Career Insights

Prerequisites for Respiratory Therapy Programs

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated April 2, 2025. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
A group of students practices prerequisite CPR training.

Respiratory therapy is a vital health care career focused on helping patients with breathing issues and respiratory diseases. As the field is projected to grow by 13% by 2033, there will be many opportunities for aspiring respiratory therapists. To be considered for a program, candidates should complete specific prerequisites, ensuring that they have the foundational knowledge required for advanced study and clinical practice. 

Understanding and meeting these requirements are key for prospective students. Prerequisites for respiratory therapist programs typically include a combination of science, math, and communication courses, each helping to prepare students for the complexities of respiratory care. Some programs may also have specific grade and time limitations for these courses. This overview provides essential information about the common prerequisites, typical credit requirements, and additional criteria necessary for a successful application to respiratory therapy programs.
 

Common Prerequisite Courses

Student studying common prerequisite courses for a respiratory therapist program.


For those who want to pursue a career in respiratory therapy, the Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree program at Concorde is an ideal way to prepare. Those interested in becoming a respiratory therapist must also meet licensure requirements. Concorde's program covers courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, general psychology, and clinical medicine, along with vital foundational elements of respiratory therapy, including oxygen therapy, bronchodilator, chest physiotherapy, ECG, and patient teaching and instruction.

Common prerequisites for respiratory therapists may include the following:
 

Science Courses

Science courses provide the foundations for understanding human physiology and the scientific principles underlying complex respiratory therapy. Prerequisite science courses include:

  • Biology: This course is vital for understanding the fundamentals of human biology and anatomy.
  • Chemistry: This course teaches the basic principles of chemistry relevant to medical sciences.
  • Physics: This course teaches the concepts of physics that apply to respiratory mechanics. 

Science courses should ideally be completed within the last 10 years to ensure that the knowledge is relevant to current medical practices. 

Math Courses

Math skills are important for ensuring accurate medication dosing, performing equipment calibration, and interpreting test results. A solid grasp of algebra helps respiratory therapists perform these tasks effectively and ensures precision in patient care. 

  • College Algebra: College Algebra is a common prerequisite. It's essential for understanding medical calculations and data interpretation in respiratory therapy.

English and Communication Courses

Effective communication is essential in healthcare for providing clear patient instructions, ensuring accurate documentation, and collaborating with other medical professionals. These courses help build the necessary skills for successful interactions in clinical settings:

  • English Composition: This course focuses on written communication skills.
  • Speech or Communication Studies: This course enhances verbal communication with patients and healthcare teams.

 

 

 

Other Common Prerequisites

Student interacting with common prerequisite coursework online.


These additional courses help build a comprehensive understanding of patient interactions and the medical environment, essential for effective practice in respiratory therapy:

  • Medical Terminology: This course is ideal for understanding specialized medical language used in respiratory care.
  • Psychology or Sociology: This course provides insight into patient behavior and social factors affecting health.

Related: Careers in Respiratory Therapy
 

Typical Credit Requirements

Meeting these credit requirements ensures students have the required academic background before starting specialized respiratory therapy courses. The exact number of credits may vary depending on the program. Credit requirements may include:

  • Associate Programs: This is the minimum requirement for licensure and usually takes around two years to complete. A high school diploma, GED, or other equivalent is typically required for admission to an associate program.
  • Bachelor Programs: Increasingly preferred by employers, a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy usually takes around four years to complete. Two-year bachelor's degree programs are also available for those who already have an associate degree.

Concorde's Associate Degree course takes 17 months to complete and provides 76 credit hours, 190 lab hours, and 900 clinical hours, equipping students with everything they need to prepare in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains of respiratory care. Lab and clinical hours may differ by location.

 

 

Time Limits on Prerequisites

While certain subjects are necessary to apply for a course in respiratory therapy, the year of completion is important too. Students should consider that natural science courses need to be completed within the last 10 years before applying. Older courses may be less relevant because they will not include the latest advancements in medical science. Students with outdated coursework may need to retake classes to meet current program requirements.
 

Additional Requirements

These prerequisites ensure that students are prepared for clinical situations and have demonstrated basic healthcare knowledge before starting their respiratory therapy education. Additional requirements may include: 

  • CPR: Certification in this emergency lifesaving procedure is required within two months of beginning the program.
  • Test of Essential Academic Skills: The TEAS is a standardized admissions test that determines whether students are ready to enroll in a healthcare-related program. It is generally required  prior to application.

 

Tips for Completing Prerequisites

Student studying to complete prerequisite coursework.


Completing prerequisites for a respiratory therapy program includes a combination of academic preparation and practical experience. Here are some tips for accomplishing these requirements:

  • Plan Ahead: Review the specific prerequisites for the chosen program and map out a plan to complete them ahead of time.
  • Take Advantage of Resources: Use tutoring services or online resources to excel in challenging subjects.
  • Stay Organized: Keep track of course deadlines, grades, and certification requirements to avoid last-minute issues.
  • Seek Guidance: Consult with academic advisors or program coordinators for advice on meeting prerequisites and updating older coursework. 

Overcoming challenges in meeting prerequisites can set the stage for a successful career in respiratory therapy. With careful planning and utilization of available resources, students can navigate these requirements effectively.

Meeting the prerequisites for respiratory therapist programs is essential for starting a rewarding career in this growing field. By understanding and preparing for these prerequisites, students can set themselves up for success and make a significant impact in patient care. Researching specific program requirements and taking proactive steps to complete prerequisites can pave the way for a fulfilling career in respiratory therapy.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a respiratory therapist:

What are the common prerequisites for respiratory therapy programs? 

Prerequisites typically include science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics; college algebra; English and communication courses; and medical terminology. Some programs may also require psychology or sociology. 

How recent do science courses need to be? 

Most programs prefer that natural science courses have been completed within the last 10 years to ensure the knowledge is current with modern medical practices.

What are the typical grade requirements for prerequisites? 

Generally, a minimum grade of "C" is required for transfer credits and in prerequisite courses. Maintaining an average of "C" or better demonstrates proficiency and understanding of the topics.

Are there additional requirements beyond coursework? 

Yes, additional requirements may include CPR certification and completion of the TEAS before applying to the program.

What if my science courses are older than 10 years?

Students may need to retake the courses to meet current program requirements. Contacting program advisors can help clarify the options for updating older coursework. 

What do you need to be a respiratory therapist in California?

Students need to complete an accredited respiratory therapy program for an Associate or Bachelor of Science degree. Respiratory therapy education programs usually include anatomy, chemistry, physiology, microbiology, and similar coursework.

Are respiratory therapists in demand in the U.S.?

The demand for respiratory therapists is rising. The increasing number of older individuals is leading to higher rates of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and other lung disorders.

Can I do a respiratory therapy internship?

An internship is a fantastic way to receive hands-on experience in the field of respiratory therapy. It may also increase a student's chances of getting a job after graduation. 

Do I need certification?

After completion of a respiratory therapy degree, graduates can apply for a professional certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care. The most popular certifications in the industry include the Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist credentials. 

Do I need a license?

Yes, program graduates will need a license to practice respiratory therapy in the 49 states that regulate it (all except Alaska). These states require applicants to have either CRT or RRT credentials. Additional licensing requirements may vary by state, so graduates should contact their specific state health board for more information.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, May 15). Respiratory Therapists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

Interested in learning more about our Respiratory Therapy program? We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.