The Respiratory Care Program prepares students to become respiratory therapists and perform complex patient care procedures in specialized patient care units and diagnostic laboratories.

The Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded for successful completion of the program, enabling the graduate to apply for the Entry Level Credentialing Examination to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). After CRT certification is obtained, the graduate may then apply for the Advanced Practitioner Examination to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Passing the Entry Level Examination enables the graduate to obtain licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in the State of Texas.

The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC, 1248 Harwood Rd., Bedford, Texas 76021-4244: Telephone number 817-283-2835).

Admission requirements include satisfactory scores on pre-entrance assessment testing, completion of program prerequisite courses with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, rank ordering by grade point average, and completion of all requirements for admission as a full-time student to the college. Clinical skills testing may be required for advanced placement. Contact the Health Occupations Admissions Office at El Centro campus to receive an information packet, and the Assessment Center to sign up for the assessment tests.