How long is the program? We have two program options:
Two academic years; four semesters in which the student is enrolled full-time for 15 weeks and one 10 week summer session between the junior and senior years. Students must complete the full complement of pre-requisite coursework in order to qualify for this option.
Three academic years; four semesters in which the student is enrolled part-time (7-8 SC) for 15 weeks and two 10 week summer sessions (1 SC Internet-based course the first summer and 5 SC the second semester) followed by two semesters of full time course work during the senior year. Students must have completed at least 38 SC of the specified pre-requisite coursework by the first fall semester in order to qualify for this option. It is strongly recommended that all pre-requisite coursework be completed by the beginning of the second fall semester.
How many students are in each class? Full time students admitted each fall plus 2nd year part-time students may not equal more than 24 students.
Can out of state students apply and be accepted? Yes, although Arkansans are considered first.
When can I come for a tour of the campus? Please check out our Informational Session page to find out the date of our next session. Prospective students are welcome to attend classes or labs and to make appointment for tours and advising. Contact the department at 501-526-4490 for details.
Can I work while going to the respiratory care program? The respiratory care program is academically rigorous. A lot of information is delivered in a short period of time, requiring most students a period of adjustment. We recommend that students do not work during the first semester. If academic performance is satisfactory, employment can then be added in later semesters. If students must work, we recommend that working hours be as limited as is possible. Students with significant outside commitments, including employment requirements, may find the part-time program option to be a good choice. In this case, it is strongly recommended that all pre-requisite courses be completed by the beginning of the second fall semester.
What hours will be in attendance at school while enrolled in the respiratory care program? We advise students that classes may be in session from 8:00 to 4:00 on some days, and to therefore, not schedule other activities. Clinical sessions are scheduled for 8, 10 or 12-hour shifts.
What is the deadline for admission applications? The absolute deadline is May 1. However, the admissions committee meets at the end of January, February, March and April each year and will admit a percentage of the class each of these months, when qualified students present themselves. Students are encouraged to complete all admission requirements as early as possible to be considered under this “early admission” policy. If not offered admission, prospective students with completed applications will be deferred and re-considered each month until the final admission committee meeting prior to the start of classes in the fall.
When do classes begin? Students are admitted once a year for the fall semester, and classes begin in August.
Is it “hard” to get accepted into the program? Admission to the program is competitive with the advantage generally going to those students with higher cumulative, pre-requisite and science/math GPAs.
Should I send a college transcript for all college coursework? Yes, it is a requirement for admission.
Is financial aid available? Yes. Interested individuals may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (telephone 501-686-5451) for information concerning available grants, loans and scholarships.
Do I have to have every prerequisite course completed before I can apply for admission? No, at the time of application, all prerequisite course work does not have to be completed. The program requires 60 SC (semester credits) of prerequisite course work to be completed prior to enrolling in the full-time respiratory care program. A minimum of 38 SC of prerequisite coursework, to include Human Anatomy and Physiology and at least one other science course, must be completed prior to enrolling in the part-time respiratory care program.
If I am past the traditional college age, am I too old to enter respiratory care? Certainly not. Non-traditional students have been very successful in the respiratory care program and profession.
Does your program offer the prerequisites? No. UAMS is an academic health science center that only offers professional courses in the health careers. Prerequisites should be obtained from regionally accredited colleges and universities.
Can I transfer respiratory care courses from other colleges/universities to the UAMS program for credit? No. We do not have a mechanism to accomplish this.
Are there any online courses? Yes. There are a multitude of online and hybrid courses. Hybrid courses contain exams, quizzes, homework assignments, etc. on the UAMS Blackboard template, designed to complement live classes. We also have several on-line courses which are offered synchronously (Blackboard Collaborate) or asynchronously during the senior year.
What information do I need to send in to apply? An online application and processing fee ($40) is the primary piece of documentation that begins the application process. In addition to the application and fee, we also must receive all official transcripts from each college/university in which the applicant attended.
