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 Process
The next available Respiratory Therapy program start date is Fall Semester 2023. Interested students should submit an online application. The application process will be open from November 1, 2022, to February 6, 2023. ​

To apply, students must meet the following readiness criteria:

• Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in completed prerequisite courses and any completed required general education courses;
• Completed the English Composition requirements and have successfully completed BIOL 1730 or BIOL 2721 and 2722 (Anatomy & Physiology sequence), with a grade of C or better.

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

• First priority given to applicants who meet the GPA and English Composition requirements and have successfully completed BIOL 1730 or the A&P sequence, and CHEM 1711 (C grade or better)
• Second priority is given to applicants who meet the GPA and English Composition requirements and have successfully completed BIOL 1730 or A & P sequence
• Based on remaining space available in the RESP Major, applicants who meet the GPA and English Composition requirements and have BIOL 1730 in progress will be considered for acceptance; this also includes applicants who have one of the 2 courses complete and the other course in progress

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.