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Finish in as few as 15 months with start dates available twice a year.

This program allows Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) who have earned an associate’s degree to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Sep 26, 2025

 Oct 20, 2025

Fit your studies around your schedule with an online format.

All RT courses are taught by credentialed and licensed Registered Respiratory Therapists.

According to the BLS, the highest-paid RRTs earned more than $104,480 in 2023.¹

This 30-credit program empowers RRTs to pursue leadership, research, and education with minimal career disruption.

Earned associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program.   

Admission requirements for the LSU Health Shreveport BS in Cardiopulmonary Science online program are as follows.

Current RRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care. 

Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

*The CPS program is competitive, accepting up to 24 new students each calendar year, offering a tailored curriculum designed for the Respiratory Therapist.

Minimum 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for all required pre-requisite courses. 

The online BS in Cardiopulmonary Science from LSU Health Shreveport is a Degree Advancement Program that uses your existing knowledge to help you earn a focused, career-relevant bachelor’s degree. The curriculum equips you with the leadership skills, clinical expertise, and research knowledge to advance your career or pursue graduate studies. Earn a flexible degree that aligns with industry standards and become a well-rounded leader in respiratory care. 

Increase Your Salary with a Bachelor's Degree

The BS in Cardiopulmonary Science can lead to higher earning potential. While the average salary for Registered Respiratory Therapists is competitive, a bachelor's degree equips you with advanced skills and qualifications. Ultimately, the degree makes you a stronger candidate for specialized roles and larger salaries.

According to the BLS (2023)¹

Graduates of the BS in Cardiopulmonary program will experience increased opportunity for professional and career growth and be rendered eligible to pursue graduate education. This degree is also in alignment with the AARC official position statement on 'Entry Requirements to Respiratory Therapy Practice: 2030 and Thereafter' which specify an eventual minimum bachelor’s degree to practice."

Dr. Tim Gilmore 

Program Director, Associate Professor 

Cardiopulmonary Science Program 

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The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. While we strive to use reputable sources, we do not control the content provided by third parties. Visit ce.lsu.edu or online.lsu.edu for more information. Complete degree program admission requirements are not listed on this page. Alternative requirements may be applied depending on your personal situation. All programs of the LSU system are accredited under the institution’s accreditation (A&M, Shreveport, Alexandria, Eunice, HSC-NOLA, H-Shreveport). Visit online.lsu.edu for more information.

¹Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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