Respiratory Care

Major

The School of Science and Technology in Partnership with Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing (BRCN) and Health Sciences

The Respiratory Care program prepares students for hands-on, patient-centered careers in healthcare. Students learn how to assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions while working closely with physicians, nurses, and healthcare teams.

Nursing student using a stethescope.

Opportunities & Outcomes

The Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences, in partnership with Quincy University, offers a joint Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care that prepares students to deliver diagnostic and therapeutic care for patients with heart and lung conditions. Through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experiences, students develop strong technical skills, critical thinking, and professional confidence. Grounded in Quincy University’s Catholic Franciscan values, the program emphasizes compassion, service, and respect for human dignity while preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives.

Career Pathways

Clinical Respiratory Care Roles

  • Registered respiratory therapist (RRT)*
  • Respiratory care practitioner
  • Critical care or ICU respiratory therapist
  • Neonatal or pediatric respiratory therapist

Healthcare & Clinical Settings

  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Intensive care and emergency departments
  • Outpatient clinics and physician offices
  • Long-term care or rehabilitation facilities

Specialized & Advanced Practice Areas

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Sleep disorders or diagnostic testing
  • Home healthcare respiratory services
  • Transport or trauma respiratory care

Education, Leadership & Advancement

  • Clinical educator or preceptor
  • Respiratory care supervisor or manager
  • Healthcare administration or leadership roles
  • Graduate study in healthcare or related fields

Programs of Study Offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care

Application Requirements

Interested students must submit the following materials to Quincy University:

  • Quincy University application and Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing (BRCN) application
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Official ACT or SAT scores (optional)

Once accepted to Quincy University, BRCN will review your application file and determine program acceptance. After successfully completing the freshman year, students begin Respiratory Care coursework and clinical experiences at Blessing-Rieman in their sophomore year.

Program Progression

  • Complete respiratory care pre-requisite courses and general education courses at Quincy University.
  • Begin respiratory courses as well as clinical experiences on the Blessing-Rieman College Campus in the sophomore year
  • Practice skills at our Simulation Center and complete over 900 hours of hands-on clinical experiences

Accreditation

The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and provisionally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science

Bonaventure Program

Every QU student’s foundation for our liberal arts education, involving service learning, signature courses, writing, technological literacy. Program Requirements

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