Admission Requirements

Admission procedures into the respiratory therapy program must include a completed application packet. You will submit:

• Essay: Draft an essay describing your understanding of diversity, equity, and Inclusion and how it will inform you to be a better caregiver. Response should be at least 300 words. Note: Please include your full name and essay title on the submission.

View Essay Rubric

• Video: Produce a video demonstrating the following:
  • understanding of the respiratory care profession and resources that informed you,
  • why you want to major in respiratory therapy,
  • plan to complete the University Studies course requirements for graduation,
  • long-term goals after earning the baccalaureate degree in respiratory therapy.

• Current degree audit or transcript if you are a transfer student.

The ideal candidate should be interested in becoming a caregiver who demonstrates ethical decision making, serving a diverse population within their community. Critical thinking and an appreciation of evidence-based medicine will be developed throughout the program. Candidates benefit from having a strong science and math background that is applied throughout the program. Teamwork, that includes interprofessional teams, are integral to the health and wellness outcomes for patients. This requires that candidates demonstrate a fundamental understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles that promotes interprofessional teamwork and caregiving in a pluralistic society.

All students wishing to major in Respiratory Therapy must meet the minimum criteria for admission and follow the Respiratory Therapy application procedure which includes timely submission of the Respiratory Therapy application packet.

Minimum criteria for acceptance into the program include:

1. 2.5 cumulative GPA at UNCW or transfer institution;
2. Completed the following prerequisite courses:

• BIO/BIOL 201 and (or equivalent courses with a “C” or higher)
• MAT 111 or STT 210 or STT 215 (or equivalent courses with a “C” or higher)
• EXS/EXSL 216 or BIO/BIOL 240 (or equivalent courses with a “C” or higher)

Score Sheet (Excel)

Score Sheet (PDF)

Completed application packet must be submitted to chhs@uncw.edu.

Step 1: Prior to starting this application

• Make sure all transcripts have been submitted
• Make sure your degree audit is current and reflects accurate grades
• Make sure you’ve reviewed the Respiratory Therapy Technical Standards
• Produce a video interview. Video should demonstrate:
  • understanding of the respiratory care profession and resources that informed you,
  • why you want to major in respiratory therapy,
  • plan to complete the University Studies course requirements for graduation,
  • long-term goals after earning the baccalaureate degree in respiratory therapy.

Step 2: Application Procedure

• Apply to the Respiratory Therapy Program

Application Period

Early applications open November 1, 2023 and close on December 18, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. 

• Opens Tuesday, November 1, 2023 at 12 a.m.
• Closes Sunday, December 18, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Step 3: Final Decision

• Candidates will be notified of the decision in January, prior to the start of term.