How to Apply to the Master of Science in Respiratory Care Program

The application process for the Master of Science in Respiratory Care Program has the following main steps:

• Complete an online admission application to the UAMS College of Health Professions through Workday.
• Send all requested material to the College of Health Professions Admissions Office unless otherwise instructed.
• Complete an admission interview.

If the applicant is admitted to the Master of Science in Respiratory Care Program, additional requirements must be met before they enroll in the program.

• Receipt of state authorization for out-of-state distance education and/or out-of-state clinical placement (if applicable)
• Completion of the required immunizations and tests
• Submission of the UAMS Student Pre-Enrollment Medical Form
• Major medical health insurance coverage that meets minimum standards as designated by UAMS
• Completion of a criminal background check and drug screen
• Certification in basic life support
• Completion of physical examination forms by a physician

Re-Applying and Re-Admission

Students who have applied for a previous admission cycle or who withdraw or are dismissed from the UAMS College of Health Professions for any reason must re-apply for admission. Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details about the process.

The application deadline for the Master of Science in Respiratory Care Program is May 1. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as qualified applicants may receive conditional acceptance prior to the deadline. In the event the class is not filled from those applicants, the application deadline may be extended to as late as June 1.

Applicants should begin the process the previous fall. Applicants who wait until April to begin the process often do not meet the application deadline.

To apply to a UAMS College of Health Professions degree program, you must complete the online admission application through Workday. Please note that a non-refundable fee of $40 is required and must be submitted along with your application.

You can save your application and return to it at a later date. However, it will not be considered for review until it is submitted and the application fee is paid. After submitting your application, you will need to return to the application site to complete any remaining action items related to your application.

Send all requested materials to the UAMS College of Health Professions Admissions Office.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
College of Health Professions
4301 W. Markham Street, Slot 619
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205

Telephone: 501-686-5730
Email: CHPAdmissions@uams.edu

Official Transcripts

Arrange for each post-secondary academic institution you have attended to forward an official transcript of your coursework.

Official transcripts should be sent directly to the UAMS College of Health Professions Admissions Office either electronically or via mail.

For more detailed information about official transcripts, please refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website.

Professional Observation Documentation

Documentation of observation of and discussion with a practicing professional in the field is required. Contact the Master of Science in Respiratory Care Program for details.

English Fluency and Literacy Test Scores

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English, are required to demonstrate fluency (speaking) and literacy (reading and writing). The Test of English as a Foreign Language and the International English Language Testing System are the two accepted tests for this purpose.

An official copy of the test scores must be sent directly to UAMS from the respective testing service.

Refer to the English Fluency and Literacy Requirement policy for details.

After completing their application, all applicants will receive an email from the program to arrange a required admission interview.

If the applicant is admitted to the program, the following additional requirements must be met before they enroll in the program.

State Authorization of Distance Education and Clinical Placement

Students enrolling in a distance education program who are not residing in Arkansas, as well as students who are going to a state other than Arkansas for clinical experience, must have prior approval from that state’s higher education agency. Federal Program Integrity standards require UAMS to gain this approval.

Fortunately, Arkansas along with many other states have joined the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. Members of the SARA provide automatic approval to other member states to “operate” in that state. More information on state authorization for distance education to include out-of-state clinical placement of students can be found on the UAMS Academic Affairs website.

Should you have any questions regarding state authorization or the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, please contact Tina Maddox, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs, at 501-686-5730 or TMaddox@uams.edu.

Immunizations and Tests

Accepted students must show documentation of certain required immunizations or tests prior to enrolling in a UAMS College of Health Professions program. Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details.

Pre-Enrollment Medical Form

Thirty days prior to their first semester’s registration, all individuals admitted must submit the UAMS Student Pre-Enrollment Medical Form. This form is used by UAMS Student and Employee Health Services to verify required immunizations and to establish a baseline for treating illnesses occurring after admission.

Health Insurance

All students admitted to a UAMS College of Health Professions degree or certificate program are required to have major medical health insurance coverage at all times that meet minimum standards as designated by UAMS. For health insurance information, please refer to the UAMS Student Life website.

Background Check and Drug Screen

When required, admitted applicants or students must obtain a criminal background check and drug screen. Background checks and drug screens are meant to ensure the safety and compliance of all UAMS College of Health Professions students with various clinical sites. Refer to the Background Checks and Drug Screens for Applicants and Students policy for more information.

If you have questions or concerns on these two items, please contact Phyllis Fields, associate dean for student affairs at PAFields@uams.edu or 501-686-5730.

CPR Certification

Students must be certified in basic cardiac life support according to American Heart Association standards prior to the first clinical course. The course must be administered or approved by the department.

The American Heart Association Heartsaver courses and the Red Cross CPR course do not fulfill this requirement.

All current CPR certifications that expire before the program graduation date will require recertification as a prerequisite to the first clinical course.

Physical Examination

Physical examination forms must be completed and signed by a physician and are due no later than three weeks before the date of registration for the first semester.