How to Get Into a Respiratory Therapy Program-a step-by-step guide to the admissions process — from GPA and ranking to observation hours, entrance exams, and a winning application.
Getting into a respiratory therapy (RT) program is rarely about clearing a single bar. Most accredited programs admit far fewer students than apply, so admission is competitive, points-based, and decided across several factors at once: your prerequisite grades, an overall ranking score, observation or shadowing experience, an entrance exam, and the quality of your application file. Understanding how these pieces fit together — and in what order to tackle them — is the difference between a scattered application and a strong one.
This guide maps the entire admissions journey. It is the companion to our complete guide to respiratory therapy prerequisites, which covers the coursework itself; here we focus on everything that turns a qualified applicant into an admitted student.
| The short versionTo get into an RT program, complete the required prerequisites with competitive grades (often a 3.0+ prerequisite GPA), log any required observation hours, take the program’s entrance exam if one is required, and submit a complete application by the deadline. Most programs then rank applicants on a points system. Requirements vary by program, so confirm each step with your target program directly. |
Unlike open-enrollment courses, accredited RT programs run a selective admissions cycle. Accredited programs are reviewed by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and most use one of two admissions models, often blending them:
Because most programs lean on a ranking score, your goal is not just to meet minimums but to maximize points in every category you can control.
Prerequisites are the foundation of your application. Programs typically require Anatomy & Physiology I and II, English composition, and college math, with many also requiring microbiology, chemistry, or psychology. Crucially, meeting the minimum grade only makes you eligible — competitive applicants aim well above the floor. For the full course list and how requirements vary, see our respiratory therapy prerequisites guide.
If you are missing courses or need to improve a grade, self-paced prerequisite courses let you fill gaps quickly. Browse respiratory therapy prerequisite courses to complete what you need on your own schedule — then confirm transferability with your target program.
GPA is usually the single heaviest factor in RT admissions, and most programs look at it two ways:
| GPA measure | What it includes | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall prerequisite GPA | All required prerequisite courses | Sets your baseline eligibility and ranking points |
| Science GPA | A&P, microbiology, chemistry | Often weighted most heavily; predicts program success |
| Cumulative GPA | All college coursework | Used by some programs as a secondary screen |
Minimums are often a 2.5–3.0, but admitted classes frequently average a 3.0–3.5 or higher. A single low science grade can pull your ranking down sharply, which is why retake strategy matters.
For target numbers, how committees calculate science GPA, and when retaking a course helps versus hurts, see respiratory therapy GPA requirements.
| Points add up — and so do small grade differencesOn a points-based application, the gap between a B and an A in Anatomy & Physiology can be the difference between admission and the waitlist. If you have time before applying, prioritizing strong grades in the highest-weighted sciences is usually the best return on effort. |
Many RT programs require — or award ranking points for — documented observation hours spent shadowing a licensed respiratory therapist. The purpose is twofold: programs want assurance that you understand what the job actually involves, and shadowing reduces the chance you will drop out once clinicals begin.
Start arranging observation early — hospital approvals and scheduling can take weeks, and these hours are one of the few application components that cannot be rushed at the last minute.
A large share of RT programs require an admissions exam, most commonly the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), published by ATI, or the HESI A2, published by Elsevier. These tests assess reading, math, science, and English, and your score often feeds directly into your ranking points.
| Exam | What it covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TEAS | Reading, math, science, English & language usage | Most widely required for allied-health programs |
| HESI A2 | Math, reading, vocabulary, grammar, biology, A&P, chemistry | Used by many programs; required sections vary |
| Program-specific test | Varies | Some programs administer their own placement or entrance test |
Treat the entrance exam as a points opportunity, not just a hurdle. Study guides and practice tests are widely available, and because most programs let you retake the exam, building in time for a second attempt is a smart strategy. Confirm your target program’s accepted exam, minimum score, and retake policy before you register.
Beyond the numbers, your application package is your chance to show fit and commitment. Depending on the program, it may include:
For the essay, specificity wins: connect a real experience — including your observation hours — to a clear understanding of the respiratory therapist’s role. Generic statements about wanting to help people are forgettable; concrete detail is memorable.
The most common reason strong candidates miss out is timing — leaving observation hours, exams, or transcript requests too late. Work backward from the application deadline using this rough sequence:
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| 12+ months before deadline | Finish (or plan) prerequisites; protect your science GPA |
| 6–9 months before | Begin observation hours; start entrance-exam prep |
| 3–6 months before | Take the entrance exam (allow time for a retake) |
| 2–3 months before | Request transcripts and recommendation letters; draft your essay |
| 1 month before | Assemble and review the full file; submit early if possible |
Need to compress this because a deadline is close? Self-paced prerequisite courses can close coursework gaps fast. See how long respiratory therapy prerequisites take for planning detail.
Some programs interview finalists; treat it as a professional conversation and revisit why you want the career and what your observation hours taught you. Reviewing the day-to-day duties on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook can help you speak credibly about the role. If you are waitlisted, ask the program how the list moves and whether you can strengthen your file for the next cycle. If you are not admitted, you are not out of options — many successful therapists were admitted on a second application after raising a science grade, adding observation hours, or improving an exam score.
| Admission is never guaranteed — confirm everything with the programRequirements, ranking formulas, accepted exams, and observation rules differ from program to program and change over time. This guide describes common patterns, not any specific program’s rules. Always confirm current requirements and deadlines directly with each program’s admissions office or registrar before you rely on them. |
Want a printable version to track each step? Use the respiratory therapy prerequisite & application checklist.
How hard is it to get into a respiratory therapy program?
Admission is competitive because programs have limited seats and many qualified applicants. Most use a points-based ranking, so meeting minimum requirements is rarely enough — strong prerequisite grades, a good entrance-exam score, and completed observation hours all improve your chances. Difficulty varies by program and applicant pool.
What GPA do I need to get into respiratory therapy school?
Minimums are often a 2.5 to 3.0, but admitted students are frequently more competitive, commonly averaging a 3.0 to 3.5 prerequisite GPA or higher. Many programs also weight a separate science GPA heavily. Always check your target program’s stated minimum and recent admitted-class averages.
Do I need observation or shadowing hours for respiratory therapy?
Many programs require documented observation hours shadowing a licensed respiratory therapist, often between roughly 8 and 40 hours, while some require none. Where required, the hours usually need a signed verification form. Confirm the exact requirement with each program and arrange the hours early.
What entrance exam do respiratory therapy programs require?
The TEAS and HESI A2 are the most common entrance exams for RT programs, though some administer their own test. Scores often factor into your ranking. Check which exam your program accepts, its minimum score, and whether retakes are allowed before you register.
How long does it take to get into a respiratory therapy program?
From starting prerequisites to submitting an application, the process commonly takes one to two years, depending on how many courses you still need. Observation hours, entrance-exam prep, and application materials should be scheduled in the months leading up to the deadline.
Can I reapply if I’m not accepted the first time?
Yes. Many admitted students applied more than once. Between cycles you can strengthen your file by raising a science grade, adding observation hours, or improving your entrance-exam score. Ask the program what would make your next application more competitive.
For official, up-to-date requirements and data, consult these primary sources directly:
Start with the prerequisites. The foundation of any successful RT application is strong coursework. Browse self-paced respiratory therapy prerequisite courses to complete what you need, then build the rest of your application around it — and confirm every requirement with your target program before you apply.
