Respiratory Therapy

BHS admission and application

Admission criteria

  • Admission to MU. Non-Mizzou students will be required to apply for general admission to the University of Missouri before applying to the Respiratory Therapy program.
  • Completion of general course prerequisites
  • Completed application packet submitted to admissions committee
  • Minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Evidence of interest and knowledge of the field
  • Minimum 8 hours of observation with a credentialed respiratory therapist
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal interview

Students who apply to the Mizzou Respiratory Therapy program must complete general education requirements prior to the August start and be at least a college sophomore in good standing. Juniors, seniors and college graduates may apply as well.

The first two years may be completed at any regionally accredited university, college or junior college if appropriate courses are available. Check with our Student Services Office to verify that any course you take off campus is transferable and meets MU requirements.

Certain requirements may be waived for those applicants with a previous degree. General education and prerequisite courses may be completed at any regionally accredited college/university with the approval of the University of Missouri.

Once accepted into the Respiratory Therapy program, students must achieve a grade of “C” (2.0) or above in all required courses to progress in the program.

Transfer students

Transfer students need to apply to the University of Missouri and be accepted by the University in order to be eligible for entrance into the Respiratory Therapy program. It is highly recommended that you contact the Respiratory Therapy program director and/or the School of Health Professions Student Services advisor early in this process.

International students

We expect international students to be proficient enough in English to:

  • Comprehend oral lectures
  • Participate in discussions
  • Read textbooks with full comprehension
  • Write effectively in English

Early admission

High school seniors and first-semester MU freshmen may be eligible to apply for early admission to the Radiography program.

How to apply

Applications are considered on a competitive basis each admission period. The Respiratory Care Admissions Committee governs the selection process.

Students wishing to apply for entry should request an application in mid to late October. Applications are due Feb. 1.

It is highly recommended to meet with the program director and/or a Health Professions Student Services advisor prior to submitting an application.

Department forms

  1. CDS Undergraduate Application. Complete the application form using your computer. Do not send a scanned copy. Digital & electronic signatures are accepted.
  2. CDS Clinical Immunizations Authorization Form. Compile your health history data to help you fill out the Clinical Immunizations Authorization Form. This is not a list of things for you to complete before the application due date. We only need to know your current status.
    1. Clinical Immunizations Authorization Form Supporting Materials. Submit a copy, screenshot or scan of your health record used to complete the Clinical Immunizations Authorization form. We do not need original forms.

Program application materials

  1. Read the Letter to the Applicant
  2. Download Application Information and follow the instructions carefully.
  3. Use/reference the Respiratory Therapy Application Checklist to tracking your packet materials.
  4. Complete Academic Course List.
  5. Read and sign the Technical Standards.
  6. Complete 8 hours of observation. Take the Observation Form with you and make sure the supervising therapist signs the form upon completion. You can scan the form or take a good quality photo and attach with your application materials.
    If you completed Rs_Thr 1000, attach a scanned copy of your completed observations through this course to fulfill the requirement.
  7. Submit the $40.00 Respiratory Therapy Program application fee. We are currently unable to accept student charge.
    • Check or Money Order
      • made out to University of Missouri
      • include applicant name and program in the Notes
    • Cash
      • must be exact change
      • do not send cash via mail, make an appointment to drop off
    • Credit/Debit card
  8. Distribute two Recommendation Forms to be returned directly to the Admissions Committee by February 1st. This should not be delivered by the applicant. You should have a recommendation form from 2 different categories.

The application packet materials and accompanying $40 MURT application fee must be received by Feb. 1.

We strongly recommend that you save a copy and/or make a photocopy of your completed application for your future reference.

After you apply

The Admissions Committee will review and evaluate your packet. You may inquire as to the status of your application at any time by emailing umhsshpcds@health.missouri.edu.

If you wish to be considered for admission you must be available for an interview. Interviews are typically conducted at the Columbia campus or Mercy Hospital site in St. Louis; however, online interview accommodations can be made for those at a distance with advance notice. Interviews will be conducted during February and/or March. You will be contacted regarding an appointment date and time. Following the interviews, a class will be identified. The accepted students and those not accepted will be notified 2-3 weeks after all interviews have been completed.

Acceptance to Respiratory Therapy program is contingent upon:

  • Acceptance by the University (non-MU students).
  • Earning grades of “C” (2.0) or better in all remaining program prerequisite courses.
  • Validation of previous coursework through inspection of official transcripts.
  • Successful completion of all clinical vetting requirements.

Transcripts

The Admissions Committee will obtain an MU transcript for all applicants. If the Mizzou Registrar’s Office has not received the applicant’s previous transcripts prior to Feb. 1, the applicant may not be eligible for an interview.

Accepted student requirements

  • Provide a current immunization record and update as required;
  • Complete a nationwide criminal background check as well as a caregiver screening through Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services using their social security number;
  • Submit to a 14 panel drug test;
  • Have current certification in BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Providers through any AHA (American Heart Association) certified course, this certification must be maintained throughout the entire professional phase of the program;
    • The Respiratory Therapy program will certify accepted students during the student’s professional phase.
  • Purchase scrubs, stethoscope and other materials for their classroom and clinical training;
  • Have reliable transportation;
  • Maintain the required minimum 2.5 GPA per semester as well as cumulative;
  • Successfully complete all pre-requisite courses; and
  • Follow all rules and regulations in the Respiratory Therapy Program Handbook.

In addition to meeting the academic and clinical education requirements, students must possess and exhibit those personal qualities and characteristics which are associated with patient welfare and professional trust. Should it be determined that these qualities and characteristics are not present in sufficient degree and that satisfactory growth and progress in this area is not being demonstrated, the student is subject to dismissal from the program.