Skip to Main Content Open Alternative Formats of This Page
Dallas College

eConnect, Self-Service and Colleague​​ will be unavailable on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 1 a.m. until 2 p.m. for maintenance​. We appreciate your patience.​​

Curtis D. Carey, RRT

“I had been taking basic classes for a couple of years and was interested in doing something in the medical field. I had a few relatives who developed some respiratory problems, and I became interested in the Respiratory Care program. 

“I enjoyed the variety of campuses, the large number of classes and times that were available, and the dedication and quality of the instructors. The two degrees and knowledge that I acquired have helped me give quality care to patients as a respiratory therapist and move forward in my career and prepared me for the challenges of going even further with my education. 

“The thing I learned the most from my education was that with hard work, dedication and the right motivation, the world is wide open as far as what can be achieved. I would like to thank Kande Mann and Gary Peschka for guiding me through my experiences, giving me the tools I need to succeed and helping me become the person I am today. 

“I would recommend the Respiratory Care program at El Centro to anyone who wants a challenging and fulfilling education that you can benefit from the rest of your life.”

Curtis Carey attended El Centro, Eastfield and Richland, earning an Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Respiratory Care at El Centro in 1999 and an additional associate degree from El Centro. He is working on a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care from Midwestern State University.

In his current job as a respiratory care team leader at Parkland Hospital, he manages and guides therapists in their daily work and helps to meet the challenges of care for critical patients in a variety of areas including the emergency, medical, cardiac, burn, surgical and neonatal intensive care areas.


Read More

Myriah Stevens

Myriah Stevens

Radiologic Technologist Parkland Memorial Hospital of Dallas
“When a patient who is in pain, upset or nervous tells you that you made them feel better or just simply tells you 'thank you' with a smile, it makes your hard work worth it. That is the reason I am in this field, and that is what will keep me in it forever.”
Radiologic Sciences
Kristy Sweeney

Kristy Sweeney, RDCS

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, UT Southwestern University Hospitals, and Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Diagnostic Medical Sonography
“My experience at El Centro was wonderful. The program included online classes plus clinicals three or four days a week. We had the flexibility to do our homework at our own convenience, either doing a little every night or doing it all over the weekend, whatever worked best for us.”
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor, A.A.S. (ADN), RN

Registered Nurse, Adult Oncology Unit Medical City Dallas
“The best part of my education was the nursing staff. They are just so caring and supportive. They’re there to make sure you get all of the help and support you need. The most important thing I learned is that you’re never too old to set a goal and achieve it.”
Nursing
Shawn Terry

Shawn Terry, B.A., RRT, RCP

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Parkland Health and Hospital System Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Respiratory Care Program
“Respiratory therapists are not just technicians trained to deliver treatments and therapies with different types of equipment. We have to truly comprehend a wide range of topics and how they relate to a patient’s condition.”
Respiratory Care Program
Curtis Carey
Curtis D. Carey, RRT
Respiratory Care Team Leader Parkland Health & Hospital System
Respiratory Care Program
School of Health Sciences
Updated September 16, 2025