The College is now on the Summer Work Schedule through August 4, 2023, and will close Fridays at noon.

Respiratory therapy care student practicing skills

Advance Your Career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist

Pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Daytona State College will offer an accelerated Bachelor of Science degree in Cardiopulmonary Science that can be taken fully online, with options for in-person class meetings on the Daytona Beach Campus, beginning in Fall 2023. The program addresses the increasing demand for Respiratory Therapists with advanced training and skills. The program has already received approval from Florida’s State Board of Education.

Applicants must have already earned an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree from a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredited program. Respiratory Therapists will be able to advance their careers with:

  • Expanded Scope of practice
  • Opportunities in leadership & education
  • Management of moderate complexity lab testing (ECMO, ABG)
  • Opportunities in tele-health medicine

The program anticipates approximately 100 students per year and applications can be submitted year-round.

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.  

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