Cardiopulmonary Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree
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 is the only school in Central Florida to offer this B.S. degree.
Program Overview
Review course descriptions, important dates and deadlines and other programs details in the official college catalog.
Program Length
Program lasts for 2-4 years. 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.
Want more information?
Our Health Science Advising Office is available to answer your questions, provide details about the program and courses, and to help you understand the admission requirements. Fill out this form to have the program staff contact you.
AS Degrees for Transfer
Average Salary
Cardiopulmonary Sciences average salaries ranges from $47,000 – $65,000 ($22.60 – $31.25 per hour)
Career Center
Explore Health Science related careers, salaries and job listings.
Admission into Cardiopulmonary Sciences
Important Information
- Current Program Guide
- College Catalog
- Program Changes/Updates (review before applying)
- Current Program Requirements
Application Information
- Application Deadline: No Deadline
- Begins: Fall, Spring, Summer
- After college BS admission, submit credential through Atlas email to AlliedHealthBS.ATC@valenciacollege.edu
Health Sciences Advising
The advising staff can answer program-specific questions, assist in career and educational planning, and offer expert educational guidance for students seeking career opportunities through the completion of an A.S. or B.S. Degree or a Certificate program.
Location, Hours and Contact
West Campus, Building 1, Room 130
407-582-1507
Mon-Thur: 8am-5pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Summer Hours Friday: 9am-12pm
enroll@valenciacollege.edu
7 Steps to Your Bachelor's Degree
- 1Complete your associate degree in one of three eligible fields (including all prerequisites):
- 2Hold professional certification in your respective discipline.
- 3Submit 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.
- 4Once 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.
- 5Once you’ve been accepted to the B.S. degree, complete the online bachelor’s orientation.
- 6Register for classes.
- 7Graduate with your B.S. degree.
Job Outlook
By the year 2018, employment is expected to grow by 21 percent for respiratory therapists and 24 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
- Clinical Practice in Non-Invasive Cardiology
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 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 40 credits of upper division course work, including 27 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 or Non-Invasive Cardiology, 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.
Non-Invasive Cardiology
From diagnosis to treatment, you’ll focus on managing cardiovascular disease from the patient perspective. Learn basic techniques of noninvasive ultrasound modalities used to evaluate disorders of cardiac circulation, cardiac valves and myocardium, pre-and post-procedure care and therapeutic measures to treat cardiovascular diseases. The Non-Invasive Cardiology concentration also includes a lab and clinical practice component, the labs are held on West campus.