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Respiratory Care A.A.S.
Program Available at:
- El Centro
Catalog Year 2020-2021 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.
Degree Type Associate of Applied Science
GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher
TSI Must be Complete
For more information, visit the Dallas College Respiratory Care webpage and your academic advisor at the El Centro Campus.
This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing an associate's degree in Respiratory Care. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Respiratory Care. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official degree requirements.
The Respiratory Care Program is a two-year A.A.S. degree program with a competitive admissions process. 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 Therapist Multiple Choice Examination (TMC). The TMC Examination evaluates the abilities required of Respiratory Therapists at entry into practice and determines eligibility for Clinical Simulation Examination *CSE). The TMC Examination has t2 cut scores. You must achieve the high cut score to become eligible for the CSE, and a passing score on the CSE is required to earn the RRT credential. The low-cut score earns credentials as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Earning the CRT credential allows the graduate to obtain licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in the State of Texas. Courses that complete the Degree are noted below.
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official degree requirements. Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
AAS DEGREE MINIMUM: 65 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
A minimum grade of "C" is required in all courses.
COMPLETE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Completion of six Health Professions Readiness courses that satisfy the Health Professions Readiness I & II Skills Achievement Awards.
- Two years' employment as a healthcare worker within a medical related laboratory AND Direct patient care experience within the last 5 years
- Current credential in a healthcare profession (e.g., RN, Medical Assisting, Radiography, Paramedic, LVN, etc.)
PREREQUISITE SEMESTER 1
Prerequisite Semesters 1 and 2 can be modified for part-time enrollment. Once you are admitted to the program, you must enroll as outlined in Program Semesters 1-4.
ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course.
MATH 1314 – College Algebra This is a Core course.
BIOL 2401 – Anatomy and Physiology I This is a Core course. To register you must complete BIOL 1406 with a grade of "C" or better.
HUMA 1315 – Fine Arts Appreciation* This is a Core course.
* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See Health Occupations Admissions Office for a specific list.
PREREQUISITE SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your advisor to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with a career advisor or coach to research your career options.
Total Hours: 13
PREREQUISITE SEMESTER 2
SPCH 1311 – Introduction to Speech Communication
PSYC 2301 – General Psychology This is a Core course.
BIOL 2402 – Anatomy and Physiology II
PREREQUISITE SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your advisor to request an official program of study audit, confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.
Total Hours: 10
SEMESTER 1 (Summer)
RSPT 1410 – Respiratory Care Procedures I
SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with the clinical coordinator regarding placement for the Clinical course.
Total Hours: 6
SEMESTER 2 A (Fall)
RSPT 1340 – Advanced Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology Course offered on an eight-week basis.
RSPT 1113 – Basic Respiratory Care Pharmacology Course offered on an eight-week basis.
RSPT 1311 – Respiratory Care Procedures II
RSPT 1360 – Clinical-Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
Total Hours: 10
SEMESTER 2 B (Fall)
RSPT 2217 – Respiratory Care Pharmacology Course offered on an eight-week basis.
RSPT 2258 – Respiratory Care Patient Assessment Course offered on an eight-week basis.
RSPT 2310 – Cardiopulmonary Disease Course offered on an eight-week basis.
SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with the clinical coordinator regarding placement for the Clinical course.
Total Hours: 7
SEMESTER 3 (Spring)
RSPT 2453 – Neonatal/Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Care
RSPT 2314 – Mechanical Ventilation
RSPT 2325 – Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics
RSPT 2231 – Simulations in Respiratory Care
RSPT 2130 – Respiratory Care Examination Preparation
RSPT 2362 – Clinical-Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with the clinical coordinator regarding placement for the Clinical course.
- Meet with a career advisor or coach for assistance in preparing for job search, if needed.
Total Hours: 16
SEMESTER 4 (Summer)
RSPT 2263 – Clinical-Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist Capstone experience for award
RSPT 2166 – Practicum (or Field Experience)-Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist Capstone experience for award
SEMESTER 4 ACTION ITEMS
- After reviewing your degree plan and program of study, meet the Health Occupations Admissions Office to apply for the Respiratory Care A.A.S.
- Sign up for commencement.
- Join the Alumni Network!
Total Hours: 3
PATHWAY TOTAL: 65 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS