Online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science
Designed for practicing respiratory therapists
30-credit hour degree completion program
Focus on leadership, management, education, research, and advanced clinical concepts
Flexible format designed for working professionals
Accredited
Accreditation
The Cardiopulmonary Science Degree Advancement program, CoARC #510035, Bachelor of Science degree awarded through LSU Health Shreveport at 1450 Claiborne Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103, hold Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit.
Admissions
The CPS program is competitive, accepting up to 24 new students each calendar year, offering a tailored curriculum designed for the Respiratory Therapist.
Apply by
Sep 25, 2026
Classes begin
Oct 12, 2026
Admission Criteria
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
- Current RRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care
- Academic qualifications from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university:
- Completion of an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate coursework attempted
- Minimum of 50 earned undergraduate credit hours, including successful completion of course credits in the following subject areas:
- 6 credit hours of English
- 6 credit hours of Mathematics
- 9 credit hours of Natural Science*
- 9 credit hours of Humanities (e.g., Literature, Foreign Languages, History, Classical Studies, Communications, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Interdisciplinary)
- 3 credit hours of Fine Arts (e.g., Music, Visual Arts, Applied Arts, Theatre, Dance, Interdisciplinary)
- 6 credit hours of Social or Behavioral Sciences (e.g., Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, International Studies, Interdisciplinary, Political Science; Psychology, Sociology)
- 11 additional credit hours in courses from any subject area
*Applicants must complete 9 credit hours of Natural Science: 6 hours in a single life science (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology) or physical science (e.g., Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Astronomy/Meteorology), and 3 hours in a natural science area other than that previously selected. Both life and physical science must be taken.
Tuition
LSUHS offers competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 30 credit hours1
- Total credit hours per program
- $355
- Cost per credit hour
- $10,650
- Total cost with fees
*Actual cost per credit is $354.55 with 30 credit hours total. This makes the total cost $10,636.50.
LSU Online also offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.
* The online Cardiopulmonary Science – Degree Advancement Program does not accept transfer credits from other institutions or programs to substitute any required courses in its curriculum.
Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSUHS offers multiple ways to help you fund your education, including financial aid, veteran education benefits, and credit for prior learning. Learn more ›
1 A bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours. However, the BS in Cardiopulmonary Science is designed specifically for students who hold a CoARC-accredited Associate's degree (e.g., Associate of Science or Applied Science) in Respiratory Therapy and possess a valid RRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care. This program provides the final 30 credit hours needed to complete your bachelor’s degree, allowing you to build on your previous education and graduate faster.
Academics
Graduates of the online cardiopulmonary science degree program will gain the skills to become experts in patient care and respiratory therapy.
What Will I Learn?
Students will learn to do the following:
- Management Skills: Develop and assess pertinent policies and/or procedures that affect patient care in the arenas of safety, quality, and productivity.
- Leadership Skills: Recognize essential roles of leadership pertinent to patient care and professional practice.
- Research Skills: Interpret core concepts of key research findings after critical appraisal of scientific literature (i.e., clinical practice guidelines, refereed journal publications).
- Instructional Skills: Utilize the concepts of learning styles to implement educational programs in a clinical, academic, or non-traditional setting.
- Clinical Skills: Formulate and/or appraise detailed treatment plans for patients with cardiopulmonary disease to enhance patient care and recovery.
Courses
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
CPSO 4200: Issues & Trends in Respiratory Care |
3 |
CPSO 4205: Introduction to Public Health |
3 |
CPSO 4210: Interprofessional Healthcare & Practice |
3 |
CPSO 4220: Respiratory Care for Special Populations |
3 |
CPSO 4180: Professional Development in the Health Sciences |
3 |
CPSO 4230: Culture & Ethics in Respiratory Care |
3 |
CPSO 4190: Introduction to Research & Statistical Methods |
3 |
CPSO 4215: Leadership Theory |
3 |
CPSO 4225: Advanced Survey of Cardiopulmonary Disease and Diagnostics |
3 |
CPSO 4240: Capstone |
3 |
1Completion of this program in 10 months is based on an intensive course load, and students are welcome to take up to 24 months to complete.
Testimonials
We are looking forward to offering this bridge opportunity for associate-degree Registered Respiratory Therapists to attain their BS degree, all online, creating opportunity for the many working professionals that will require a non-traditional option for their educational pursuits.
Careers
LSU Health Shreveport's online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science equips you with the skills and knowledge to advance your career in respiratory therapy.
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13 percent by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. (Source: BLS)
Career Opportunities
Since the LSU Health Shreveport incoming students are already Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs), the online bachelor's degree in Cardiopulmonary Science empowers them to transcend their current roles and pursue exciting new career paths. This program equips them with the knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities to excel in the following areas:
- Respiratory Care Program Educator
- Supervisor, Manager, or Administrator
- Research Coordinator
- Graduate School (i.e., APRT Program) Candidate
- Clinical Educator
- Enhanced Respiratory Care Practitioner
- Case Manager or Liaison
- Biomedical Company Clinical Specialist
- Pharmaceutical Representative
