Program News
July 17, 2007, Orlando — AARC Members Network with Health Occupations Students at HOSA


Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Sciences

Academic Learning Compact

What is Cardiopulmonary Sciences?

In cardiopulmonary sciences, respiratory therapists conduct prescribed therapy and diagnostics for cardiopulmonary patients, either in a hospital, clinic, or home-care environment. Respiratory therapists are life support specialists who assist physicians in stabilizing cardiopulmonary parameters in patients with a wide range of medical and surgical problems. A therapist's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, patient assessment, direct patient care, life support through the use of mechanical ventilators, obtaining arterial blood gasses, hemodynamic monitoring of critically ill patients, and rehabilitation of the pulmonary and cardiac systems.

Opportunities in Cardiopulmonary Sciences

Graduates in cardiopulmonary sciences provide services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, local health departments, clinics, private offices, mobile units and laboratories. Excellent career opportunities for respiratory therapists exist in intensive care units of hospitals, emergency and trauma centers, diagnostic laboratories, physician groups, flight medicine, pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation centers and home care. Beyond acute care clinical practice, respiratory therapists with four-year degrees typically qualify for advancement to supervisory or managerial positions in respiratory care departments, and are often sought as educators and clinical consultants in many healthcare environments.

As the health industry continues to grow and change, respiratory therapists will continue to grow and change with it. The aging population will produce a substantial growth for the need for professionals in this and other healthcare fields. Employment opportunities are expected to be highly favorable for respiratory therapists with neonatal care and cardiopulmonary care skills. Rapid growth in firms that provide respiratory care on a contract basis will also continue to create a demand for respiratory therapists.

Applicant Requirements

• Completion of the UCF general education (GEP) course work (including foreign language requirements) or an A.A. degree from a Florida community college
• A minimum overall 2.5 GPA
• A clear criminal background check must be on file with the program before an interview will be scheduled.
• Prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "C". Prerequisite courses are primarily in math and science. A review of CPS pre-requisites can be found: http://www.ucf.edu/catalog/current/UCF_Degree_Programs/dp_cardio.htm

Application Procedures

Submit UCF applications to the undergraduate office by the appropriate deadline listed in the catalog (www.ucf.edu/catalog/current). Also submit a separate program application to the Program in Cardiopulmonary Sciences no later than March 1 of the year admission is sought. The program faculty will interview applicants meeting minimum admission criteria. The interview will be scored based on professional appearance, general aptitude, interpersonal skills, attitude toward profession, current GPA and knowledge and experience regarding the cardiopulmonary sciences profession.

For information on prerequisites, admission requirements and the official program of study, please refer to the current UCF Undergraduate Catalog online.

2008 Cardiopulmonary Sciences Program Application

2008 Cardiopulmonary Sciences Program Reference Form