Cardiopulmonary Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)The Cardiopulmonary Sciences Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree at Valencia College provides an opportunity for A.S. degree Respiratory Therapists (RRT) and Cardiovascular Technologists (RCIS or RCES) to further their education and increase their potential for career advancement.
The curriculum offers advanced courses in the cardiopulmonary system, the health care system and an introduction to research, leadership and education. The majority of the program is presented in an online format, which allows for a great deal of flexibility for the working professional. The cardiac ultrasound labs are held on the West Campus. Valencia College is the only school in Central Florida to offer this B.S. degree.
Concentrations
- Community Health
- Leadership
Program Details
Coursework
Lower-division Coursework
To fulfill the lower-division (first half) of the Cardiopulmonary Sciences bachelor's degree, you must complete an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree from a regionally accredited institution in one of the following areas.
Choose from two A.S. Degrees:
A.S. in Respiratory Care
A respiratory therapist's main function is to assist physicians in treating patients
who experience heart-lung problems that interfere with breathing, such as chronic
asthma or emphysema. You'll work to restore the heart-lung system to normal function
using therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art equipment.
A.S. in Cardiovascular Technology
Cardiovascular technologists work side-by-side with cardiologists to diagnose and
treat heart disease. You'll use the latest medical technology to conduct tests on
pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients and assist in electrocardiograms,
cardiac catheterizations and similar tests.
(Valencia College will also accept a completed A.S. degree in Cardiopulmonary Technology, offered by some other institutions, for admission into the upper-division coursework.)
Upper-division Coursework
The BS degree includes 37 credits of upper-division course work, including 24 credits of Cardiopulmonary Core Requirements, 3 credits of Cardiopulmonary Sciences Electives and a 10-credit concentration.
After completing a qualifying lower-division associate degree, you may move on to the upper-division (second half) of the Cardiopulmonary Sciences bachelor's degree. Students choose from a concentration in Community Health, as well as from electives in Teaching in the Health Professions, Principles of Human Resource Management and Administration and Supervision.
Concentrations
Community Health
This concentration will prepare you to provide health education to help people within
the community manage acute and chronic cardiopulmonary illness. You'll gain an understanding
of clinical approaches for prevention and treatment of chronic illness, as well as
an overview of the public health system. You'll apply this knowledge to work within
acute care facilities, long-term care, outpatient centers and homecare environments.
Leadership
The concentration provides specialized course work for those aspiring to, or already
in, leadership positions within their respective health professions. You will gain
knowledge and skills related to healthcare administrative and supervisory duties which
will enable you to more effectively perform leadership roles within healthcare.
Admissions and Program Details
Admissions and Program Details
Cardiopulmonary Sciences is a limited-access program. For admission requirements and updates, program application and deadlines, see the following.
Steps to Completion
7 Steps to Your Bachelor’s Degree
1. Complete your associate degree in one of three eligible fields (including all prerequisites):
- Cardiopulmonary technology
- Cardiovascular technology
- Respiratory care
2. Hold professional certification in your respective discipline.
3. Submit the online Valencia College application for the bachelor's program, as well as all college transcripts, and pay the $35 application fee. This fee is waived for active Valencia College students who hold an Associate in Arts degree from Valencia or an Associate in Science degree from Valencia to a bachelor degree at Valencia.
4. Once you've been accepted to Valencia College as a candidate for B.S. Cardio, submit the Health Sciences B.S. Cardio application, along with your professional certification, and contact the program advisor.
5. Once you've been accepted to the B.S. degree, complete the online bachelor's orientation.
6. Register for classes.
7. Graduate with your B.S. degree.
PROGRAM LENGTH
128 credits
You can complete the entire B.S. degree program in as little as four years. Or, if you already have an eligible associate degree in the field, you can complete your upper-division studies in as little as two years.
Career Outlook
Job Outlook
Between 2020 and 2030, employment is expected to grow by 24 percent for respiratory therapists and 14 percent for cardiovascular technologists.
More and more hospitals and medical facilities are requiring cardiopulmonary and respiratory care practitioners to hold bachelor's degrees. Completing this program will open many doors for advancement in your professional career. In an advanced position within the cardiopulmonary sciences, you will manage high-tech equipment and oversee technologists and the procedures they perform.
Potential Careers
- Respiratory Care Management/Administration
- Cardiovascular Management/Administration
- Higher Education
- Community Health Educator
AVERAGE SALARY RANGE
$43,700 – $78,000
($22.60 – $31.25 per hour)
Career Center
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407-582-1507