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.

• Transfer application process
• Credits and transfers

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

How to apply

Applications are considered on a competitive basis each admission period. The Respiratory Care Admissions Committee governs the selection process. Applications are due Feb. 1.

1. Meet with an Advisor
   • It is highly recommended to meet with the program director and/or a CHS Student Services advisor prior to submitting an application.
2. Read the application information
   • The application information has additional information for the application, recommendation, observations, courses, technical standards and the required letter to the admissions committee.
3. Application form
   • Please complete the application form prior to submitting other materials.
     • Online application form
       • Complete all pages of the Respiratory Therapy Application to the best of your ability. Please be aware of spelling or other errors. The application form will need the following information:
         • Personal information
         • Academic background
         • Experience (employment, volunteer, previous academic information, organization memberships, current or past licensures, awards, etc.)
         • References / recommendations
         • Observations of job shadowing (optional) including facility information, dates, and a description of your experience
         • Final statements
           • Confirm your understanding and ability to meet the technical standards as listed in the application information.
         • Provide contact information for your two recommenders.
           • Choose two people who are capable of assessing your work and potential to pursue an academic degree. References should include people from at least two different categories:
             • Supervisor / employer
             • College professor / TA
             • High school teacher
             • Organizational leader or advisor (e.g. Scout Leader, FBLA advisor, etc.)
             • Athletic coach
             • Other who has supervised you in a work or academic setting
             • References should not include relatives, family, friends or neighbors
           • If these chosen people are willing to complete a recommendation form for you, enter their information in the application form, and they should receive an email with the recommendation form included.
           • If they do not receive the recommendation form for any reason, you may send them the direct link (https://forms.office.com/r/p2mW8LVnMY) or use the PDF form in the folder.
4. Remaining application materials
   • Application Checklist is for your benefit but does not need to be turned in.
   • Letter to the Admissions Committee. Create a letter to support your application following the information listed in the Application Information.
     • This should be submitted in a Word, text or PDF file. We are unable to view Mac “.pages” files.
     • Attach this file along with the Observation form(s) and the academic course list to an email and email it to umcshprespther@missouri.edu.
   • Observations. Complete eight 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, include a scanned copy of your completed observations in partial fulfillment of this requirement .
5. Application fee. Submit the $40.00 Respiratory Therapy Program application fee. We are currently unable to accept student charge.
   • Check or money order
     • Made out to the University of Missouri
     • Include application and program in the notes
   • Cash
     • Must be exact change
     • Do no send cash via mail, make an appointment to drop it off
   • Credit/debit card
     • Pay online via Touchnet

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

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 umcshprespther@missouri.edu.

If you wish to be considered for admission you must be available for an interview. Interviews are typically face-to-face at Lewis Hall; however, online interview accommodations can be made 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.

Early Admission

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

Early Admission Eligibility

• Must be, at minimum, a high school senior but have no more than 30 credit hours of earned college credit
• Hold a current GPA of 3.75 OR be top 10% rank in your high school OR have a minimum composite ACT of 30 / SAT of 1330

All selected Early Admission students will need to:

• Complete required pre-requisite and general education courses at the University of Missouri
• Maintain continuous enrollment (excluding summers) at the University of Missouri
• Maintain a cumulative GPA minimum of 3.50
• Achieve a minimum of B- in all prerequisite courses
• Must choose or change their major to Respiratory Therapy – Pre Health Sciences – Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences during application to the University of Missouri
• Make an appointment with the program director, Jennifer Keely (KeelyJL@umsystem.edu), to discuss your interest and application.
• Instructions
• Complete the application form (https://forms.office.com/r/H3wadPcwNh)
• Email proof of your current GPA, high school rank or ACT/ SAT score(s) to umcshprespther@missouri.edu
• Choose 2 people who will complete a recommendation form and get their contact information (the email will be used to send the recommendation form)

Instructions

1. Complete the application form (https://forms.office.com/r/H3wadPcwNh)
2. Email proof of your current GPA, high school rank or ACT/ SAT score(s) to umcshprespther@missouri.edu
3. Choose 2 people who will complete a recommendation form and get their contact information (the email will be used to send the recommendation form)

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;
  • Students should be prepared to show their government issued social security card for clinical vetting, if requested to do so.
    • Students who have a valid social security number but do not have their government issued social security card will need to get a replacement through the Social Security Administration.
    • International students who need to obtain a social security number should visit International Student and Scholar Services for information about identification documents.
• Submit to a 14 panel drug test;
• Obtain certification in BLS (Basic Life Support) through the American Heart Association. This certification must be maintained throughout the 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.