TEAS Score Requirements for Respiratory Therapy Programs (2026)

Why Respiratory Therapy Programs Use the TEAS

Respiratory therapy is a fast-growing allied health field, and RT programs are becoming increasingly competitive. The TEAS exam serves as a standardized benchmark that admissions committees use to evaluate applicants alongside GPA, prerequisites, and clinical observation hours. Most associate-degree RT programs at community colleges and technical schools require the TEAS, while some bachelor's programs use the HESI A2 instead.

Unlike nursing — where hundreds of programs have well-documented TEAS requirements — respiratory therapy admissions information can be harder to find. Many RT programs are smaller (admitting 15–30 students per cohort), and their requirements are often buried in PDF admission packets rather than prominently listed on program websites. That makes research especially important.

Typical Score Requirements

Respiratory therapy TEAS minimums generally fall between 58% and 72% composite, depending on the institution. Community college programs tend to cluster around 60–65%, while more competitive programs at four-year institutions may expect scores in the low 70s or higher.

Some programs set section-specific minimums in addition to a composite requirement. For example, a program might require 60% composite but also require at least 55% in each individual section. This prevents students from compensating for a very weak area with strength in another — a reasonable policy given that RT coursework demands competency across reading, math, and science.

Like dental hygiene, many RT programs use points-based admissions. Your TEAS score becomes one component of a ranking system that also includes prerequisite GPA, completion of specific courses (especially anatomy, physiology, and microbiology), and sometimes an interview or essay. In these systems, every TEAS point translates directly to ranking points.

Which Sections Matter Most for Respiratory Therapy

Science (30% of total score): The single most important section for RT applicants. Respiratory therapy coursework is heavily science-based — you'll study cardiopulmonary anatomy, gas physics, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. The TEAS Science section tests human anatomy and physiology, life science, and scientific reasoning. Students who have completed A&P I and II before taking the TEAS consistently score higher here.

Math (22% of total score): More important for RT than for some other allied health paths. Respiratory therapists regularly calculate drug dosages, ventilator settings, gas concentrations, and ABG values. The TEAS Math section covers arithmetic, algebra, and measurement — all directly applicable to RT practice. Admissions committees know this, and some weight the Math section more heavily in their points calculations.

Reading (31% of total score): The largest section by weight. RT students must interpret clinical protocols, research articles, and physician orders. Strong reading comprehension is a prerequisite for success in the program.

English & Language Usage (17% of total score): Weighted least but still contributes to your composite. Don't neglect it — in a points-based system, even small gains matter.

How RT Admissions Differ from Nursing

If you're considering respiratory therapy alongside nursing, there are several practical differences in how the TEAS is used. RT programs are typically smaller than nursing programs, which means fewer seats and potentially less flexibility on retakes. Many RT programs admit once per year (usually fall), while nursing programs may have fall and spring cohorts.

RT programs are also more likely to require specific prerequisite courses before you can even apply — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and sometimes chemistry or physics. Nursing programs more commonly allow concurrent enrollment in prerequisites. This means RT applicants tend to be further along in their academic preparation when they take the TEAS, which can actually be an advantage on the Science section.

Retake policies vary but are generally in line with nursing — most programs allow 2–3 attempts per application cycle with ATI's mandatory 30-day waiting period between attempts.

Preparation Strategy for RT Applicants

Start with a diagnostic. Before committing to a study plan, identify your weakest section. A 15-minute diagnostic quiz can save you weeks of unfocused studying by pinpointing exactly where to concentrate your effort. StudyBuddy offers a free TEAS diagnostic that breaks down your performance by section — no account required.

Front-load Science preparation. If you haven't taken A&P yet, consider completing at least A&P I before your TEAS attempt. The overlap between A&P coursework and the TEAS Science section is substantial. If you've already completed A&P, focus your Science review on the areas the TEAS emphasizes: human body systems, scientific reasoning, and basic chemistry.

Don't skip Math review. RT applicants sometimes underestimate the TEAS Math section because they're comfortable with the clinical math they'll eventually learn. But the TEAS tests foundational skills — fractions, percentages, unit conversions, algebra — that you may not have practiced recently. Spend at least a week on focused math review.

Time your attempt strategically. Most RT programs have a single annual application cycle. TEAS scores are typically valid for 2–3 years, so there's no penalty for taking the exam early. If you can take the TEAS after completing your science prerequisites but before the application window opens, you'll have the best possible combination of preparation and timing.