The University of Missouri’s Respiratory Therapy program has been recognized as one of the top education programs in the country.  

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) selected Mizzou’s entry level Respiratory Therapy program and online degree advancement program for Registered Respiratory Therapists and to receive its 2025-26 Apex Recognition Award for education programs.  

According to the AARC, the award is meant to recognize “the significant contribution of respiratory therapists and highlight best practices in respiratory care that are aligned with evidence-based medicine.” 

MU’s Respiratory Therapy program has previously received the Apex Recognition Award from the AARC, including as recently as 2023. The program also has been consistently praised for its credentialing success, including receiving a 2024 award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care for Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success. This was the first time the degree advancement program was recognized.