The Respiratory
Therapy Program, founded in 1971, is co-sponsored by the University of Mary and St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, North
Dakota. The program prepares people for the bachelor of science degree in respiratory
therapy.
Students majoring in respiratory therapy complete two years of pre-professional
course work at the University of Mary, or any other accredited college or university, followed by
two full years of professional preparation at St. Alexius Medical Center. The professional program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
(CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC).
Graduates are eligible to sit for the registry examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC),
leading to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Requirements for licensure in the state of North Dakota are met by graduates who successfully complete the NBRC examinations.