We strongly recommend that you make a photocopy of your completed application for your future reference or in case your application is lost in the mail.

I. GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

1. Students applying must be at least sophomores, but juniors, seniors and college graduates may apply as well.
   
   
2. Each applicant must be able to fulfill the equivalent of the requirements listed under the Freshman and Sophomore years on the enclosed Curriculum Guide before beginning the professional phase in August.
   
   
3. The first two years may be completed at any accredited university, college or junior college if appropriate courses are available. Check with our Student Affairs Office at (573) 882-8011 to make sure any course you take off campus is transferable and meets our requirements at MU. Prerequisites should be fulfilled during this time. Student should follow the Curriculum Guide as closely as possible.
   
   
4. Specific information concerning fees may be obtained from the Admissions Office, 130 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 (573) 882-7786. Financial assistance information may be obtained through the Office of Student Financial Aid, 11 Jesse Hall (573) 882-7506.
   
   
5. We expect international students to know English well enough to: 
   • Comprehend oral lectures 
   • Participate in discussions 
   • Read textbooks with full comprehension 
   • Write effectively in English

   The Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
   TOEFL is required of every applicant whose native language is not English. A TOEFL score cannot be more than two years old. Our minimum TOEFL score requirement is 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test); however, many other departments may have higher requirements. 

   Minimum TOEFL score for the Respiratory Therapy Program is:
   

   Paper Based	Computer Based
   600	250

   
   
6. Once accepted into the Respiratory Therapy Program, a student must achieve a grade of "C" (2.0) or above in all required courses and earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average each semester. If the student does not maintain a 2.0 semester grade point average, the Respiratory Therapy faculty will review the situation with the option to recommend dismissal.
   
   
7. Non-University of Missouri-Columbia students will not be required to apply for general admission to the University of Missouri-Columbia until they have received notification of acceptance (or non-acceptance) to the Respiratory Therapy Program.
   
   
8. 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.
   
   
9. Successful completion of this program will entitle the student to a Bachelor of Health Science - Respiratory Therapy (AMA accredited) degree.
   
   

II. APPLICATION PROCEDURE (Read all materials carefully and follow instructions)

A. All student applicants must:

1. Return the completed application to the Respiratory Therapy Admissions Committee, 605 Lewis Hall, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211-4230. The application must be received by February 1 of the sophomore year.
   
   
2. Distribute the Respiratory Therapy Recommendation forms to individuals in two of the following categories: 1) Supervisor or employer, 2) college professor, 3) high school teacher or counselor, or 4) clergy. Recommendation letters from family members will not be accepted to meet this requirement. Completed forms must be sent directly to the Respiratory Therapy Admissions Committee and received by February 1.
   
   
3. Non MU students should forward your American College Testing (ACT) Assessment Scores to this office by February 1. The scores may be recorded on your high school transcript (send photocopy) or may be available through the testing agency. The Committee will get this information for students currently enrolled at MU from the Registrar's Office.
   
   If you have not taken the ACT or wish to update your scores, the test is available through the University Testing Center, 201 Noyes Building. Call at least one week in advance for an appointment (573-882-4801). If MU is not convenient for you, check with your own school's testing office to make arrangements for the exam.
   
   YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND YOUR ACT SCORES AND RECOMMENDATIONS EARLY, IF POSSIBLE. YOUR PERSONAL FOLLOW-UP ON THESE MAY FACILITATE THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS.
   
   
4. A minimum of two observations must be done during the 12 months prior to applying to the RT Program. These will consist of watching a registered respiratory therapist work with patients. The required observations cannot be done within a department or program in which the candidate is employed; nor can the observed therapist be a relative. Observations must be in two different facilities, and each must be a minimum of 4 hours long.
   
   

B. Transcripts

1. University of Missouri-Columbia students: The Admissions Committee will obtain a transcript directly from the Registrar's office for those applicants who are attending school on the MU campus for the current Fall Semester.
   
   
2. Non-University of Missouri-Columbia students: You must have official transcripts of completed college work from every school attended sent to:
   
   Admissions Committee
   Respiratory Therapy Program
   University of Missouri-Columbia
   605 Lewis Hall
   Columbia, MO 65211-4230
   
   TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FEBRUARY 1. If you cannot be certain an official transcript will arrive by this date, a photostatic or unofficial copy accompanying your application will suffice until the official transcript is received.
   
   

III. PROCESSING APPLICATIONS

1. If your recommendations and transcripts have not been received by February 1, you will be notified by mail.
   
   
2. The Admissions Committee will review and evaluate your packet when it is complete. If you wish to be considered for admission you must be available for an interview on the MU campus. Interviews will be conducted during March. You will be contacted regarding an appointment date and time.
   
   
3. Following the interviews, a class will be identified. The accepted students and those not accepted will be notified by mail three-four weeks after the interviews.
   
   

IV. ACCEPTANCE TO THE RESPIRATORY THERAPY PROGRAM IS CONTINGENT UPON:

1. Acceptance by the University (non-MU students).
   
   
2. Earning grades of "C" (2.0) or better in all remaining program prerequisite courses.
   
   
3. Validation of previous coursework through inspection of Official Transcripts (non-MU students).

We wish you success!
The Admissions Committee
Respiratory Therapy Program
University of Missouri-Columbia