Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory Therapy
About
Respiratory Therapy
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
School: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Respiratory therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who provide testing, treatment and care to patients who have difficulty breathing. Graduates are trained to work with the full spectrum of patients, from infants to older adults. Therapists work in many different settings, including intensive care units, emergency departments, diagnostic laboratories, clinics and the home.
Get started
Admission to the respiratory therapy major is based on a holistic review of each candidate, including academic achievement in prerequisites and the student’s overall cumulative grade-point average. Competitive applicants will be invited for a personal interview. The interview focuses on the applicant’s knowledge of the profession, career goals and communication skills.
It is highly recommended that applicants interview or shadow a professional of their choice before applying. All applicants must successfully complete prerequisite courses (with a C- or higher) by the end of the summer term prior to beginning professional course work.
Applicants must apply electronically by January 31 of each year.
Applying as a freshman: Students are encouraged to apply as freshmen after completing either the required first-year prerequisites or a similar number of first and second-year prerequisite courses, demonstrating they are on track toward completing all prerequisites prior to beginning the curriculum. If admitted, these students complete their remaining prerequisites during their sophomore year and are guaranteed placement in the junior cohort if successful academic standing is maintained.
Applying as a sophomore: Students may apply for the first time, or reapply, as a sophomore or above while completing their remaining prerequisites. Subject to successful academic standing, admitted students will begin the program as a member of the junior cohort autumn term of the calendar year in which they apply.
Prospective students interested in meeting with an HRS advisor may call 614-292-1706 to arrange an appointment.
Curriculum
Students in this major are part of a cohort of students that take courses together and receive individualized attention from faculty.
The professional course work begins in the junior year and consists of five consecutive terms of enrollment, which includes one summer term, comprised of over 60 credit hours in respiratory therapy and professional supporting courses.
The major also affords students opportunities to select clinical specialties such as neonatal and pediatric care, rehabilitation and continuing care, education, administration, noninvasive cardiac diagnostic testing, hyperbaric oxygen, sleep disorders, and pulmonary function laboratories.
Study abroad
Students in respiratory therapy are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs to find study abroad experiences related to health care that can strengthen their applications to majors and graduate study programs.
Internship
Most clinical experiences are on-campus at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center or off-campus at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Additional clinical sites include Grant Medical Center, Doctors Hospital and Central Ohio Specialty Care. The OSU RT Clinical Education Network provides more clinical experiences throughout Ohio and beyond.
Honors and Scholars
The Honors Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences enhances the student experience in many ways, all of which further prepare students for the next step in their academic or professional careers. Activities eligible for Honors designation include service projects, study abroad, leadership in student organizations and research. For additional information regarding eligibility and requirements, please visit our website.
The Health Sciences Scholars Program and the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars Program may be of particular interest to students interested in the major because they bring together students with interests in the many health programs offered at Ohio State.
Learn more about the Honors and Scholars Programs at honors-scholars.osu.edu.
Research
Students are encouraged to investigate research opportunities. Interested students can graduate with research distinction by completing an undergraduate research thesis. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements can be found on our website.
Student organizations
Students in the respiratory therapy program can live in the Future Health Professionals Learning Community. Students may also apply to participate in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Ambassadors program.
Possible careers
Almost 100% of respiratory therapy graduates earn their Certified Respiratory Therapist credential, and over 90% earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist credential or equivalent specialty credential in pulmonary function technology, polysomnography or neonatal pediatrics.
Respiratory therapy has a projected job growth at almost twice the national average, including over 4,000 job openings annually.
Many recent graduates find jobs at major medical centers, in community hospitals and in children’s hospitals. Others work for home care providers, medical specialists, lung associations, colleges and universities, pharmaceutical companies, respiratory equipment manufacturers, and suppliers.
Salary estimates
Recent graduates from Ohio State's respiratory therapy program are in high demand. They typically receive four to five job offers and many receive hiring bonuses. The respiratory therapy program has 100% job placement for job seekers, 80% of which are leadership positions.
The median annual wage for respiratory therapists is $60,280. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of respiratory therapists will grow 21% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Fee Information
Tuition Fee
TRY 35,018How to Apply
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
Respiratory Therapy
The Ohio State University
United States of America,
Columbus
