Frequently asked questions regarding the Respiratory Care Program
What is the application process?
The program is unique in that it is a dual enrollment program. You are enrolled at Hannibal LaGrange University, which grants the degree of Associates of Applied Sciences in Respiratory Care and you are also enrolled in the Hannibal Career and Technical Center.
You will be required to take your general education and science classes at Hannibal LaGrange University and Respiratory Care classes at the Hannibal Career & Technical Center Respiratory Care facility.
The respiratory care classes are held in the Special Services Building located on the Hannibal Career & Technical Center's campus. Hannibal LaGrange University's campus is approximately one half mile north of our campus.
We will be happy to send you a first packet which will contain applications for both schools, a flyer about the field of respiratory care and a “road map” or listing of the courses required for the program. (Be sure to send applications to each respective school along with application fee. Do not send both applications to one school alone.)
Once we receive the first packet back with the applications and fees, we will start a file on you and send you a second enrollment packet. Most of them are read and sign forms. There are forms for a medical, dental and drug exams, but these can be submitted when you have been accepted into the respiratory care program. Instructions are included with the packets, however, if you have questions, please e-mail us at dlorenson@hannibal.k12.mo.us or call our office at (573) 221-4430 Ext. 3801.
When your file is approximately 75% completed with the necessary papers from your packets, we will call you to schedule an interview. Like most health care programs, there are a limited number of students accepted so it is very important that you be prompt in completing the necessary paper work in a timely manner. The maximum number of students allowed into the respiratory care program is 20. We will tell you within approximately one week of your interview if you have been accepted into the program.
Do you have any pre-requisites?
Yes. Our pre-requisites are Biology, Algebra and an ACT test score of 20 or better. Did you take Biology or Algebra in high school or college and make a grade of C or better? Has it been within the last five years? If so, that suffices. If not they must be taken again.
Do I have to take the pre-requisites before entering the program or can I take them while I am in the program.
Pre-requisites are required before you will eligible to enter the program.
I have never taken the ACT, do I have to take that?
Yes. It is a college requirement. The test is offered nationally five times a year, but Hannibal LaGrange University offers it on an in-house basis frequently you may contact the college for the scheduled dates. This means if you take an in-house version, it is only good for admission at Hannibal LaGrange and the Hannibal Career & Technical Center, it will not transfer if you decide to go to another school. Only the national exams transfer.
Before you take the ACT, we STRONGLY urge you to review. You can review for the test at any of our AEL/GED class locations. Please click AEL/GED Class Locations
to print a copy of these locations. You can also buy a copy of a Preparation Manual for the ACT. Be sure to get one with the CD included. If you do not have access to a computer, most all public libraries offer assistance. The preparations manuals are available at bookstores, and on-line. They are cheapest at a website called: www.half.com These preparation guides have been proven to raise the scores on ACT by two points or more.How much does it cost?
All financial aid goes through HLGU. Tuition is per credit hour . Once accepted by the Respiratory Care Program, HLGU gives scholarships that cuts tuition by 50%.
In addition to tuition, you should plan on costs for books and fees for each class. This varies from $100-$300 per class. There is also the cost of traveling to and from clinical sites. We currently utilize fifteen clinical sites in our program. They range from Keokuk, Iowa to St. Louis, Missouri. We use all hospitals in Columbia, Missouri, several in the St. Louis, Missouri area, and two hospitals in Springfield, Illinois as well as the local sites of Hannibal, Quincy and Mexico, Missouri.
We will discuss more requirements of the program during the interview, but if you have any specific questions, please feel free to call or email us.
Will I be able to find a job with this degree?
Yes! Your Respiratory Care career is projected to grow tremendously in the future. 100% of our students find employment.