Respiratory care is devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the respiratory system. Respiratory therapists must have a thorough understanding of normal pulmonary anatomy and physiology and of the pathology and treatment of various breathing-related disorders. They work in adult and pediatric hospitals, in some nursing homes, and for a growing number of home care companies. They give medications and various special breathing treatments to patients with acute or chronic pulmonary disease. Respiratory therapists are life-support specialists, setting up artificial ventilators for patients of all ages who cannot breathe for themselves.

The program at NKU is 5 semesters long, including summer sessions with a curriculum of 74 semester hours. Besides didactic, lab, and clinical training in basic respiratory care, the first year includes courses in chemistry and anatomy and physiology. Successful completion of the program leads to the degree of Associate of Applied Science and to eligibility for the CRT and RRT credentialing examinations given by the National Board for Respiratory Care. After passing the CRT exam, the graduate is eligible for a Kentucky Mandatory Certificate or for licensure in another State.

In addition to admission to Northern Kentucky University (NKU) the applicant must:

1. Submit a completed Respiratory Care Program Application for Admission;
2. Observe the work of a therapist employed in a hospital respiratory care department and submit a completed Respiratory Care Observation Form.

Admission to the program is gained via a selective admissions process that includes an evaluation of academic credentials. After unrestricted admission to NKU he or she will be considered for acceptance into the first term program under the following minimum criteria;

GPA: 2.3 or higher for previous college work

ACT: 19 or higher composite on Enhanced ACT

Courses: Algebra, chemistry and biology in high school or college with grades of "C" or better.

Math: enhanced ACT math subscore of 18 or higher, or

Advanced level on NKU Math Placement Test, or

MAH 099 Intermediate Algebra at NKU