Learn more about the Respiratory Therapy program

Get your Degree in Respiratory Therapy

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree in Respiratory Therapy is a career-oriented degree that is structured on an “inverted major” concept which builds an academic degree program around the Respiratory Therapy major the student has already completed. The major can be established from either the completion of an Associate of Applied Science Respiratory Therapy degree (or other associate degree title) or a combination of hospital-based training, registry/ licensure, and two years related work experience.

Students will receive no additional Respiratory Therapy training from Siena Heights University; instead, they can fulfill bachelor degree requirements through completion of upper-division coursework in areas such as, though not limited to, liberal arts, business, management, healthcare management, social science, etc. A prospective student will meet with an academic advisor,  prior to starting Siena coursework, to determine their remaining degree requirements including any possible credit to be completed outside of Siena.

Students can consider the addition of a minor to complement their degree plan; although, this is not a requirement. Many Siena Heights University Respiratory Therapy majors have completed the Health Care Management or Management minor within their degree plan.

In addition to credit accepted for non-traditional training such as hospital-based programs, Siena Heights University will award credit for the completion of National Board of Respiratory Care specialties such as Perinatal/ Pediatric Care Specialist or Pulmonary Function Technologist coupled with two years related work experience.

Have you submitted the Respiratory Therapy Online Degree Information Form? This is a great way to obtain more information about the program and the next steps to your degree completion!

Learn more about common Health Care degree completion options.

Some of the more common majors are listed below. For more information, please see the “Establish a BAS Major” page.

• Dental Hygiene
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• EEG Technology (Electroencephalograph Technology)
• Health Information Technology
• Health Studies (Contract Major: Please consult with advisor for details)
• Massage Therapy
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Neurodiagnostic Technology
• Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Occupational Therapy Assisting
• Physical Therapy Assisting
• Radiologic Technology
• Radiation Therapy
• Respiratory Therapy
• Surgical Technology
• Veterinary Technology

Learn more about common Public Safety degree completion options.

Harold Love, ’08 BAS Graduate, Public Safety Studies:

Some of the more common majors are listed below. For more information, please see the “Establish a BAS Major” page.

• Corrections (or Criminal Justice/Corrections)
• Fire Technology
• Hazardous Materials Technology
• Law Enforcement
• Paramedic Technology
• Public Safety Studies (Contract Major: Please consult with advisor for details)

Learn more about common Technical/Trade & Industrial degree completion options.

Some of the more common majors are listed below. For more information, please see the “Establish a BAS Major” page.

• Air Frame and Power Plant Technology
• Automotive Technology
• Aviation
• Aviation Maintenance Technology
• Climate Control Technology
• Construction Technology
• Drafting and Design Technology
• Electronics Technology
• General Technology (Contract Major: Please consult with advisor for details)
• Industrial Technology
• Nuclear Technology
• Power Technology
• Radiation Protection Technology
• Skilled Trades Technology
• 8,000 hour term Apprenticeable Occupations

Learn more about common Specialized Occupational degree completion options.

Some of the more common majors are listed below. For more information, please see the “Establish a BAS Major” page.

• Administrative Office Systems
• Architectural Technology
• Computer and Information Systems Technology
• Culinary Arts
• Hospitality Studies
• Legal Assisting
• Media Technology
• Occupational Studies (Contract Major: Please consult with advisor for details)
• Sign Language Interpreting

Learn more about how to establish a BAS Major.

A student can establish a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) major by presenting a qualifying Associate of Applied Science (AAS) major from a regionally-accredited/degree granting institution. Consult with an academic advisor to determine qualifying areas. Siena Heights University can also award a BAS major if at least ONE of the following criteria is met and the qualifying program/training is a minimum of 35 semester hours in length unless otherwise noted below:

