College of Science and Health
Respiratory Care 3+2

Elevate Your Respiratory Therapy Expertise to Masterful Levels with Benedictine University’s 3+2 Program in Respiratory Care

Embark on a transformative journey to the pinnacle of respiratory therapy practice with Benedictine University’s prestigious 3+2 Program in Respiratory Care program. In partnership with Rush University, we offer an unparalleled educational experience that will empower you to become a leader and innovator in this dynamic healthcare field, and provide you with access to a vibrant network of healthcare professionals and educators. Collaborate with peers, engage with experienced faculty, and forge lifelong connections that will enrich your professional journey.

Graduate with the confidence to pursue specialized career paths in respiratory therapy. Our program opens doors to opportunities in critical care, neonatal care, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, and education, allowing you to make a lasting impact in your chosen area of expertise.

How does the program work?

The 3+2 program between Benedictine University’s undergraduate BA degree in Biology and Rush University’s master’s program in Respiratory Care is uniquely designed for leadership and advanced practice preparation. Rush’s master’s program, which is typically full-time and lasts two years, combines advanced coursework with diverse clinical fieldwork and research to thoroughly prepare students for careers as advanced-level respiratory therapists.

B.A. and M.S.

When you major in Biology (BA) as part of the 3+2 program in Respiratory Care at Benedictine University, you will follow a three-year sequence of liberal arts and science courses. You are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. Before March 1 of your junior year, you will have the opportunity to apply to Rush University’s Master of Science program. Successful completion of the entire 3+2 program results in a Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedictine University and a Master of Science degree from Rush University.

Program Highlights

• Rush University offers the only respiratory care master’s degree program in Illinois.
• Students gain hands-on experience at top-tier academic medical centers in Chicago.
• The program prepares students for entry-level and advanced respiratory therapist exams.
• Students experience Rush’s innovative practitioner-teacher model in which faculty assume multiple roles as educators, researchers and practitioners.
• The programs have a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that each student receives individualized attention.

A Master’s degree in Respiratory Care opens doors to a wide range of rewarding and fulfilling career opportunities in the healthcare industry.

Here are some of the potential career paths you can pursue with this qualification:

Respiratory Care Educator: With a Master’s degree in Respiratory Care, you can become a respiratory care educator, teaching the next generation of respiratory therapists through classroom instruction, clinical supervision, and laboratory training. You’ll play a crucial role in shaping the future of the profession by imparting your knowledge and expertise to aspiring respiratory therapists.

Clinical Research Specialist: As a Clinical Research Specialist, you’ll conduct and participate in clinical research studies focused on respiratory care. You’ll work closely with healthcare professionals and researchers to develop and implement research protocols, gather and analyze data, and contribute to the advancement of respiratory care practices.

Neonatal Respiratory Therapist: Neonatal respiratory therapists specialize in the care of premature infants and newborns with respiratory problems. They provide specialized respiratory support, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and nebulizer treatments, to help these vulnerable patients thrive.

Critical Care Respiratory Therapist: Critical care respiratory therapists manage the respiratory care needs of critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). They work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide advanced respiratory support, monitor patient status, and implement treatment plans to optimize patient outcomes.

Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics Specialist: Cardiopulmonary diagnostics specialists perform specialized tests to assess the function of the heart and lungs. They conduct electrocardiograms (EKGs), spirometry tests, and pulmonary function tests to evaluate patients for respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases.

These are just a few examples of the many exciting and rewarding career opportunities available with a Master’s degree in Respiratory Care. With your strong foundation in respiratory care principles, advanced clinical skills, and leadership expertise, you can make a profound impact on the lives of others while pursuing a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare.

Here is an example of some courses you may take in the Respiratory Care program:

• Science Applications Laboratory
• Principles of Organismal Biology
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Survey of Psychology

Respiratory Care Courses

Respiratory Care Courses include: MATH, BIOL, CHEM, PHYS, CMSC, PHIL

Lisle undergraduate course descriptions

Requirements – Respiratory Care 3+2 Track

To complete the 3+2 Respiratory Care track, students must apply to Rush University by March 1st of their junior year. Students will then spend the first year (Fall, Spring, Summer) of their Master of Science in Respiratory Care program at Rush University, taking a minimum of 30 semester hours of courses. These courses will count toward the final 30 credits of their undergraduate degree at Benedictine University and will be transferred to Benedictine as BIOL 5777 elective credit only. To officially graduate from Benedictine University, students must complete a minimum of 120 credits between Rush University and Benedictine. A maximum of 30 credits of BIOL 5777 can be counted toward a student’s Benedictine undergraduate degree.

To receive their B.A. in Biology degree, students must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework in the M.S. in Respiratory Care program at Rush with a grade of “C” or better. Students should apply for graduation through MyBenU by the Fall of their senior year at the latest to graduate in the Summer of their senior year.

After completing their first year at Rush University with at least 30 earned credits, students should request an official transcript be sent to Benedictine University to receive credit toward their bachelor’s degree and graduate in the Summer of their Benedictine senior year. Upon successful completion of the remaining year of coursework (92 semester hours total), Rush University will confer the M.S. in Respiratory Care degree.

Principles of Participation

Most healthcare professional schools do not require that you study a specific academic major. Many students choose Health Science or Biology because there is significant overlap of major courses and prerequisites. However, we recommend that if you have a passion in another area, you can and should major in that area. Graduates who do this find they can incorporate this area of passion into their professional life for a more satisfying career. In addition to your academic (major) advisor, all pre-health profession students should work with a pre-health advisor to guide you in choosing courses that are required for entry into the medical or other healthcare professional school of your choice. Your pre-health advisor will also work with you to ensure that your extracurricular activities are appropriate for successful admission to a healthcare professional program.

The Office of Pre-Health Professions Programs is responsible for supporting students interested in a health profession career. The office is the primary advising center within the University for the health professions and provides career information to students interested in medicine (allopathic and osteopathic), pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, veterinary science, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. This office also coordinates health profession practica. Additional programs are available in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Science, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Radiation Therapy through the Bachelor of Arts in Biology program, and prepare students for progression into Rush University’s MS in Respiratory Care.

Benedictine students and alumni interested in a health professional school after graduation and who meet the criteria are eligible to participate in the HPRC process.

Please read through the information below carefully. Should you have any questions, please contact Karen Mulacek, the HPRC Coordinator.

Visit the  HPRC page