bachelor of science in respiratory care bachelor of science in respiratory care the bachelor of science in respiratory care (bsrc or bscrc) is a four-year academic degree in the science and principles of respiratory care, granted by a tertiary education university or similarly accredited school. in the united states one is eligible to sit for the nbrc-wre licensing examination to become a registered respiratory therapist after graduating from either a two-year program with an associate degree or from a four-year program with a bachelor's degree, the bachelor's degree prepares respiratory practitioners for a professional role away from the bedside with coursework in science, research, leadership, and informatics. respiratory care practice students awarded a bachelor of science in respiratory care are qualified to sit for the three credentialing examinations nbrc-ele, nbrc-wre, and nbrc-cse and apply for licensure as a registered respiratory therapist.