Respiratory Therapy Degree – Wayne State College Nebraska

Explore the Respiratory Therapy degree program

Saving lives – that’s essentially what you’ll be doing as a respiratory therapist. As a health professional specializing in respiratory therapy, you’ll be the one people go to if they have a breathing problem, such as asthma or lung disease. You’ll also be the one to provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes, drowning, or shock. Your career will take you many places in the medical field, including hospitals, clinics, or EMS services.

In the Respiratory Therapy degree program, you’ll spend your first three years at WSC, then attend an approved program for the final year to complete clinical requirements. Once completed, you’ll have a Life Sciences degree from WSC, and you’ll be ready to take on the challenge of rescuing patients who are having problems with breathing.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Fast facts

Degree options: B.A. or B.S. in Life Sciences/Respiratory Therapy

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne); one year at professional school of choice

Program credit hours: 88-89

Life Sciences core (12-13 credit hours)
Respiratory Therapy concentration (41 credit hours)
Clinical year (35 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice

Department: Life Sciences

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Respiratory therapy topics covered

Human anatomy and organ systems
Chemical processes and reactions
Fundamental aspects of organic chemistry
Immunology and the immune system
Physiological processes of the human body
Structure and physiology of microorganisms
CPR for adults and children

Student learning outcomes

Students will be able to interpret core concepts in biology
Students will be able to apply concepts in biology to internships and/or student research
Students will be able to accurately communicate core concepts in biology

Clinical year

During the clinical year in the Respiratory Therapy program, students gain practical skills and apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world laboratory setting. Respiratory Therapy students typically complete their programs and rotations through the University of Nebraska Medical Center (Kearney or Omaha) or Nebraska Methodist College (Omaha).

Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find respiratory therapy career opportunities. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Types of employers:

Hospitals and medical clinics
Respiratory care centers
Rehabilitation centers
Nursing homes
Home health care services
Patient transport centers
Diagnostic labs
Wellness centers

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Life sciences core courses (12-13 credit hours)

Credits: 4
Description: The first course for Biology majors. A grade of C- or better in this course is a prerequisite for all biology courses in the biology concentration. A study of the microscope, basic cell structure and function, DNA replication, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, evolution, population biology, and diversity. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: One year of high school biology or BIO 102 Biology for General Studies
Credits: 4
Description: Emphasis on nomenclature, atomic structure, bonding, gaseous and liquid states, equilibrium, and stoichiometry. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: High school chemistry or CHE 102 Chemistry for General Studies
Choose one of the following:
- PHY 201 General Physics I (3 credits) – An algebra-based general physics course intended primarily for health professions, life science and education students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: 2 years of algebra.
- PHY301 University Physics I (4 credits)– A calculus- based general physics course intended primarily for scientists, pre-engineers, computer and math majors and advanced health professional students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: High school physics and MAT 140 Calculus I or equivalent calculus class.
Plus:
PHY 321 Physics Laboratory I (1 credit) – Concurrent enrollment in PHY 201/301 recommended but not required. This laboratory is a required course for both PHY 201 General Physics I and PHY 301 University Physics I. Experiments, appropriate to the level of lecture, include topics in mechanics, momentum, work and energy, and fluids. 3 hours lab. Physics lab fee of $20 required.

Respiratory therapy concentration courses (41 credits)

Credits: 4
Description: Study of the anatomic structure of the human organism. The 11 organ systems of the human and representative quadrupeds will be examined in detail with lecture, dissection, and other laboratory exercises. Dissection is required of all students taking this course. An understanding of human anatomy is beneficial for students that will ultimately enroll in advanced courses of cell biology, histology, comparative vertebrate embryology and anatomy, and parasitology. Having training in human anatomy is also beneficial for students interested in health-related and biomedical careers. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: BIO 110 Biology Concepts
Credits: 4
Description: A study of the fundamental physiological processes of the human body. Functions of the 11 organ systems will be studied. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisites: BIO 220 Human Anatomy, CHE 106 General Chemistry I
Credits: 4
Description: Topics of study detail the structure and physiology of microorganisms including mechanisms of pathogenesis. Beneficial aspects of microorganisms are also discussed with regard to both the human body and the environment. Lab techniques include microbial identification, enumeration procedures and student designed research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, CHE 106 General Chemistry I
Credits: 3
Description: The topics for this course will include the biological, physical, and chemical properties of antigens and antibodies, host-antigen interaction, humoral and cellular response mechanisms, serologic reactions, mechanisms of antibody formation, hypersensitivity, and the role of the immune response in cancer and organ transplants. 3 hours lecture-lab combined.
Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts; BIO 320 Molecular Genetics is recommended.
Credits: 3
Description: Develops the management art and science of planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling through people to make ideas materialize within economic constraints of a business enterprise. Develops ability to construct policy, to make scientifically sound decisions within that policy, and to establish ethical procedures to insure organized productive effort to intended objectives. Develops a management attitude, outlook, and ability.
Credits: 4
Description: A continuation of CHE 106 with emphasis on kinetics, redox reactions, molecular geometry, hydrolysis, electrochemistry, and solubility products. Qualitative analysis included. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 106 or by consent of instructor
Credits: 4
Description: Emphasis on nomenclature, functional groups, and organic structures as related to living matter. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 107 General Chemistry II
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the basic nutrients and their relationship to physical, mental, and emotional health. Nutritional requirements and dietary planning for all age groups. The use of the computer for dietary analysis, evaluation of the analysis, and application to daily eating habits.
Credits: 1
Description: AHA/BLS Healthcare Providers course modules one through four. Review of cardiovascular anatomy and function, causes of cardiovascular disease, and cardiac arrest. CPR for adults and pediatrics.
Corequisite or prerequisite: BIO 220 Human Anatomy
Credits: 3
Description: Presentation of physical, cognitive, social, and personality development throughout the lifespan. Development tasks will be presented.
Elective courses numbered 300 or above from any department (6 credits) – For a complete listing of courses and their descriptions, view the course catalog.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Respiratory Therapy at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

Chemistry (minor)
Physics (minor)
Spanish (major or minor)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Respiratory Therapy program may also be interested in:

Biology (B.A. or B.S.)
Chemistry / Health Sciences (B.A. or B.S.)

Meet the professors

Life Sciences Department faculty

Douglas Christensen, Ph.D.

Professor

Buffany DeBoer, MSE

Instructor

Mark Hammer, Ph.D.

Professor

Michael Mutehart, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Shawn Pearcy, Ph.D.

Professor

Danielle Peekenschneider, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Jillian Wormington, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Respiratory Therapy Degree Program

Explore the Respiratory Therapy degree program

Fast facts