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 the respiratory therapy profession, scope of practice, and how your values will inform you to deliver patient care. Response should be at least 300 words. Note: Please include your full name and essay title on the submission.

View Essay Rubric Here

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

The ideal candidate for a respiratory therapy program is someone who exemplifies a profound commitment to caregiving and empathy, demonstrating a genuine compassion for patients and their families. This individual should possess exceptional critical reasoning skills, enabling them to assess complex clinical scenarios and make informed, effective decisions. Additionally, they should be dedicated to evidence-based medicine, consistently applying the latest research and best practices to deliver the highest standard of care. Their ability to blend technical proficiency with a heartfelt approach to patient interaction makes them exceptionally well-suited for a career in respiratory therapy.

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, MAT 150 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 (PDF)

Note: Please download the file, do not enter information online. This file is only accessible by those with a UNCW email address. 

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 

Step 2: Application Procedure

• Apply to the Respiratory Therapy Program

Application Period

Early applications open November 1, 2025 and close on December 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Applying early may result in priority placement in the major. 

• Opens Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 12 a.m.
• Closes Moday, December 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Interview

Early applicant interviews will be determined based on availability of student and faculty.

Interview goals are to 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.

General Applications open December 1, 2024 and close on February 1, 2025. 

• Opens Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
• Closes Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

View Interview Rubric Here

Step 3: Final Decision

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