Respiratory therapy care student practicing skills

Advance Your Career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist

Are you ready to propel your career in respiratory therapy to new heights? Daytona State College offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science degree in Cardiopulmonary Science, available fully online with optional in-person class meetings on our Daytona Beach Campus. Our program is the first of its kind in the Florida College System to seek national accreditation, positioning you at the forefront of advanced respiratory care education.

Why choose our Cardiopulmonary Science program

  • Meet the growing demand: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14% increase in the job outlook for Respiratory Therapists over the next decade. With a Bachelor’s degree from Daytona State College, you'll be ready to meet the rising demand for highly skilled professionals.
  • Advanced curriculum: Our program addresses the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. You’ll gain expertise in management, education, research, legal and ethical issues, quality improvement, advanced technical competencies, advanced pharmacology, and pathophysiology.
  • Leadership and innovation: Graduates of our program are equipped to lead. You’ll have the knowledge and skills to manage moderate complexity labs, take on leadership and educational roles, and participate in drafting legislation for direct provision and billing of services through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Career advancement opportunities

As a graduate of our program, you’ll unlock numerous career advancement opportunities, including:

  • Expanded scope of practice: Broaden your clinical skills and take on more complex patient care responsibilities.
  • Leadership and education roles: Step into leadership positions or become an educator, guiding the next generation of respiratory therapists.
  • Complex lab management: Master the management of moderate complexity lab tests, such as ECMO and ABG.
  • Tele-health medicine: Be at the cutting edge of healthcare by providing care through tele-health platforms.

Program highlights

  • Flexible learning: Enjoy the convenience of completing your degree online, with optional in-person meetings to enhance your learning experience.
  • Pioneering program: Be part of the first accredited Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science degree advancement program in the Florida College System.
  • Comprehensive education: Our curriculum is designed to provide a deep and broad understanding of the cardiopulmonary field, preparing you for a wide range of advanced career paths.

Admission requirements
To apply for the Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science program, you must:

  • Have earned an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science entry-level Respiratory Care degree from a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredited program.

Why Daytona State College
Daytona State College is committed to providing exceptional education that meets the highest standards. Our accelerated program offers the flexibility you need to advance your career while balancing work and personal commitments. Join a community of dedicated professionals and take the next step in your journey toward excellence in respiratory therapy.

Elevate your career and make a significant impact in the field of respiratory therapy. Apply to Daytona State College’s Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science program today and become a leader in your field!

RT student with equipment in the lab

Expand your career opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 14% increase in the job outlook for Respiratory Therapists over the next 10 yearsThe need for Respiratory Therapists with bachelor's degrees has increased locally and nationwide due to the increasing scope of practice, regulatory requirements in labs, and to fill roles in leadership and education. 

Respiratory care technology

Additional Information about the Degree

RT students in the lab

Application Deadlines

The program will include content associated with management, education, research, legal and ethical issues, quality improvement, advanced technical competencies, advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology. Graduates will have an expanded scope of knowledge in the cardiopulmonary field, opportunities in leadership and education, manage moderate complexity labs, opportunities in tele-health medicine, and participate in drafting legislation to allow direct provision and billing of services through Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Daytona State's program will be the first BS in Cardiopulmonary Science degree program in the Florida College System to seek provisional accreditation from CoARC.  

Daytona State College is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for a Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science degree advancement program. However, Daytona State College can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC.

The program will be eligible for federal financial aid and the state’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program.  

Accreditation Statement

Accreditation of degree advancement programs is a voluntary process that requires a comprehensive review of the program relative to the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) standards.  While the process is voluntary, it provides programs with external validation of their educational offerings.  Additionally, the process offers prospective degree advancement students ones means by which they can judge the quality of the educational experience offered by the program. 

Accreditation provides consumer protection, advances and enhances the profession of Respiratory Care, and protects against compromise of educational quality.  Accreditation also supports the continuous improvement of these educational programs by mandating continuing reassessment of resources, educational processes, and outcomes. 

CoARC current accreditation status is approval of intent to establish accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science degree advancement program at Daytona State College. Continuing accreditation process takes approximately 3 years to complete.  Assigned CoARC program number 510036.

Outcomes data and accreditation status for all programs can be found at www.coarc.com.

264 Precision Blvd.  Telford, TN 37690 USA | 817-283-2835

Daytona State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associates and bachelors degrees.  Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.  Questions about the accreditation of Daytona State College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website www.sacscoc.org

Contact us

Melanie McDonough, MS, RRT - Program Director, Professor
Misty Carlson, MS, RRT - Professor
Stephanie Parlamanto, MBA, RRT - Associate Professor
Kent Harman, MD - Medical Director