Bachelor's of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT)

The LAVC Bachelor's of Science in Respiratory Care program allows current students and recent graduates a pathway to complete a four-year degree without having to transfer and offers a way for licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP) to return for degree completion. The online cohort-based program provides needed skills to enhance RCP performance and professional advancement in today's healthcare environment.

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist, you have the opportunity to advance your career with the Bachelor's of Science in Respiratory Therapy program at LAVC. This program will prepare you to handle complex respiratory cases, conduct research, and lead health care teams. You will benefit from the guidance of experts in the field and the exposure to the most current industry standards and best practices. Upon graduation, you will have the skills and knowledge to succeed in various settings and roles within the respiratory care profession.

Our BSRT program goal is to provide graduates of entry into respiratory care professional practice degree programs with additional knowledge, skills, and attributes in leadership, management, education, research, and /or advanced clinical practice that will enable them to meet their current professional goals and prepare them for practice as advanced degree respiratory therapists. 

BSRT Program Student Learning Outcomes
 

  1. Leadership - Students will be able to apply the essential leadership and management skills necessary to lead effectively within healthcare organizations, ensuring quality patient care, team collaboration, and sustainable department operations.
  2. Research - Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to critically analyze respiratory therapy literature, design and conduct research studies, apply ethical research practices, evaluate and interpret data, and effectively communicate findings.
  3. Communication – Students will be able to apply interpersonal and professional communication skills that result in effective interaction with others, including patients, families, physicians, healthcare professionals, students, and faculty both orally and in writing.
  4. Professional Attributes – Students will be able to demonstrate professional integrity, respect diverse perspectives, and apply ethical principles to ensure high-quality patient care and compliance with healthcare standards.
  5.  Knowledge - Students will be able to achieve knowledge and understanding of issues outside of the traditional respiratory care area to fully participate in multidisciplinary rounding.

If you would like more information or have further questions, please contact Cheryl Pearson via email at bsrtprogramdirector@lavc.edu

Contact Information

Program Director:
Cheryl Pearson

Email:
@email

Phone:
(818) 778-5887

Location:
Allied Health & Sciences Building (AHS) #309

Department:
Health Science

Pathway:
Health and Public Services

Eligibility and Program Requirements:

All BSRT applicants must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredited Respiratory Care Program (such as the Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy at LAVC) with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Possessing a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential is desired.

Potential applicants may also include any of the following:

  • Students currently enrolled in the Associate of Science Respiratory Care program at LAVC who intend to continue to the Bachelor of Science Respiratory Therapy program or,
  • New graduates from other programs who have completed an accredited Respiratory Therapy program equivalent to an AS in Respiratory Therapy and are California licensure eligible or,
  • Respiratory Care Practitioners who have completed an accredited Respiratory Therapy program equivalent to an AS in Respiratory Therapy and have California licensure as RRT.
  • Students who do not have the RRT credential upon admission to the program may be admitted as a CRT; however, prior to graduation they must achieve the RRT credential.

General Education Requirements:

•        At least 36 semester/54 quarter units of general education is required, with at least nine (9) semester/13.5 quarter units of upper division general education coursework

•        Completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) satisfies the lower division general education requirement of the baccalaureate degree.

•        Students who have been fully California State University General Education (CSUGE) or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC [UC or CSU version]) certified or who have been awarded a Certificate of Achievement in CSU GE Breadth or Certificate of Achievement in IGETC, shall be considered to have Certified met lower division general education (GE) for the baccalaureate (BA) degree. The certification or certificate award must be posted on the certifying or awarding community college's transcript

•  LACCD Baccalaureate Degree general education requirements are fully satisfied by students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by one of the following United States institutional accrediting agencies.

a. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

b. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), formerly North Central

    Association of Colleges and Schools

c. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

d. New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on

    Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)

e. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

f. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on     

   Colleges (SACSCOC)

g. WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCU)    

Unit Requirement:

A combination of lower division and upper division coursework totaling a minimum of 120 semester/180 quarter units with a minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units at the lower division, associate level, and a minimum of 40 semester/60 quarter units of upper division courses.

Total Minimum Units required for the BSRT: 131

•        Elective units: Degree- applicable units needed to reach a minimum of 120 semester units

•        Minimum of 36 General Education (GE) units

•        9 Upper GE Division units

•        31 Major Units

 

When to Apply

Approximately 30 students will be admitted each year to begin the BSRT program in the Fall semester.

