Respiratory Care

Respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory care practitioners, address breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Working in exciting and dynamic environments, their services are integral in emergency rooms, clinics, sleep labs, hospitals, home care, research, leadership, and management.

Checkout KU's Respiratory Care Program

Respiratory Care at a Glance

A respiratory therapist helps patients who are having trouble breathing. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of doctors and treat a range of patients, from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. They give patients oxygen, manage ventilators, and administer drugs to the lungs.

Core 34 Pre-Admission Coursework:  Check Sheet (PDF), Accessible Check Sheet (PDF)

Core Pre-Admission Coursework:  Check Sheet (PDF), Accessible Check Sheet (PDF)

References: Typically, programs require two to three letters and are flexible as to who can write them 

Shadowing Experience or Introductory Course: At KU, students are required to complete RESP 200 (Intro to Respiratory Care).  Other programs may require shadowing instead of/in addition to a required course. 

Healthcare Experience: Recommended and should include patient contact 

Community Service/Leadership Experience: Recommended 

Research Experience: Not required 

Pre-Admission Standardized Tests: KU doesn't require any pre-admission exams, but some programs utilize the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) 

Student Organizations: International Pre-Health Sciences Organization, Delta Epsilon Mu (co-ed healthcare fraternity), University of Kansas Women in Medicine, Future Leaders in Healthcare 

Application Deadline: February 1 – typically, students apply during spring of sophomore year 

Resume Required: Yes 

Centralized Application Service: No 

Early Decision Option: No 

Interview Required: Yes 

Rolling Admissions: No