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Campus Alert
Campus Closure

In observance of Veterans Day, all University of the District of Columbia administrative and academic offices will be closed and classes will not be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Administrative and academic offices will resume regular operations on Thursday, Nov. 12.

 
UDC Facilities Update

At this time, a definitive timeline for reopening Buildings 32 and 42 has not been established. The reopening of these facilities remains contingent upon the successful completion of repairs, testing, inspections and confirmation that the affected electrical distribution equipment can be safely re-energized.

Although we understand the critical role these facilities play in supporting academic programs, student success and university operations, safety must remain our highest priority. Re-energizing the system before it is fully restored could result in additional equipment damage, create electrical safety risks and potentially prolong the closure of both buildings.

Visit the Campus Alerts page for more information. 

For safety concerns, contact OPSEM at 202-274-5050. For emergencies, call 911.

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Respiratory Therapy - AAS

Program Overview

About the Associate of Applied Sciences in Respiratory Therapy Program

Breathe fresh air into your local community as a healthcare professional with an Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) respiratory therapy degree from the University of the District of Columbia. To ensure that you receive individualized guided instruction to master the skills needed to manage the respiratory system and the various cardiopulmonary diseases that can affect it, we are delighted to offer small class sizes of 5-12 students on average.

At UDC, it isn't just about what you can learn in the classroom. During your first semester in the program, you will engage in experimental learning in both the laboratory and with direct patient contact in more than eight healthcare facilities across the D.C. metro area. You'll also have opportunities to attend professional conferences and other experiential activities.

While the path to becoming a respiratory therapist can be challenging, it's just as rewarding. Earning your degree will open doors to a fulfilling career that allows you to make a real difference in people's lives in your community and across the country. Though the curriculum is rigorous, we are proud to say that our program has a 100% pass rate on the entry exam and an 80% pass rate on the registry exam.

Accreditation

CoArc logo

The Respiratory Care/Therapy Program at the University of the District of Columbia, CoARC program number 200061, awards an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program is located at 5171 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (coarc.com).

Graduates are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) leading to the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) leading to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Beginning in January 2027, the Respiratory Therapy Examination (RTE) will replace both examinations.

Both examinations are offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The program is also affiliated with the American Association for Respiratory Care.

Respiratory Therapy Program Outcomes

What's Next

Following graduation, you'll have access to a whole new array of professional opportunities working in various healthcare settings with diverse patient populations, including the elderly, adults, adolescents, children and infants. After completing our program, many of our graduates find work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, pulmonary function laboratories and pulmonary rehabilitation centers. Plus, as a new graduate residing in the D.C. area, you can enjoy an average salary of $51,000 a year.

Respiratory Therapy Admission Requirements

Interested in admission into the AAS Respiratory Therapy program at UDC? Review the program of study and the list below to ensure that you are eligible for admission into the program.

  • An active and current student enrolled at the Lamond-Riggs campus.
  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher on a four-point grading scale.
  • Good standing with the university, including accounts, academic standing and other university admission requirements.
  • Completed a minimum of 17 hours of prerequisite general education courses (including IGED courses) with a grade of at least a “C” or above.

Transfer Credit Evaluations

All students applying to any allied health program at UDC must submit course syllabi for Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, and Clinical Microbiology at the time of a completed transfer evaluation. General microbiology courses will not be accepted as a substitute for Clinical Microbiology. However, students may appeal for credit. The appeal should include the course catalog description and syllabus or course outline (from the appropriate year) for each course in question, which, if possible, should include the course’s learning outcomes.

Please note: The nursing and allied health programs at UDC-CC will not accept science courses (Anatomy I, II, Clinical Microbiology, Chemistry, etc.) completed online, virtual or hybrid formats at other institutions.

Admission to the University Does Not Guarantee Admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program

The Office of Admission processes applications to the university. Students are NOT automatically admitted to the Respiratory Therapy program by indicating an interest in Respiratory Therapy or declaring Respiratory Therapy as a major. Students must make an application to the program as Respiratory Therapy admission is competitive.

How to Apply to the Respiratory Therapy Program

Admission to the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program are two separate processes. Admission to UDC does not guarantee admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program. Students must apply separately to the program, which has a competitive admissions process.

Step 1: Apply to UDC

If you are new to UDC, you must first apply for admission to the university. This includes first-time college students, transfer students, returning students and international students.

How to Apply to UDC

Already a UDC student? You do not need to reapply to the university. Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Apply to the Respiratory Therapy Program

The Respiratory Therapy program will soon begin accepting applications for Fall 2027 admission.

Eligible UDC students will receive notification from their Allied Health Student Navigator about application dates and requirements.

Before applying, you must:

  1. Attend a mandatory program information session or meet individually with your Allied Health Student Navigator.
  2. Receive your unique program application link.
  3. Complete and submit all required application materials by the deadline.

Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Respiratory Therapy Program Admission Process

Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program consists of three phases.

ATI TEAS Entrance Exam Requirements

The ATI TEAS for Allied Health Sciences is a required component of the Respiratory Therapy program application process.

Exam Requirements

  • Testing format: The exam must be taken in person and proctored by PSI.
  • Minimum score: Applicants must achieve at least the national average in all required subject areas, including English, mathematics, science and reading.
  • Timing: The exam must be taken within 45 days of the active application cycle and before the application deadline.
  • Attempts: Applicants may take the exam up to two times per application cycle.
  • Score submission: Official exam results must be submitted through the ATI TEAS Portal.

ATI TEAS Exam Waivers

Applicants who have earned an undergraduate, master's or doctoral degree within five years of applying may be eligible for an exam waiver.

To request a waiver, applicants must submit a formal request to the Respiratory Therapy Program Director. The Admissions Committee reviews waiver requests on a case-by-case basis.

TEAS Exam Preparation Resources

Estimated Application Costs

The following costs are estimates and may vary.

Estimated Application Costs
Requirement Estimated Cost
ATI TEAS Exam $120 + tax
Background Check $140
Drug Screening $37
Health Screening Varies by location
CPR Certification Approximately $90
Estimated Total $387 + tax and health screening

Some costs apply only to applicants invited to later phases of the admission process.

After You're Accepted

Students admitted to the Respiratory Therapy Program must complete additional requirements before beginning clinical assignments.

Enrollment and Clinical Placement Checklist

  • Confirm your intent to enroll in writing.
  • Obtain a valid UDC student photo ID.
  • Provide proof of professional liability insurance.
  • Obtain health clearance from University Health Services.
  • Complete any additional drug screening, if requested.

Additional information about program expectations and requirements is available in the Respiratory Therapy Student Handbook.

View the Respiratory Therapy Student Handbook

Questions About Applying?

For questions about the Respiratory Therapy program application process, contact:

Hector Mendoza Arias
[email protected]

Contact Us

Contact us today to learn more about the Associate of Applied Sciences in Respiratory Therapy degree program at UDC!

Benedict Donkor, DHSc

Program Director, Respiratory Therapy
University of the District of Columbia Community College
Lamond-Riggs Campus
5171 South Dakota Ave, NE, Room 116
Washington D.C. 20017
202-274-5864
[email protected]

Hector Mendoza Arias, M.ED.

Student Navigator: Allied Health Sciences
University of the District of Columbia
Lamond-Riggs Campus
5171 South Dakota Ave. NE, Office 239
Washington, DC 20017
202-274-6718
[email protected]
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