-up, calibration, maintenance, and quality assurance of pulmonary function testing equipment;

    • Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures, evaluate treatment efficacy, and modify prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve one or more specific objectives in acute care, intensive care & life support, continuing care, and rehabilitation settings;

    • Act as an assistant to the physician with special procedures such as bronchoscopy, invasive cardiovascular monitoring, insertion of chest tubes, etc.

    • Demonstrate professional attributes of a member of the health care team including appropriate levels of confidence, cooperation, empathy, independence, initiative, judgment, maturity, organizational skills, ethics, and dependability;

    • Respect and obey all pertinent laws and regulations and abide by the Code of Ethics;

    • Maintain confidentiality and accuracy of patient records and communicate relevant information to other members of the health care team;

    • Project a professional and healthful image, including: appearance, courtesy, respect, self- control, honesty, punctuality, and responsibility.


  2. To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content that includes objectives related to acquisition of skills in the following:

    • Contribute to the health care team's knowledge and understanding of the science of respiratory care by promoting evidence based medicine, research, and clinical practice guidelines.

    • Assume expanded or specialty roles in respiratory therapy or cardiopulmonary care, or assume titled positions related to education or administration.

    • Enroll in and be successful in graduate studies related to respiratory care or health sciences, administration, or education.


The expected OUTCOMES of the undergraduate major in Respiratory Therapy include at least 90% of graduates:

  • Earn the credentials Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or equivalent specialty credentials in pulmonary function technology, polysomnography, or neonatal-pediatrics.

  • Provide positive responses on New Graduate Satisfaction Surveys,

  • Obtain a post-graduate respiratory therapy related position,

  • Receive positive responses on Employer Satisfaction Surveys,

  • Declare leadership activities on alumni surveys, including job titles, professional service activities, continuing education, research, and community service.