Degree Plans

Respiratory Care Technology, Associate of Applied Science


  • Academic Year: 2019-2020
  • Division / Department: Health Professions / Respiratory Care Technology
  • Degree Code: RCT.AAS
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Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) (1241 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021-4244; www.coarc.com)

The respiratory care curriculum leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care Technology. Students who complete the associate degree curriculum will be eligible to complete the examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) for Certification (CRT) and Registry (RRT).

The respiratory therapist applies scientific knowledge and theory to practical clinical problems of respiratory care. The knowledge and skills for performing various respiratory care modalities are achieved through didactic, laboratory and clinical preparation. Clinical training is provided in routine and special procedures applicable to pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. Respiratory therapy personnel are employed in hospitals, nursing care facilities, clinics, and institutions or companies providing home care.

Applicants for this program must meet admission requirements established by the college. If developmental courses are needed for Texas Success Initiative requirements, it is recommended that such courses be completed before the fall semester of the first year of the program.

A student has five years to complete requirements for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care after official enrollment into the program. Contact the program director for more information.

Marketable Skills:

Upon completion, the graduate will:

1. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to their roles as a registry-level respiratory care practitioner.

2. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information

3. Demonstrate the technical proficiency.

4. Demonstrate the technical skills needed to provide respiratory care accurately and efficiently in laboratory and clinical areas.

5. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with employer expectations as a registry-level respiratory care practitioner.

6. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in the classroom, clinical laboratory, and all areas of the clinical setting.

7. Display a professional attitude based on the American Association for Respiratory Care's "Code of Ethics."

BIOL 2404 Anatomy & Physiology (specialized) 4 hours
MATH 1314 College Algebra or
MATH 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods
3 hours
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3 hours
RSPT 1227 Applied Physics for Respiratory Care 2 hours
RSPT 1371 Introduction to Respiratory Care 3 hours
Total hours:15 hours

Semester I

RSPT 1266 Practicum - Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist 2 hours
RSPT 1340 Advanced Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology 3 hours
RSPT 1410 Respiratory Care Procedures I 4 hours
RSPT 2317 Respiratory Care Pharmacology 3 hours
12 hours

Summer Semester

RSPT 1260 Clinical - Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist 2 hours
RSPT 1411 Respiratory Care Procedures II 4 hours
RSPT 2310 Cardiopulmonary Disease 3 hours
9 hours

Semester III

RSPT 1267 Practicum - Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist 2 hours
RSPT 2258 Respiratory Care Patient Assessment 2 hours
RSPT 2414 Mechanical Ventilation 4 hours
RSPT 2305 Pulmonary Diagnostics 3 hours
PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics 3 hours
14 hours

Semester IV

RSPT 1241 Respiratory Home Care/Rehabilitation 2 hours
RSPT 2233 Respiratory Care Case Management 2 hours
RSPT 2266 Practicum - Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist 2 hours
RSPT 2353 Neonatal/Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Care 3 hours
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3 hours
12 hours

Summer Semester

RSPT 2230 Respiratory Care Examination Preparation 2 hours
RSPT 2267 Practicum - Respiratory Care 2 hours
4 hours
Total hours:51 hours