Great Falls College MSU Respiratory Therapy Program Student Information and Application Packet - Fall 2026 - Priority application due date May 15, 2026

Sep 13, 2026

Great Falls College Montana State University’s Respiratory Therapy Program provides a Fall 2026 student information and application packet outlining program purpose, occupational outlook, and admission structure. The packet explains the role of respiratory therapists across hospital and alternative care settings, highlights key clinical responsibilities, and notes expected employment growth and Montana pay estimates. It also details accreditation, program length and competency-based format, student expense responsibilities, and disability services accommodation requirements, with priority application deadline guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time6 min

AccessFree to download

Student Information and Application Packet

Priority Application Deadline

Program Description and Occupational Outlook

Educational Program and Accreditation

Program Expenses

Statement About Disability Services

GREAT FALLS COLLEGE MSU RESPIRATORY THERAPY PROGRAM Fall 2026 Student Information and Application Packet (Applications are subject to change from year to year) Priority application due date: May 15, 2026 Respiratory Therapy Program Student Information and Application Packet Dear Prospective Respiratory Therapy Student: Thank you for your interest in the Great Falls College Montana State University Respiratory Therapy Program. You can make a lifelong career as a Respiratory Therapist. The job market and opportunities for RTs have never been better. You have picked a great time to advance your career as a healthcare professional in the field of Respiratory Therapy. As a Respiratory Therapist, you will care for patients with diseases of the lungs and heart. They will range in age from premature infants to the elderly. You will have the opportunity to work in all areas of the hospital and will be a vital part of the lifesaving emergency response team. While most Respiratory Therapists work in acute care hospitals, a substantial number are employed in alternative care sites, such as nursing homes, physicians’ offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, sleep labs and medical equipment supply companies. The Great Falls College Respiratory Therapy Program accepts twenty-five (25) students each year over several clinical sites. The small size creates the opportunity for faculty and preceptors to pay individual attention to each student. This class size is determined by available clinical opportunities. Limited enrollment creates a competitive student selection process. It is important for you to review and understand this process. Please refer to the Application Evaluation (page 14)) located in this information packet. Information about the program and application materials for the fall entry are enclosed. Please read these materials carefully. For additional information or answers to specific questions, please contact the Health Science Program Assistant at 406-771-4350 or Melissa Wells, Program Director, [at melissa.wells1@gfcmsu.edu](at melissa.wells1@gfcmsu.edu). Thank you for your interest in the Great Falls College Respiratory Therapy Program. Sincerely, Laura James, MHA, RRT, ACCS Director of Clinical Education Melissa Wells, MEd, RRT Respiratory Therapy Program Director Great Falls College MSU Associate of Applied Science Degree Respiratory Therapy Program Description and Occupational Outlook: The Respiratory Therapist functions as an integral member of the medical team working closely with Doctors, Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, Registered Nurses, and other medical personnel. Some of the responsibilities include life support, mechanical ventilation, code response team, intubations, arterial blood gasses, neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, pulmonary function, sleep disorders, aerosol and oxygen therapy. Patient diseases like COPD, Asthma, Lung Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Pulmonary Fibrosis are just a few of the pathologies RTs treat. During the Covid-19 pandemic of 2019-2021 Respiratory Therapists were acknowledged as mandatory front-line experts working to treat and save lives of the patients contracting this virus. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ([https://www.bls.gov/](https://www.bls.gov/)) employment of is expected to grow 19% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, as the population ages and lung disease patient cases increase. In Montana, the median hourly pay for a respiratory therapist is approximately $31.54 per hour. The following wage information for Montana is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Median Wage: $31.54 per hour / $59,052 yearly Expected MT growth: 18% increase There is also the opportunity to earn additional hourly pay with on-call schedules, overtime, shift differentials for nights & weekends and holiday pay. A

FAQs

What is the priority application deadline for the Fall 2026 respiratory therapy program?

The priority application due date is May 15, 2026.

What does the Respiratory Therapist role include?

After prerequisite coursework, the program runs four consecutive semesters and is competency-based to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values to work as Respiratory Therapists.

What are students responsible for regarding program expenses?

Students are responsible for personal equipment and supplies, textbooks, online course access, required online programs for completion and clinical records, uniforms, lab fees, and transportation to clinical sites.

How does disability accommodation work under ADA for program students?

Students with disabilities are guaranteed a learning environment with reasonable accommodations, and instructors must receive an official letter from the Office of Academic Success and Accessibility to provide those accommodations.

Sep 13, 2026

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