Full-Time Only
Students in this program must be enrolled full-time with a cohort of students. Technical courses are offered only during the day.​

Textbook and Supply Costs
Students should expect to spend approximately $2,000, beyond the cost of tuition and fees, for books, for lab coat and other supplies. Additional costs include an ACLS, PALS, BLS course.​

Application/Program Admission Criteria/Process
Application window will open late fall 2023. Application will be available online and students will receive an electronic notification of their status via the e-mail address provided on the application form.

Program admission criteria. Completion of the following course:

• BIOL 1730 (Human Body Systems) or BIOL 2721 and 2722 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II) with C or higher
• ENGL 1711 (English Composition) with C or higher
• CHEM 1711 (Principles of Chemistry 1) with C or higher
• GPA requirement: Applicants need a GPA of 3.0 or above in BIOL 1730, ENGL 1711 and CHEM 1711
• Applicant required to submit official copies of all non-SPC transcripts to SPC
• Applicant required to apply to Saint Paul College

Applicant needs to have a current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) card or enroll in HLTH 1432 and complete HLTH 1410 (Medical Terminology) prior to enrolling in RESP courses.

Applications will be reviewed based on the prioritization process outlined below:

• First priority given to applicants who have GPA of 3.0 or higher in the program pre-requisite courses: BIOL 1730, ENGL 1711, and CHEM 1711.
• Second priority is given to applicants who have completed one or more the program pre-requisite with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and are currently enrolled in missing course(s).

Applicant is required to submit official copies of all non-SPC transcripts to SPC (check box on App. to RESP Major)

Applicant is required to apply to Saint Paul College (check box on App. To RESP Major)

​Program Preparation
Preparation best suited for this program includes excellent reading skills, biology, chemistry and physics. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRT). Upon completion of the program the student is eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple Choice Examination (TMC). Students who pass at the low-cut score earn the credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and are eligible for licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students who pass at the high-cut score are eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). Upon successful completion of the CSE, the graduate will be awarded the credentials of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

​Technical Standards
All Respiratory Care students are required to meet definite standards for the profession and for clinical performance. The following are specific requirements of all students:

1. Ability to stand, sit, walk, push and squat.
2. Ability to lift and /or carry 25 pounds.
3. Ability to reach in forward, lateral, and overhead motions.
4. Ability to climb stairs.
5. Ability to distinguish distance, colors, objects, and persons.
6. Demonstrate depth perception.
7. Ability to hear conversations, monitor equipment, perform auscultation, use telephone and distinguish background noise.
8. Ability to distinguish sharp/dull and hot/cold.
9. Perform fine and gross motor skills with both hands.
10. Ability to think clearly and calmly in stressful situations.
11. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, using appropriate grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.
12. Ability to work cooperatively with others.