Respiratory Therapy Prerequisites (Degree Specs)
Respiratory therapy programs usually require college-level science and general education courses, but the exact prerequisites, GPA rules, and degree plans vary by school. Before you apply, confirm that the specific program is currently accredited by CoARC, check its credential-exam pathway and your state’s license rules, and get transfer credits approved in writing.
If you are comparing colleges, cost matters, but the lowest listed tuition may not mean the lowest total cost. Compare each school’s net price after aid, then add likely expenses such as clinical travel, uniforms, immunizations, background checks, exams, and required equipment. A program that takes transfer credits may save time, but only if those credits meet its respiratory-care requirements.
I encourage students to start with the program’s official catalog and admissions page, not a general college checklist. Requirements can differ even at schools in the same state. Use this guide to learn what to check and what to ask before you spend money on courses or applications.
Respiratory therapy program admissions and accreditation
Admission rules are set by each school and respiratory-care program. Common requirements include prerequisite science and general education courses, a minimum GPA, and a separate application to the professional program. Check both the college’s accreditation and the respiratory-care program’s current CoARC status before you apply.
The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredits respiratory-care programs. Check the status of the exact program, not just the college or university. Also check that the institution is accredited by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Department’s accreditation database can help confirm federal recognition; CHEA recognition is another reference, but it does not replace that check.
There is no single national GPA cutoff for admission. A cumulative or prerequisite GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 can be a useful planning range, but it does not guarantee admission. Some programs set a higher minimum, rank applicants, or limit seats. Ask how repeated courses, grades, and completed prerequisites affect selection.
| What to verify | Why it matters | Ask the program |
|---|---|---|
| Current CoARC status | Helps confirm program accreditation and the program’s stated exam pathway | “Is this specific program currently CoARC-accredited?” |
| GPA calculation | Schools may review overall, science, or prerequisite GPA | “Which courses count, and how are repeats handled?” |
| Application timing | Some programs admit students to the college first and the professional phase later | “What are the deadline and cohort start dates?” |
| Transfer rules | College credit may not meet program-specific rules | “Will you confirm this course in writing?” |
| Clinical placement | Clinical education is a required part of training | “Where are sites, and how are placements assigned?” |
Degree curriculum, prerequisites, clinical education, and graduation requirements
Respiratory-care degrees combine general education and science courses with a planned professional curriculum. Students study how the lungs work and how to support breathing, then apply skills in supervised clinical settings. Credit totals, course order, and graduation rules vary, so use the school’s degree map rather than a national estimate.
Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and English composition. Some courses require a lab. Programs may also set minimum grades, course-age limits, or rules about when prerequisites must be complete. Confirm the required course level and whether an equivalent course from another college will count.
A degree plan may include foundational courses before admission to the professional phase, followed by respiratory-care classes and clinical education. Clinical education means supervised training in health-care settings. Students may need to show specific skills and meet course and competency standards to progress. Ask for the clinical schedule, expected hours, site locations, and any travel requirements.
An associate degree, often an AS or AAS, is a common undergraduate route into respiratory care. Some schools offer bachelor’s degrees or bachelor’s completion options. A bachelor’s degree may include broader coursework or support later academic goals, but do not assume it is required for entry-level practice. Check the program’s exam eligibility and the state rules where you plan to work.
Before enrolling in a prerequisite course elsewhere, send the program its course description and syllabus. Ask for written confirmation that the course meets the requirement. A college may accept a class as general transfer credit while the respiratory-care program does not accept it as a prerequisite.
Academic success, program progression, and student clinical experience
Admission is only one step. Once enrolled, students must follow the course sequence, meet program progression rules, and complete clinical and competency requirements. Plan for science-heavy terms and required health clearances. Ask about support services and policies early, especially if a low grade could delay entry into the next course.
Build your academic plan around the program’s published requirements. Complete science prerequisites early when possible, and protect those grades. If you need a placement test, background check, immunizations, or other clearance, confirm when each item is due. Missing a deadline or clinical requirement can affect participation or progression.
Clinical training can involve travel to assigned sites and schedules that differ from regular class hours. Do not assume you can choose a nearby site or arrange every shift around work. Ask how placements are made, what transportation students need, and whether the school lists added costs for clinical training.
Here are two hypothetical planning situations, not reports of individual students:
- A transfer student with biology credit: The college accepts the biology course, but the respiratory program has not reviewed it. The student sends the syllabus and gets written approval before paying for the next term.
- A student choosing between two programs: One has lower tuition, while the other offers a clearer clinical schedule and a transfer evaluation. The student compares net price, travel costs, credit acceptance, accreditation, and exam eligibility before deciding.
Credentialing, state licensure, and respiratory-therapy career outcomes
Graduating from a program does not by itself grant a professional credential or state license. Graduates may need to meet National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examination requirements and apply for a license where required. Exam pathways and state rules can change, so check the current official requirements before choosing a program.
Ask the program which NBRC examinations its current graduates may be eligible to pursue and what graduation or documentation steps are needed. Then check the respiratory-care licensing board in the state where you hope to work. State requirements may include an exam, background review, or other documents. A program’s description is useful, but verify requirements with the NBRC and state board.
Use this sequence to reduce surprises:
- Build your academic profile. List accredited programs in your target area. Compare GPA rules, prerequisite equivalencies, application cycles, and clinical locations.
- Check readiness and cost. Request a transcript review. Confirm transfer credits in writing. Use each college’s net price calculator and aid offer, then include likely program expenses.
- Apply and progress. Submit the program-specific application by its deadline. After admission, follow the required course order and complete clinical, clearance, and competency steps on time.
- Prepare for practice. Confirm graduation and exam eligibility, complete the relevant NBRC process, and apply for state licensure if required.
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover common questions about respiratory-care degree entry. Because schools and states set different rules, use them as a starting point, then confirm details in current program materials and official credentialing or licensing sources.
What classes are usually required before applying?
Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and English composition. The program may require labs, minimum grades, or recent completion. Check its course list for exact requirements.
What GPA do I need for respiratory therapy school?
There is no national cutoff. Some students use 2.5 to 3.0 as a planning range, not a guarantee. Check the program’s minimum and ask how it ranks applicants.
Do I need an associate or bachelor’s degree?
Many respiratory-care programs award an associate degree, while some offer a bachelor’s route. The right option depends on the program, your goals, and applicable credential and license rules.
Is an online prerequisite accepted?
It may be, but acceptance depends on the program’s rules, including lab format and course equivalency. Get written approval before enrolling.
Does college accreditation mean the respiratory program is accredited?
No. Check the institution’s accreditation and the respiratory-care program’s current CoARC status separately.
Can I transfer credits into a respiratory-care program?
Often, some credits may transfer, but acceptance is not automatic. A college’s general transfer decision may differ from the program’s prerequisite decision. Request a written evaluation.
How much clinical training will I complete?
The schedule and required hours vary by program. Ask for the degree map, clinical requirements, site locations, and expected travel before you enroll.
Will graduating make me a licensed respiratory therapist?
Not by itself. You may need to meet NBRC examination requirements and apply for a state license. Verify current rules with the NBRC and the licensing board in your state.
What extra costs should I budget for?
In addition to tuition, ask about fees for clinical travel, uniforms, immunizations, background checks, exams, and equipment. Compare total net cost, not tuition alone.
How can I check whether a program is a good fit?
Confirm current CoARC status and institutional accreditation, then compare prerequisites, GPA rules, transfer decisions, clinical access, total cost, exam pathway, and state requirements.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Matthew Ellison. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
