Respiratory Therapy Program
Our Mission
Inspired by and under the patronage of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla we prepare respiratory therapists who are servant leaders that will transform health care for everyone at each stage of life.
Our Vision
Our vision is that our graduates will become competent, ethical, compassionate and caring registered respiratory therapists who think critically, engage in evidence-based practice, function as expert resources to physicians and other healthcare professionals, assume leadership roles, and respect the dignity of the human person.
About Us
The professional phase of the Respiratory Therapy Program is located at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, where students have access to dedicated classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and clinical education facilities. Co-sponsored by the University of Mary and CHI St. Alexius Medical Center, the program blends rigorous academic preparation with immersive clinical learning experiences.
Clinical rotations are intentionally designed to provide meaningful patient care experiences that help students develop the confidence, critical thinking, and professional skills needed for success as respiratory therapists. Small class sizes foster individualized attention and mentorship, allowing students to learn directly from experienced faculty who are recognized authors, researchers, and leaders in the profession. Faculty-to-student ratios are maintained at 1:4 in classroom and laboratory settings and 1:1 during clinical education experiences, ensuring personalized instruction and support throughout the program.
Students may pursue either a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT), which can be completed in as little as 3.3 years, or a Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT), which can be completed in as little as 4.3 years. Graduates meet the educational requirements necessary to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing examinations. Those who successfully complete the credentialing process earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, the recognized national standard for professional respiratory care practice.
Our History
The Respiratory Therapy Program began in 1971 at St. Alexius Medical Center as a hospital-based program with no formal ties to a college or university; nevertheless, prerequisite college courses in math and the sciences were required for admission to the program. The program was started by a physician husband-and-wife team with specialties in anesthesia, pulmonology, and critical care. As a result, a legacy of physician involvement in the education of respiratory therapists was started, which persists today.In 1982, St. Alexius Medical Center formalized a co-sponsorship agreement with its sister institution, the University of Mary. Originally, the University awarded program graduates the Associate of Science degree. In 1991, the University of Mary approved a Bachelor of Science degree entry level curriculum, eliminating the A.S. degree.In 2012, the University of Mary approved a Master of Science entry level curriculum designed for individuals with baccalaureate degrees in other fields. Before the master’s option was implemented the program could only offer a second BS degree to such applicants.In 2017, the University of Mary approved a Bachelor of Science (RRT to BSRT) curriculum designed for individuals with an associate degree in respiratory therapy. This program serves and assists the Respiratory Care profession in degree advancement.