• Completion of a qualifying technical or allied health program from an ACCSCT or other appropriately accredited non-degree granting institution;
  • For Example: Qualifying programs from Everest Institute, Health Enrichment Center, etc.,; or
• Completion of an appropriate qualifying MOCAC exam (currently 30 semester hours) or another equivalent nationally-recognized exam and has a minimum of two years related work experience;
  • For Example: Completion of the MOCAC Automotive Technology assessment and two years related work experience; or
• Completion of an appropriate hospital-based training program for health care programs, has related registry, certification or licensure and a minimum of two years related work experience;
  • For Example: Completion of an accredited Radiologic Technology hospital-based program, ARRT registry, and two years related work experience; or
• Completion of a specified professional, corporate, or military training program, has related registry, certification, licensure or its equivalent, and a minimum of two years of related work experience (a military major must include two years civilian work experience);
  • For Example: Completion of U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School and two years related work experience at a nuclear power plant; or
• Completion of a qualifying community college applied science certificate program, has related registry, licensure, or certification and a minimum of two years related work experience; or
  • For Example: Completion of a 35 semester hour length Dental Hygiene certificate program, licensure, and two years related work experience; or
• Completion of an individualized (mentored) program of study that leads to registry, certification, licensure or its equivalent and a minimum of two years related work experience; or
  • Ordinarily, this has applied to long-term professionals who receive training in individualized settings. Consult with an academic advisor for more information.
• Completion of one of the US Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship or Training (USDLBAT) programs using the following criteria:
  • Term of 8000 hours or more and verified by the US DLBAT Certificate of Completion and Apprenticeship; and
  • Related Trade Instruction completed from an appropriately accredited technical institution and records submitted to SHU; and
  • The apprenticeship must be in an occupational area where a major can be completed in a traditional community college program; and
  • Two years related work experience after the completion of the apprenticeship program is required;
    • For example: Completion of an 8000 hour Millwright Apprenticeship, RTI from a community college, and two years related work experience; or
• Under special circumstances, a BAS Contract major can be established under the coordination and approval of the BAS Program Coordinator, Registrar, and other university faculty.
  • For Example: Completion of Paramedic Program, licensure, and two years related work experience, Fire Fighting or other public safety training as a secondary area to establish a Public Safety Studies Major.

Other Important Notes about the BAS Major:

• The requirements for the BAS major are completed by fulfilling one of the above criteria. No additional courses toward the major will be required at Siena Heights University.
• Siena Heights University in appropriate cases may award semester hour credit for other substantial training which would not constitute a major.
• Unless otherwise specified and where applicable, 6 – 15 semester hours of credit will be awarded for two years related work experience.

Please consult with an academic advisor at any degree completion center for more information about establishing a BAS major.

Learn more about the Radiologic Technology program

Cari Ice • Radiologic Technologist

2009 Online Graduate

Bachelor’s Degree • Allied Health

About the Program 

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree in Radiologic Technology is a career-oriented degree that is structured on an “inverted major” concept which builds an academic degree program around the Radiologic Technology major the student has already completed. The major can be established from either the completion of an Associate of Applied Science Radiologic Technology degree (or other associate degree title) or a combination of hospital-based training, ARRT registry, and two years related work experience.

Students will receive no additional Radiologic Technology training from Siena Heights University; instead, they can fulfill bachelor degree requirements through completion of upper-division coursework in areas such as, though not limited to, liberal arts, business, management, healthcare management, social science, etc. A prospective student will meet with an academic advisor to determine their remaining degree requirements, including any possible credit to be completed outside of Siena, prior to starting to Siena coursework.

The Associate of Applied Science degree is also available on the Adrian and Southfield campuses.

Students can consider the addition of a minor to complement their degree plan; although, this is not a requirement. Many Siena Heights University Radiologic Technology majors have completed the Health Care Management or Management minor within their degree plan.

In addition to credit accepted for non-traditional training such as hospital-based programs, Siena Heights University will award credit [up to 24 semester hours] for additional ARRT specialty areas such as Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography coupled with two years related work experience.

Have you submitted the Radiologic Technology Online Degree Information Form? This is a great way to obtain more information about the program and the next steps to your degree completion!

Pikes Peak Sign Language Interpreter Preparation Graduates Can Complete BAS Degree

Siena Heights University and Pikes Peak Community College of Colorado Springs, Colo., have recently partnered to offer a unique totally online bachelor degree opportunity for Sign Language Interpreter Preparation graduates.

The articulation agreement between the two institutions allows PPCC Sign Language Interpreter Preparation graduates the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with SHU.

“The Bachelor of Applied Science degree is a career-oriented degree designed for professionals with allied health, public safety, technical, or vocational training and experience, and graduates of two-year occupational programs,” said Deborah Carter, SHU’s dean for the College for Professional Studies. “The BAS is structured on the ‘inverted major’ concept which builds an individually designed academic degree program around the allied health, public safety, technical or occupational major the student has already completed.”

The Associate in Applied Science degree in Sign Language Interpreter Preparation from Pikes Peak Community College transfers and qualifies as the BAS major at SHU. No additional coursework toward the major is required. Candidates may transfer up to 90 semester hours of credit from their associate degree program, other college study, college-equivalent military, corporate or professional training and/or CLEP testing. The Siena Heights online program offers completely online courses every 8 weeks geared to working adult professionals.

“The BAS degree builds on the specialized major brought to Siena Heights University and broadens the student’s intellectual horizons,” Carter said. “It is designed to take the candidate’s multi-faceted educational, training and work history fully into account in developing his/her program. We are extremely excited about what this partnership with Pikes Peak Community College promises.”

Unique Online Degree Opportunity Offered for NTC Sign Language Interpreter Graduates

Siena Heights University and Northcentral Technical College of Wausau, Wis., have recently partnered to offer a unique totally online bachelor degree opportunity for Sign Language Interpreter in Education graduates.

