Respiratory Therapy Program Considerations/Requirements
Transfer Students
In the event a transfer student has been expelled, suspended, or released from another institution, the Program Director may require documentation regarding the circumstances of the dismissal. This may include contacting administrative officials at the institution.
If the student is accepted into the program, the student may be asked to complete a conference report placing the student on temporary probation. Transfer credit will be reviewed and, at the discretion of the Program Director, may or may not be accepted.
Transfer students will be required to complete all competency exams before attending clinical rotations.
Criminal Background
The Program Director will consider on an individual basis admission of an applicant who has been arrested or convicted of a crime. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony may not be eligible for admission.
If accepted into the program, it is possible that a student will be denied permission to rotate at area hospitals for clinical training. All information related to criminal history is shared with the clinical sites.
Students who are denied permission to rotate through any clinical site which provides unique training that cannot be duplicated at another facility will be denied further progress in the program.
Clinical affiliates will require students to have an expanded background check. Students will be responsible for the cost of the background check, which is approximately $55.
In addition, prospective students may face challenges obtaining a license to practice following graduation. Prospective students should contact the State Medical Licensure Board prior to admission to discuss potential complications.
Drug Testing
Prior to beginning a Health Sciences Division program, students who have been conditionally accepted will be required to complete a NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse) Panel 10 drug test.
This test screens for amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opiates, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone. Drug testing is required by health care agencies serving as clinical education sites.
A positive drug test may prevent a student from completing clinical courses or from admission to the program. Students are responsible for the cost of testing, approximately $35.00, subject to change.
A letter will be mailed to conditionally accepted students with information on the designated drug testing laboratory and deadline. Results will be maintained in strict confidentiality.
Vaccinations
Complete by enrollment period (mid-July). Vaccinations must be completed in order to enroll in the Respiratory Program.
- Two (2) MMR vaccinations, or positive titers for mumps, rubella, and rubeola.
- Two (2) Varicella vaccinations or varicella titer demonstrating immunity.
- TDAP vaccination within the past 10 years.
-
A signed declination or documentation of three (3) Hepatitis B vaccinations,
or a positive Hepatitis B titer.
*Complete after July 31, 2026
-
Two (2) negative TB skin tests within the last 12 months, or documented positive
TB test with negative chest x-ray, annual symptom review, and Health Department
release for public contact.
The influenza vaccine is required or recommended by clinical sites early in the Fall semester.
Students must either submit documentation or obtain exemptions from clinical sites.
If a COVID immunization is required by clinical sites, students will be notified.
Documentation should be provided to the RT Program Director at enrollment if already completed.
CPR Certification
Current certification for the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS CPR course is required.
Certification must be completed before enrollment (July 2026) and remain current through at least July 2027.
Courses may be taken at Rose State College, Heartland CPR, local hospitals, or any AHA-approved provider.
Scholarships
Students must complete the General Scholarship Application to apply for all Foundation and Tuition Waiver scholarships.
General Scholarship Application
Rose State College
Respiratory Therapist Program
Statement of Acknowledgment
Physical and Mental Qualifications
The following minimal physical and mental qualifications are necessary for admission and progression
through the Respiratory Therapist Program:
- Ability to lift/carry up to 40 pounds and push/pull up to 200 pounds.
- Ability to move around in client rooms and work areas.
- Ability to stand/walk two-thirds of an 8 or 12-hour shift.
- Visual acuity sufficient to assess clients and read monitors.
- Auditory acuity sufficient to hear instructions, alarms, and auscultate sounds.
- Motor ability to manipulate equipment and perform assessments.
- Ability to speak, write, and comprehend English proficiently.
- Ability to communicate professionally and establish rapport.
- Ability to think critically and solve problems.
- Ability to function effectively in stressful situations.
Rose State College provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
Requests must be made to the Counselor for Students with Disabilities.
Refer to the Rose State College Student Handbook for details.