Overview
The Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program has the following requirements for consideration for admission to the program:
- Meets all admission requirements general to the UAMS College of Health Professions
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- A cumulative undergraduate prerequisite GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Successful completion of specific coursework
- Proof of registered respiratory therapist credentials (if applicable)
- Meets specific technical standards
- A statement of career summary and goals
- A letter of recommendation (if applicable)
Admission Factors
Special Considerations
During admission reviews, first consideration may be given to Arkansas residents. Highly qualified applicants from out-of-state are strongly encouraged to apply and may successfully compete for admission.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability status as a criterion in deciding against any individual in matters of admission, placement, transfer, hiring, dismissal, compensation, fringe benefits, training, tuition assistance and other personnel or educationally-related actions.
Required Coursework
The following 55 credits are required for admission to the Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program.
All listed courses are required from an institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institution and must fulfill all college requirements regarding acceptance of transfer credit.
The Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program requires a total of 120 semester credits for successful completion. Upon completion of all 55 credit hours of prerequisite coursework and the program’s 30-credit hour professional curriculum, the balance of ungraded course credit is awarded in recognition of the courses completed in the entry-level associate’s degree program.
Fulfillment of the prerequisite courses for the Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program does not guarantee admission.
A final grade of C or better is required in each of the prerequisite courses.
All applicants must successfully complete college algebra and two of the four science prerequisite courses by June 1 of the year of application in order to be considered for admission. All applicants must also successfully complete Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (eight semester credit hours) before beginning the first semester of the program. Applicants to the full-time program track must successfully complete all prerequisites before beginning the first semester of the program. Applicants to the part-time track must successfully complete at least 35 semester credit hours of prerequisite coursework before the first semester of the program. All credits must be completed prior to graduation.
Documentation of successful completion is required by the date of registration for the first semester.
Actual course titles may vary among institutions. If in doubt about the suitability of the following prerequisite courses, please contact the College of Health Professions Admissions Office.
General Education Coursework Requirements
| Typical Course Title | Area | Required Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Two-semester sequence of English Composition | English and Communication | 6 |
| Fundamentals of Speech or Speech Communication | English and Communication | 3 |
| College Algebra (or higher level mathematics) | Mathematics | 3 |
| Fine Arts (Art, Music or Theatre) | Fine Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| Humanities (History, Humanities, Literature, Philosophy or Political Science) | Fine Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| History of the United States or National Government | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Social Sciences (Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Sociology) | Social Sciences | 6 |
| Total | 27 |
Program-Specific Coursework Requirements
| Typical Course Title | Area | Required Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Statistics (or Equivalent Course in Research Methodology) | Mathematics | 3 |
| Two-semester Sequence of Anatomy and Physiology with Labs1 | Science | 8 |
| Microbiology with Lab | Science | 4 |
| Chemistry with Lab | Science | 4 |
| Electives (Non-Respiratory Care Coursework) | General | 9 |
| Total | 28 |
Science courses must be suitable for science or health professions majors and include a laboratory.
1 One four-credit anatomy and physiology course with lab plus one four-credit hour science course with lab may be accepted, with approval from the program director.
Prerequisites Summary
| Courses | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education Prequisites | 27 |
| Program-Specific Prerequisites | 28 |
| Total | 55 |
Credit by Examination
The Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program will not accept Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College Level Examination Program credits to fulfill the required math and science coursework.
The program will accept AP, IB or CLEP credits awarded by other institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institutions to fulfill the general education coursework. To be considered for credit transfer, the official transcript from the awarding institution must reflect the AP, IB or CLEP credits.
Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details about credit by examination.
National Board for Respiratory Care Registered Respiratory Therapist Credential
Applicants to the Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program who are new graduates of an associate degree program must have obtained the National Board for Respiratory Care Registered Respiratory Therapist credential within six months from graduation. If not completed within six months from graduation, the student will be allowed to complete the semester in which they are currently enrolled, but will not be allowed to enroll in the next academic term or future academic terms until the credential is obtained.
Technical Standards
In order to be admitted to the Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program, applicants must possess certain physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities necessary to complete the curriculum. These requirements exist to ensure that students are able to effectively acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become competent and successful dental hygienists. Please visit the Technical Standards page for details.
Career Summary and Goals
Applicants to the Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program must submit a typed statement that summarizes the applicant’s career thus far and explains how completion of the Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program will assist him or her in the completion of career goals. The submission must include a traditional resume of educational and professional achievements using a chronological or functional format.
Letter of Recommendation
Applicants to the Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program who apply prior to graduation from their associate degree program must submit a letter of recommendation from their program director.