Students should apply in the Spring semester for the following Fall semester. The deadline to submit the application is July 31st for Fall semester.

This is an online cohort-based program and courses are offered in sequence. Credit may be given for previous coursework. You will be considered a full-time student for this program.

Cost

The enrollment fee for the upper-division bachelor’s degree program courses is $130 per unit (for California residents).

Please be aware of the payment fee policy.  You can learn more about it here: Payment Fee Policy | LAVC

An estimated total cost of the program (tuition) for California residents is approximately $5,200* for enrollment fees. Book fees are extra and will vary depending on where and how they are purchased. Student health fees are $11.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for qualifying students and may be used to offset these additional costs. 98% of our students receive State, Federal, or private financial aid, or participate in the Board of Governors' Fee Waiver Program. For more information, contact the LAVC Financial Aid Office via email at ​@email or by telephone at ​(818) 938-8418.

We highly encourage everyone to apply for FAFSA or the California Dream Act before applying to the BSRT program regardless of the acceptance. For more information, visit the FAFSA website or CA Dream Act.

Application Process

Students may only apply during the active application cycle in the Spring for the following Fall semester for the BSRT program.

The deadline for the BSRT application is June 30th. 

All students except current and returning LAVC students need to submit a college application by applying online.

Apply to LAVC

All official transcripts from U.S. colleges and universities outside the LACCD must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Records from the institution of origin before requesting a CSUGE or IGETC Evaluation.

You can request transcripts in one of two ways:

1. Electronically via Parchment.com, OR

2. By regular mail. If your school does not use Parchment, the transcript must be mailed by your previous institution directly to Admission and Records at LAVC.

Los Angeles Valley College
C/O Admissions and Records Office
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, CA 91401

Important notes:
• To be an eligible applicant to the BSRT program, official transcripts must be on file by June 30th, 2024.

• Transcripts issued directly to the student or another party, even if in a sealed envelope, will not be accepted.

• Once LAVC receives your official transcript, please allow 15 business days for processing.

• Check your student email for verification. If you did not receive an email notification to your student email confirming your transcripts have been received, please visit Admission and Records Live Chat.

The BSRT degree requires completing one of the following general education patterns before the program.

Have you completed a CSUGE or IGETC certification at LAVC or another regionally accredited community college or a university?

If yes, please proceed to STEP 4.

If not, please meet with a counselor so they can advise you on the appropriate classes. To make an appointment with the Counseling Department please click on the link Counseling Appointments or email Ratha Koam at @email.

Important notes:

Make sure you have official transcripts of all schools attended on file in Admissions and Records, or at least bring unofficial transcripts to your counseling appointment.

Applicants must complete the Respiratory Therapy Bachelor's Degree Online Application, which will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Please be prepared to answer all questions in one sitting.

Please have the following ready:

• Information ready to complete prior educational history and prerequisite grades.

• Have digital copies (PDF or Word files) of all unofficial transcripts showing completed prerequisites.

• All applicants must meet with a Career Education counselor via Zoom or in-person to review transcripts and be provided with resources such as financial aid information. To make an appointment with our Career Counselor Ratha Koam, email @email or call (818) 778-5754.

Complete the application by typing directly on the form.
Download the BSRT Application

Submit a completed application using the link below.
Upload the BSRT Application

Upper Division Course Sequence


Fall Semester will consist of two 8-week sessions. Two 3-unit courses will be offered during each session.

Session 1 - Fall Semester

  • Resp Th 310 Advanced Respiratory Critical Care and Pharmacology (3 Units)

  • Anthro 325 Medical Anthropology: Evolution, Culture, and Health (3 Upper Division GE Units)

Session 2 - Fall Semester

  • Resp Th 320 Respiratory Disease Management and Wellness (3 Units)

  • Soc 325 Medical Sociology: Health and Diversity (3 Upper Division GE Units)

 


The Winter Session is 5 weeks long and consists of two 3-unit courses.

  • Resp Th 330 Medical Quality for the RCP (3 Units)
  • Resp Th 340 Respiratory Care Case Management (3 Units)


The Spring Semester will consist of two 8-week sessions offering two 3-unit courses each.

