Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science

The Department of Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science offers the following campus and online degree and certificate programs:

Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Care Programs
  • Bachelor of Science - KUMC CampusKUMC campus-based program provides the required curriculum for students who wish to enter the profession of respiratory care and work as a respiratory therapist.
  • Bachelor of Science - Degree Advancement (Online): Program available for students who have already earned an associate degree and the RRT credential and wish to complete a bachelor's degree in respiratory care. 
    • Concurrent Enrollment Option: ​​Students currently enrolled in a regionally accredited AS/AAS degree respiratory care program may be eligible to concurrently take up to 9 credit hours toward the bachelor's degree advancement program.
  • Bachelor of Science - International Degree Advancement (Online): Program available for international students who live and work outside the United States as respiratory therapists or healthcare providers who specialize in care of respiratory care delivery.
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Science 
  • General Diagnostic Science: Curriculum is designed for students who have previously completed an AS degree in imaging and wish to complete a professional advancement bachelor's degree that focuses on leadership, management, simulation, population and global health, and advanced understanding of healthcare systems and disease management.
  • Cardiovascular Sonography Concentration: Curriculum prepares students to credential in adult echocardiography and either pediatric echocardiography or vascular technology.
  • Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology Concentration: Curriculum focused on abdominal, obstetric and gynecological sonography, and vascular technology prepares students to become Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Registered Vascular Technologists.
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology Concentration: Curriculum prepares students to safely and properly use radiopharmaceuticals and use highly technical cameras and computers while preparing for national registry exams.

Certificates in Diagnostic Science 

Applicants that meet admission qualifications can elect to complete a certificate only in Cardiovascular Sonography or Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology.

  • Cardiovascular Sonography Certificate: Curriculum prepares students to credential in adult echocardiography and either pediatric echocardiography or vascular technology.
  • Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology Certificate: Curriculum focused on abdominal, obstetric and gynecological sonography, and vascular technology prepares students to become Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Registered Vascular Technologists.

The Department of Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science is a part of the School of Health Professions on the medical center campus of the University of Kansas. KU Medical Center is located in the heart of the Kansas City metropolitan area at 39th and Rainbow Boulevard – about 40 minutes away from the main KU campus in Lawrence, Kansas.