Respiratory Care

This program requires two years of course work in respiratory care at KU Medical Center. Two years of undergraduate course work – including at least 43 credit hours of specific prerequisites – is required prior to entry into this program. Most KU Core requirements must be met by the prerequisites.

Students in the respiratory care degree program complete 60 hours of course credits in a prescribed sequence covering five academic semesters. Students are responsible for completing additional electives to fulfill the university's requirement of 120 total credit hours for a bachelor's degree from KU.

An integral part of the curriculum, students begin clinical rotations at one of the clinical affiliate sites starting in their sixth week of the program. Clinical rotations provide exposure to patient care and experience in performing respiratory care procedures.

To be considered for admission into this program, the following are required:

1. Prerequisite Courses
   Prior to entering the program students must complete two (2) years of undergraduate college course work including all prerequisite courses. 
   Transfer students Note: To be transferable, prerequisite course work must be from an educational institution that is regionally accredited. This is not the same as national accreditation. More information.

2. Grade Point Average
   An overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for college course work is required to be eligible to apply. In addition, student transcripts must document an individual course grade of no less than "C" on each prerequisite course.

3. Observation Experience
   Students will "shadow" a respiratory therapist in a professional health care environment to get an idea of what the profession is like. 
   Ask for permission and then make arrangements to spend at least two hours with this professional during clinical duties. This requirement may be fulfilled after applying to the program, but must the form must be received before a decision will be made to accept the student. Lawrence Memorial Hospital is a great option for students in Lawrence.

4. English Language Proficiency
   All students are expected to have a strong command of the English language to ensure a successful experience experience in the program and also as concern for patient safety. Students must meet the communication component of the technical standards in order to effectively communicate critical information to other health professionals and to the patient.

   Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate language proficiency with the Internet-based TOEFL (minimum 23 each on reading, listening, and writing, and 26 on speaking) or IELTS (minimum 7.5 overall band score with no part score lower than 7.0 and a speaking score of 8.0).

5. International Students: 
   An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. 

6. Technical Standards
   All individuals admitted to the program will be asked to verify that they can meet the technical standards with or without accommodation(s). Applicants who disclose a disability are considered for admission if they are otherwise qualified.

7. Background Check
   The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires all incoming students to pay for a background check. This one-time fee must be paid directly to the company performing the background investigation. You will be asked to provide information and make the payment once you have been officially accepted into the program. 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

KU offers a few partial scholarships for qualified, new international freshmen and transfer students admitted for fall semester. To be considered for a scholarship, you must complete an online fall semester application by Jan. 15.

The Office of International Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions (IRUA) screens candidates for a limited number of admissions scholarships. Awards are only offered to degree-seeking undergraduates whose first KU semester is the fall semester. KU does not offer international student scholarships based on financial need. International undergraduate scholarships do not cover all expenses. Prior to issuance of the SEVIS document, students requesting F-1 or J-1 status must submit proof of financial support for the first year of study.

The Respiratory Care program at the University of Kansas is a comprehensive educational pathway designed to prepare students for a professional career in respiratory therapy. This program offers a blend of didactic coursework, hands-on clinical training, and simulation experiences to ensure students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum covers fundamental sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, along with specialized topics including pulmonary diagnostics, ventilator management, and emergency respiratory care. Students are also trained in patient assessment, airway management, and the use of advanced respiratory equipment. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills essential for effective patient care. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams, which lead to credentialing as Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT). The university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and simulation centers provide a safe environment for students to practice procedures and respond to realistic clinical scenarios. Clinical placements are arranged at affiliated hospitals and clinics, offering real-world experience in diverse patient populations. The program also prepares students for the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape through coursework on emerging respiratory technologies and evidence-based practices. Upon successful completion, graduates can seek employment in hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, and home healthcare agencies, among other settings. The University of Kansas’s respiratory care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC), ensuring adherence to national standards of quality education. Students benefit from the university’s strong ties to healthcare providers and alumni networks, which facilitate job placement and professional development opportunities. The program is suitable for individuals interested in a dynamic healthcare profession dedicated to improving respiratory health and patient quality of life.