The articulation agreement between the two institutions allows Northcentral Sign Language Interpreter in Education graduates the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with SHU.

“The Bachelor of Applied Science degree is a career-oriented degree designed for professionals with allied health, public safety, technical, or vocational training and experience, and graduates of two-year occupational programs,” said Deborah Carter, SHU’s dean for the College for Professional Studies. “The BAS is structured on the ‘inverted major’ concept which builds an individually designed academic degree program around the allied health, public safety, technical or occupational major the student has already completed.”

The Associate in Science degree in Sign Language Interpreter in Education from Northcentral Technical College transfers and qualifies as the BAS major at SHU. No additional coursework toward the major is required. Candidates may transfer up to 90 semester hours of credit from their associate degree program, other college study, college-equivalent military, corporate or professional training and/or CLEP testing. The Siena Heights online program offers completely online courses every 8 weeks geared to working adult professionals.

“The BAS degree builds on the specialized major brought to Siena Heights University and broadens the student’s intellectual horizons,” Carter said. “It is designed to take the candidate’s multi-faceted educational, training and work history fully into account in developing his/her program. We are extremely excited about what this partnership with Northcentral Technical College promises.”

Dental Hygienists from Across the U.S. Can Achieve Their Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degree

The BAS Degree is a career-oriented degree designed for Dental Hygienists who have completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene (or related title). The major from the associate degree transfers and serves as the major with the Bachelor of Applied Science degree - a unique feature of the BAS degree. No additional Dental Hygiene courses are required to fulfill degree requirements.  

Siena Heights University's regionally-accredited Distance Learning Program provides upper-division coursework in such areas as liberal arts education, management and organizational theory, social science, health care management, etc.

Courses are offered in completely-online eight-week sessions - allowing a student to complete two courses per semester (or more, depending on the student's schedule).

SHU offers transfer-friendly policies, including acceptance of up to 90 semester hours in transfer credit.

For detailed program information and to start the process of evaluating your transfer credit, please call 866-937-2748 or email online@sienaheights.edu.

Visit the Important Documents section on this site to download an e-packet that highlights the Distance Learning Program!

SHU, Marion Technical College Join for Unique Online Degree Opportunity

Siena Heights University and Marion Technical College have recently partnered to offer a unique totally online degree opportunity for MTC radiography graduates.

The articulation agreement between the two institutions allows Marion Technical radiography graduates the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with SHU.

“The Bachelor of Applied Science degree is a career-oriented degree designed for professionals with allied health, public safety, technical, or vocational training and experience, and graduates of two-year occupational programs,” said Deborah Carter, SHU’s dean for the College for Professional Studies. “The BAS is structured on the ‘inverted major’ concept which builds an individually designed academic degree program around the allied health, public safety, technical or occupational major the student has already completed.”

The Radiography Associate in Science degree from MTC transfers and qualifies as the BAS major at SHU. No additional coursework toward the major is required. Candidates may transfer up to 90 semester hours of credit from their associate degree program, other college study, college-equivalent military, corporate or professional training and/or CLEP testing. The Siena Heights online program offers completely online courses every 8 weeks geared to working adult professionals.

“The BAS degree builds on the specialized major brought to Siena Heights University and broadens the student’s intellectual horizons,” Carter said. “It is designed to take the candidate’s multi-faceted educational, training and work history fully into account in developing his/her program. We are extremely excited about what this partnership with Marion Technical College promises.”

SHU, Miami Dade College Join for Unique Online Degree Opportunity

Siena Heights University and Miami Dade College have recently partnered to offer a unique totally online bachelor degree opportunity for sign language interpretation graduates.

The articulation agreement between the two institutions allows Miami Dade Sign Language Interpretation graduates the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with SHU.

“The Bachelor of Applied Science degree is a career-oriented degree designed for professionals with allied health, public safety, technical, or vocational training and experience, and graduates of two-year occupational programs,” said Deborah Carter, SHU’s dean for the College for Professional Studies. “The BAS is structured on the ‘inverted major’ concept which builds an individually designed academic degree program around the allied health, public safety, technical or occupational major the student has already completed.”

The Sign Language Interpretation Associate in Science degree from Miami Dade College transfers and qualifies as the BAS major at SHU. No additional coursework toward the major is required. Candidates may transfer up to 90 semester hours of credit from their associate degree program, other college study, college-equivalent military, corporate or professional training and/or CLEP testing. The Siena Heights online program offers completely online courses every 8 weeks geared to working adult professionals.

“The BAS degree builds on the specialized major brought to Siena Heights University and broadens the student’s intellectual horizons,” Carter said. “It is designed to take the candidate’s multi-faceted educational, training and work history fully into account in developing his/her program. We are extremely excited about what this partnership with Miami Dade College promises.”