Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science

The Cardiopulmonary Science Program at LSU Health Shreveport, fully-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, provides academic and clinical education leading to the Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science degree. Students have many educational and clinical opportunities as they gain professional experience in the allied health specialties of respiratory care and cardiovascular technology. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Registered Respiratory Therapy credentialing exam.

What does a Respiratory Therapist do?

Respiratory Therapists are an integral part of the healthcare team and a valued member in all patient populations. Respiratory Therapists are responsible for the delivery of oxygen therapy, medicated breathing treatments, and bronchial hygiene and the institution and monitoring of mechanical ventilation. These procedures are provided for a variety of patient populations from premature infants to the geriatric patient populations.

Career Settings & Opportunities

Respiratory therapists work in acute care hospitals, long-term acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, and in the home health setting. The therapist will work in general floor care areas, emergency room, and in the intensive care units for adult, pediatric and, neonatal populations. Therapists also have the opportunity to work in managerial, educational, or equipment sales positions. With the cardiac courses and clinical rotations offered in the LSU Health Shreveport Cardiopulmonary Science Program, some graduates have pursued employment in echocardiography. Graduates of the program are also potential candidates for graduate education courses in masters and doctoral programs. 1. Minimum 2.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA (4.0 scale) 2. Minimum 2.5 GPA in required pre-requisite courses (4.0 scale). 3. Grade of “C” or better in required pre-requisite courses. 4. Pre-requisite courses earned from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class: • English Composition, 6 credit hours • Mathematics, 6 credit hours (College Algebra required; Trigonometry recommended) • Medical Terminology, 3 credit hours • General Chemistry / Lab, 4 credit hours • General Physics / Lab, (> 200 level recommended), 4 credit hours • Microbiology / Lab, 4 credit hours • Human Anatomy and Physiology I / Lab, 4 credit hours • Human Anatomy and Physiology II / Lab, 4 credit hours • Science Elective, 3 credit hours • Fine Arts Requirement, 3 credit hours • Humanities, 9 credit hours • Social/Behavioral Science, 6 credit hours

RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS

2020 MEDIAN PAY $62,810 per year | $30.20 per hour NUMBER OF JOBS, 2019 135,800 JOB OUTLOOK, 2019-29 19% (Much faster than average)

WEBSITE: WWW.LSUHS.EDU/CPS

PATHWAY: Feeder College (2 Years) + LSU Health (2 Year) = Bachelor of Science (4 Years) APPLICATION METHOD: Allied Health Centralized Application Service (AHCAS) CLASS SIZE: 12 students accepted per year APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15

Admission Requirements

CONTACT Admissions and Records Office