DSU's respiratory care program will equip you to help people of every age and walk of life breathe better. You'll learn the scientific principles underlying cardiopulmonary physiology and see them in practice. In the end, you'll be able to find work in many practices from acute care hospitals to pulmonary function laboratories to clinics to home care.

DSU is the only university in South Dakota offering this degree. All our faculty hold the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) national credential. In addition, the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

The respiratory care programs are designed as either an associate or bachelor?s degree. As a student, you'll first complete the?associate degree?during your first two years. You'll start with general education classes on campus. Then, you'll have clinicals at our primary affiliate hospitals: Avera McKennan and Sanford Hospitals in Sioux Falls or Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City.