BSU Department of Respiratory Care

1. RCPs may work in general care wards, neonatal, pediatric, and/or adult intensive care units, pulmonary function labs, rehabilitation, etc. Typical duties include:
Performing physical exams relating to heart and lung function;
Performing diagnostic tests for heart and lung function;
Administering medical gases and inhaled medications;
Performing treatments to expand the lung and clear mucus;
Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
Monitoring and maintaining patients on life support;
Drawing and analyzing arterial blood for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acid levels;
Teaching patients methods of managing their diseases and enhancing their quality of life.
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2. Most Respiratory Care Practitioners work in hospitals. Some RCPs are employed in physician offices, medical supply companies, and home care companies.
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3. Respiratory Care Practitioners must be able to prioritize tasks and work both independently, and as part of the health care team. RCPs should be somewhat computer literate, and able to effectively communicate orally and in writing. RCPs must have good manual dexterity, good interpersonal skills, and be able to solve problems when necessary - and be able to prevent problems when possible. Most of all, RCPs must be caring individuals who are advocates for their patients. Integrity, a desire for life-long learning, and professionalism are all characteristics of successful RCPs.
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4. Because hospitals remain open evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, RCPs must expect to work a variety of shifts and days. It is not unusual for new employees to work evenings or nights, every other weekend, and rotating holidays. RCPs who work in pulmonary function lab, pulmonary rehabilitation, and other specialty areas typically work Monday through Friday day shifts.
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5. Some hospitals specialize in patients of a certain age group, like pediatrics. However, most hospitals will see patients of any age.
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6. Yes. Respiratory Care is considered one of the fastest growing fields. Students generally are employed upon graduation or in some cases, before graduation. Since we have the only Respiratory Care program in Idaho, we frequently get calls from hospitals in the intermountain area regarding job openings.
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7. The average starting hourly rate, in Idaho's Treasure Valley, is $13 - $16 per hour. Hospitals provide a shift differential for evenings and weekends; overtime is frequently available. Pay will also increase with greater levels of work responsibility, such as being a supervisor. Salaries are generally higher on the east and west coasts, however, so is the cost of living.
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8. Yes, hospitals offer health insurance to employees. Full-time practitioners are generally eligible for full benefits.
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9. Graduates of the program feel they are very well prepared for work in the hospital. Employers of our graduates speak very highly of them, and of our program. Many hospitals seek graduates of our program because of the preparation they receive.
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10. If you would like to contact a Respiratory Therapist in your area, please email us or call our Department at (208) 426-3383 for the name of a contact person in your area. We may be able to help you set up a time when you can meet with a local Respiratory Therapist and spend time observing them work.
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11. Most of the students remain in the Treasure Valley after graduation. Even though the local medical community employs most of the graduates, there is no guarantee that you will be able to secure a position in the Treasure Valley; however, every year we receive more requests for graduates from hospitals.
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12. The program is three-years long, leading to an Associate of Science Degree. One more year (the senior year) is optional if one would like to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree.
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13. The Pre-professional year (Freshman Year) courses can be taken part-time at any accredited college or university. Some of the Professional courses may be taken part-time; please check with the faculty for further details.
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14. None of the Professional courses in the Sophomore and Junior Years are offered via distance education at this time; however, some of the Core courses are offered via distance education.
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15. Most of the credits taken at any accredited college or university will transfer. The Department Chair will need a copy of your college transcripts to provide specific information regarding your transfer credits.
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16. Most of the credits taken at any accredited college or university will transfer. The office of International Student Admissions can assist foreign students applying for admission. The University will need a copy of your college transcripts to provide specific information regarding your transfer credits. Click here for more information.
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17. Students are generally in lectures or labs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 am - 1:30 pm, and in the hospital Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm. A copy of the class schedule for each semester is provided on this website.
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18. You will need to purchase scrubs, a laboratory jacket, stethoscope, watch with a second hand, and a few miscellaneous items.
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19. Tuition and fees are approximately $1800 per semester. Books are approximately $400 per semester. Lab fees and other costs are approximately $100 - 300 per year.
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20. Because students are required to perform clinical at the various hospitals in Boise, a car is very useful; however, it is possible to ride the local mass transit and/or ride with fellow students.
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21. Yes, although since the course work is difficult, we recommend working no more than twenty hours per week. During some semesters, you may have up to 8-12, eight-hour shifts of evening clinical and this makes a flexible work schedule and family support important.
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22. Boise State University offers day care on-campus; however, the demand is quite high. Check with the BSU day care as soon as possible if you are interested in placing your children.
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23. All students at Boise State University are eligible for financial aid. It is important to contact the financial aid office to get the details on applying. In addition, Jody Lester is the department's contact person for scholarships in the Respiratory Care department.
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24. There is no other Respiratory Care Program in the State of Idaho.
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25. Applications are due on March 1st. Late applicants are usually placed on a waiting list, and may be accepted into the program along with those who submitted applications before March 1st. Do not hesitate to turn in late applications.
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26. It is not unusual to receive twenty to thirty applications each year. We typically enroll about sixteen students per year.
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27. No, we will accept students who are still completing prerequisites. However, it is important that the prerequisites be completed before enrolling in the first professional year of the program. If you have concerns about courses that you cannot complete before the fall semester, speak with an advisor regarding your plans for future semesters.
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28. Yes, the courses will be accepted if you received a "C" or better. The program provides some review of old material so that everyone has a solid knowledge of critical information.
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29. Yes. After graduating from an accredited program, you are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care Entry Level Examination. After passing this Exam, you can apply for a license with the State Board of Medicine
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30. It costs $80 for the application and $40 per year to renew the license.
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31. No. After graduating from an accredited Respiratory Care Program, you are eligible to apply for a license anywhere in the country.
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32. The national professional society is the American Association for Respiratory Care. The state professional society is the Idaho Society for Respiratory Care.
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33. A Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is someone who has graduated from a Respiratory Care Program and has passed the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Entry Level Examination. A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) has graduated from an Advanced Practitioner Respiratory Care Program (like the one at BSU), passed the NBRC Entry Level Examination, and then passed the Written Registry and Clinical Simulation Examinations.
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34. Most of the credits taken at any accredited college or university will transfer. You should contact the school to which you want to transfer to get information about which credits they will accept. In part, the credits transferred depend upon the major that you are seeking.
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35. Generally, it is not necessary to work past the associate of science degree in order to work in the field. If you would like to take specific senior year courses, or would like another baccalaureate degree, you should discuss this with your advisor.
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36. Some foreign countries do not currently recognize Respiratory Care as a profession. Many countries employ RCPs, but require one to two years of experience before working there. However, with the shortage of Respiratory Care Practitioners world-wide, some foreign hospitals will hire new graduates.
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