Pre-Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care professionals (also called respiratory therapists) provide clinical care for patients with acute or chronic diseases/disorders affecting the lungs and respiratory system. They can work in out-patient care, hospitals, or surgery centers (often in pulmonary/cardiology areas). They help patients recover the ability to breathe properly from a disease, accident, or due to complications with another medical condition. Respiratory care professionals also participate in disease management education and treatment planning for their patients. 

Pre-Respirator Care

Plan Your Path to a Respiratory Care Program 

  1. Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to create a comprehensive academic and co-curricular plan 
  2. Research programs 
    1. Respiratory care can be entered through Associate’s Degree, Bachelor Degree, or Master’s Degree Pathways; requirements vary by pathway. 
  3. Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to update your plan to include the requirements for your pathway and possible programs. 
  4. Apply to Respiratory Care/Therapy programs 
  5. Complete Bachelor's Degree (if required) and required prerequisite classes
  6. Attend Respiratory Care program (2 years)

Suggested Academic Preparation

  • Careers in Respiratory Care can be entered through Associate’s Degree, Bachelor Degree, or Master’s Degree pathways 
    • Associate’s Degrees – no prerequisites are required 
    • Bachelor Degrees – no prerequisites are required, can transfer to a program during undergraduate 
    • Master’s Degrees – completion of 90 hours of college credit or a Bachelor’s Degree  AND completion of specific prerequisite courses (see View Program Roadmap above) 
  • Competitive academic record 
    • GPA 
  • Complete Respiratory Care Exploration Activities such as shadowing and informational interviews with a respiratory care professional 

Local Professional Schools

Current Students

Current students: Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to talk more about your Pre-Health goals.

Schedule a Meeting

Are you a non-UNL student looking for information about Pre-Health? Click here