B.S. in Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapy Profession

Respiratory care is a specialized health profession focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. The practice includes the administration of gas mixtures by various devices, application of mechanical ventilators to assist or control breathing, maintenance of airways, administration of drugs by inhalation, assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, monitoring of heart and lung functions of critically ill patients, the evaluation of patients in the cardiopulmonary laboratories, and education of patients and their families about lung disease and ways to maximize their recovery. Respiratory Care Practitioners, also called Respiratory Therapists, work at the bedside alongside physicians, nurses and other health professions. Respiratory Therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, sleep laboratories, physician offices, patient homes, air transport and ambulance service programs to name a few.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 19 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. This increasing demand for respiratory therapists will come from substantial growth in the middle-aged and elderly population who tend to suffer most from respiratory ailments and cardiopulmonary diseases such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and heart disease. Growth in demand will also result from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in case management, disease prevention, emergency care, and the early detection of pulmonary disorders.

Program Information

Beginning fall of 2008, Salisbury University offers its Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG).

  • Classes at Shady Grove are taught at USG and Salisbury University via interactive video.
  • Clinical experiences are available at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and area hospitals.
  • As an advanced practitioner program, graduates qualify for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams.
  • SU has the only Committee on the Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC)-accredited baccalaureate respiratory therapy program in Maryland.
  • Students have access to all of USG's facilities, as well as all of Salisbury University's facilities, from the library to the gym.
  • Graduates earn a Salisbury University diploma and may participate in commencement exercises in Salisbury.

Admission Procedure

  1. Click here to apply online to Salisbury University

    • All official transcripts from all previous academic institutions attended must be on file in the Salisbury University Admissions Office.

    • Ordinarily, students must have completed all general education requirements.
      • Students must hold a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or better
      • Students must hold a grade of C or better in science and math prerequisite

  2. Submit the Intent to Enroll form prior to February 10th of each year along with an unofficial copy of transcript(s) to:

Adriana Guerra, MPH, RRT
Program Coordinator
Respiratory Therapy Program at Shady Grove
Building I Room 307
9640 Gudelsky Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20850-3480

Click here for more admission information

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition rates for programs offered at USG are those of the degree-granting institution. Financial aid is awarded by the institution offering the degree program and facilitated by the USG Office of Student Services.

Contact Information

For more information on the Respiratory Therapy Program at Shady Grove, please contact Adriana Guerra, Program Coordinator, at 301-738-6334 or arguerra@salisbury.edu.