A University of Minnesota Rochester Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences students practices with a patient

Early Assurance Respiratory Care Program

This Early Assurance Program allows direct entry into the BSHP Respiratory Therapy Program in students' third and fourth years at UMR. While preparing for the program, students will engage in unique learning opportunities with the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Respiratory Therapy Program.

UMR is excited to offer an Early Assurance Respiratory Care Program for students interested in pursuing a future career as a Respiratory Therapist.

This option for incoming first-year students provides entry into the Bachelor of Science in Health Professions Program (BSHP) Respiratory Care program track in the third year upon successful completion of prerequisites. The BSHP program is a collaboration between UMR and the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (MCSHS) which results in a bachelor's degree from UMR and a certificate in Respiratory Care from the MCSHS.

Students will apply to the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) program and complete their first two years of courses (including the necessary prerequisite courses). Students will begin the BSHP Program their junior year.

Students selected for the Early Assurance Respiratory Care option will complete all four years of their collegiate experience at UMR with their final two years of coursework mainly on the Mayo Clinic campus completing upper level coursework, labs and clinical hours.

*A GPA of at least 2.75 must be maintained during the student's first two years at UMR before starting the Respiratory Care program.

  • If admitted into the Early Assurance Respiratory Care program, students complete their first two years of courses at UMR in the BSHS program. During this time students will complete all BSHP prerequisite courses.
  • Students begin the BSHP degree program during their junior year, provided they achieve the 2.75 GPA cumulative GPA requirement during the first two years.
  • Students complete their third through fourth year in the BSHP program. A summer session is required between the two academic years. Students will complete the majority of their coursework at the MCSHS.
  • Clinical experience is completed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
  • Students graduate with a BSHP degree from UMR and a certificate in Respiratory Care through the MCSHS.

  • Apply to the BSHS program at UMR during your senior year of high school by December 1. Be sure to complete the additional Respiratory Therapy application requirements
  • Following December 1, finalists will be invited to interview with the MCSHS Respiratory Care Program in January. Students will be notified for the 10 available seats in early February.

View the Interview Preparation Worksheet for interview practice. 

Applicants will need to submit an answer to the following question:

1. Why are you interested in a career as a Respiratory Care Therapist and why specifically Respiratory over other direct patient care careers like a Physician or Nurse.

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