Session 1 - Spring Semester 

  • Resp Th 350 Evidence-based Critical Care Research in Respiratory Care (3 Units)

  • Bio 408 Pharmacology (3 Upper Division GE Units)

Session 2 - Spring Semester

  • Resp Th 410 Advanced Neo/Peds Critical Care (3 Units)
  • Resp Th 420 Respiratory Care Leadership and Management (3 Units)


Summer Session is 8 weeks, offering two 3-unit courses.

  • Resp Th 430 Case-based Clinical Pulmonary Medicine (3 Units)
  • Resp Th 440 Principles of Health Care Education and Educational Leadership (3 Units)


The Fall Semester is 16 weeks, offering one 4-unit course.

  • Resp Th 450 Respiratory Therapy Capstone Research Project (4 Units)
Program Meeting

A mandatory information meeting about the BSRT degree program will be a week before classes start for the Fall semester. We will review the student handbook and answer any questions about the schedule and the program. 

 

Faculty

Dr. Rothfeld
  • Pulmonary Fellowship University of North Carolina
  • Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Diseases
  • Faculty at University of Southern California School of Medicine (Critical Care) 1979-1983
  • Clinical Professor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC 1983-2019
  • Private Practice, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine 1983-2011
  • ICU Medical Director Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center 2004-2012
  • Medical Director Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center 2008-2012
  • Medical Director LAVC Respiratory Therapy Program 1987-present
  • Professor of Practice, Keck Graduate Institute of the Claremont Colleges 2007-present

 

Edwin RT
  • Education:  Doctorate Degree Medical School University Padova - Italy 
  • Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program Los Angeles Valley College 
  • Profession: Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles
  • Respiratory Care Practitioner at Children's Hospital Los Angeles         
  • Adjunct Faculty Respiratory Therapy Program at Los Angeles Valley College
  • PALS Instructor
  • NRP Instructor 
  • Hobbies: Play Guitar and Keyboard
  • Swimming, Exercise, Woodworking. Trying to learn Golf and Archery.

 

Roman Kazariants

 

  • My success story began at the Valley College. As an RT student, I was offered a job during the last clinical rotation and remain employed there. I obtained Adult Critical Care and Neonatal Pediatric credentials while working as a respiratory therapist at Barlow Respiratory Hospital.
  • In 2018, I was nominated Barlow's best employee, and in 2020, I received a graduate degree.
  • I'm a Manager of respiratory services at Barlow and an adjunct Professor at LAVC Respiratory Department.
  • I like long and challen​​​ging hikes, biking, paddle boarding, and scuba diving; the latest challenge I got involved in is skydiving. 

    Good luck and thank you for joining our challenging and rewarding career path.

 

Cheryl Pearson

Education: 

  • Master of Arts in Human Resource Management – University of Redlands
  • Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy – Indiana University of Pennsylvania​​​​​​

Experience: 

  • Program Director - BSRT program at LAVC
  • Director of Clinical Education –ASRT program at LAVC.
  • Full-time faculty 2012 - present

  • Manager of Respiratory Therapy department – St. John’s Camarillo and St. John’s Regional  

  • Adjunct faculty at LAVC 2008 - 2010

  • Pulmonary function and ABG lab supervisor

Faculty
  • PhD in Anthropology, UCLA
  • Teaches Human Biological Evolution (Anthro 101/111), Primate Lives (Anthro 116), Human Language and Communication (Anthro 104)
    • Coteaches Anthro 325
  • Areas of Interest - evolution of behavior; cooperation; primate behavioral ecology; evolution of language
  • Fun Fact - I enjoy reading science fiction books, watching the squirrels on campus, caring for my three cats and one dog at home, and going to see plays and musicals with my family.
  • Pronouns - she/her

 

Faculty
  • MA in Anthropology, UCLA.
  • Teaches Human Biological Evolution (Anthro 101) and Anthropology of Religion (Anthro 121).
    • Coteaches Anthro 325
  • Areas of Interest - qualitative research (surveys, focus groups, ethnographic interviews), religion, medical/psychological anthropology.
  • Fun Fact – I read a truly ridiculous amount, love musical theater, and have two cats named after my favorite drag artists (Jinkx Monsoon and Sasha Velour).
  • Pronouns - she/her.

