Respiratory Care

Most students planning to attend KU's Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care program enter as a college junior after completing the first 2 years of prerequisites on the KU Lawrence campus or at another accredited college or university. In order to complete your prerequisites and recommended electives, interested students should contact  a student advisor for assistance in course selection.

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 a total of 64 semester credit hours. Please see the complete list of prerequisite courses for details.
   
   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 in math, chemistry, physics and biological sciences.
   
   
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. 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, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Please review the information for international students before applying.

   International Transcripts: In addition to sending an official copy of each transcript, as above, have your transcripts evaluated by World Education Services OR Educational Credential Evaluators. The evaluation must include course-by-course evaluation, grade evaluation, and indicate the degree earned in U.S. terms (bachelors, masters, doctorate, etc). An official copy of the evaluation is required.
   OR
   Alternatively, you may send a check made payable to KUMC for $25 (U.S.) for evaluation by the KU Graduate Application Processing Center. If this option is selected, the official transcripts must arrive at least 2 weeks prior to the admission deadline.
   
   

5. 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.
   
   
6. Background Checks
   Acceptance into the program is conditional, pending the results of the criminal/healthcare-related background check(s). Regulations require all persons involved in patient care activities must have criminal background checks and other health care-related checks. The School of Health Professions will also run an Employment Disqualified List (EDL) check for enrolled students.
   

Accreditation Statement
The University of Kansas Respiratory Care program at KU Medical Center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com ).
Commission on Accreditation
for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835
KUMC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and welcomes applications from all qualified persons regardless of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, marital status, veteran status, ancestry or age. For additional information about the EEO/AA policies and procedures, see the EEO/AA section of the KUMC Faculty Handbook. or the KUMC Equal Opportunity Office website.

Direct requests for disability accommodation to EO/Disability Specialist, 913-588-1206 (Voice) or 913-588-7963 (TDD). Persons with speech or hearing impairments who wish to contact the university may access the Kansas State Relay at 800-766-3777. More information.

KU Medical Center Equal Opportunity Statement / University of Kansas Equal Opportunity Office (main campus - Lawrence)