New “3+2” program enables students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in respiratory care in 5 years

By Kate Hunger 

The School of Health Professions and the University of Texas at San Antonio in October launched a new program for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a master’s in respiratory care.

The Respiratory Care Early Acceptance Program (RCEAP) allows undergraduate UTSA students majoring in biology or kinesiology to receive conditional acceptance to UT Health San Antonio. Upon completing the program, students will have earned a bachelor of science in biology or kinesiology and a master’s in respiratory care.

The program allows students to complete both degrees in five years instead of six, said School of Health Professions Dean David Shelledy, Ph.D., RRT, FAARC, FASAHP.

“The new 3+2 model is a great example of an outstanding collaborative effort between UT Health and UTSA,” he said. “For students interested in pursuing respiratory care as a career, this new program represents a wonderful opportunity.”

The program addresses UTSA’s goal of increasing opportunities for students who want to pursue careers in healthcare or related fields, said UTSA Senior Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Dean of University College, Heather J. Shipley Ph.D.

“Respiratory Care is a program that students have an interest in and this program allows them to study at a top university that focuses on clinical experiences and has dedicated, experienced faculty,” she said.

 In addition to enabling UT Health San Antonio to recruit excellent students, the program also nurtures collaboration between the two campuses, Shipley added.

Applications for Fall 2020 are open.