Faculty
  • PhD, MA in Sociology, UC-Riverside
  • Teaches Introduction to Sociology, American Social Problems, Sociological Analysis, Race and Ethnic Relations, Human Sexuality, Sociology of Gender, Popular Culture 
    • Coteaches Sociology 325
  • Interested in race, class, and gender inequality; social movements and social change; volunteerism and civic engagement; media and popular culture; political sociology
  • Role in department: Program Effectiveness and Planning Committee (PEPC) Chair
  • Fun Fact - When I was in high school, my grandfather was a track and field coach at LAVC and he taught me how to drive in the parking lot on campus.

Faculty
  • PhD in Sociology, University of Southern California
    • MA Sociology, BA Sociology & Social Work, CSUN
  • Teaches Statistics, Sociology of Gender 
    • Coteaches Sociology 325
  • Interested in Gender, Race, Class, Intersectionality
  • Role in department: Teaching & Learning Workgroup 
  • Fun Fact - First generation college student & USAF veteran

Natalie Pilikian

  • M.S. in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California

  • Teaches General Microbiology (Microbiology 20), Introduction to Human Anatomy (Anatomy 1), Introduction to Biology (Biology 3) and Biology 408

  • Interested in the role of microorganisms in the environment and human life

  • Role in the Department- Professor

  • Fun Fact - I love animals and used to foster dogs while in graduate school. 

 

My journey in healthcare and education began at East Los Angeles College, where I graduated as a Respiratory Therapist. With numerous career opportunities available, I chose to work at UCLA Medical Center to gain valuable clinical experience and foster personal growth. My dedication and hard work led me to one of my most significant educational experiences at UCLA, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. This degree provided me with a strong scientific foundation, enhancing my understanding of the human body and fueling my passion for helping others.

I continued my education at Northeastern University, graduating with a Master’s in Respiratory Care, with emphasis on how people learn. This combination of science and education has profoundly influenced my career.

At UCLA Medical Center, I advanced from Respiratory Care Practitioner I to RCPII, eventually becoming a supervisor. During my time there, I had the privilege of working with diverse patient populations across various hospital areas, including floor care, the emergency department, and critical care. I was also fortunate to mentor colleagues in the Neurotrauma ICU and Cardiothoracic ICU, roles that challenged me intellectually and enhanced my mentoring skills. Specializing in pediatric cardiothoracic care was a highlight of my career, as I had the opportunity to work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. Assisting with open-chest surgeries, intubations, emergencies, and advanced treatments such as Heliox and Nitric provided immense satisfaction. My passion for respiratory care also extended to mentoring and nurturing young professionals while delivering critical care to our youngest patients, which was both a privilege and a blessing.

As a Manager at Santa Monica Orthopedic Hospital, I tackled complex cases and streamlined operations. However, it was my role as the Director of Clinical Education at Los Angeles Valley College and East Los Angeles College-Santa Monica College Respiratory Therapy Program that truly ignited my passion for teaching. I enjoyed developing innovative programs and watching students grow into confident, capable practitioners.

Today, as the Chair of the Health Sciences Department and Program Director for the Santa Monica College Respiratory Care Program, I am dedicated to shaping the future of respiratory care education. I strive to create an environment where students not only learn but thrive, preparing them to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Throughout my career, a deep commitment to advancing Respiratory Care and empowering others through education has been the common thread. Each role I’ve held has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of knowledge and mentorship, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and discovery at LAVC’s Respiratory Therapy Bachelor’s degree.

Education:

  • MBA | Southern New Hampshire University

  • BSRC | Boise State University 

  • AS in Respiratory Therapy | Los Angeles Valley College (Proud Class of 2010!)

What I Do:

  • Leadership Role | UCLA Health 

  • Adjunct Faculty | LAVC RT and BSRC Programs (teaching the program that launched my career.)

  • Presented at AARC, EuroELSO, SEECMO, and UCLA Lung Transplant Symposium

Teaching Style:

  • Practical. Direct. Supportive. I teach the way I wish I was taught, lots of real-world insight, clear expectations, and honest feedback.

  • My goal is to make you think like a clinician, not just pass exams.

Fun Facts:

  • I used to play soccer competitively, and now I’m trying basketball (jury’s still out).

  • I love road trips with my family and working on DIY projects that should probably be left to professionals.

Graduation Requirements  

Here is the link to the webpage:  https://www.lavc.edu/admissions/graduation