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.​​

Vanessa H. Nguyen, RRT

“I first earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts, but I knew that a job in this field would not be fulfilling; I knew I wanted to take care of people. So I looked into different programs and found Respiratory Care at El Centro. I still wasn’t sure if that was the right career path for me, so I took some HPRS classes with Mr. Idichandi Idicula. He helped me to realize that I made the right choice. It’s obvious he loves what he does, and I made the decision to go into respiratory therapy because of him. 

“The best part of the program was the teachers. They are knowledgeable in their field because they work in it, and they are caring people. They encouraged us to develop our work ethic and also stressed the importance of taking care of our patients. Our instructors always shared their experiences and stories with us, even the mistakes they’ve made, so that we could learn from them. I feel like I really learned from their experiences. 

“What do I love about my job? I love my co-workers, and I love my patients and their families. The surprising part about this job is how much I've learned about humanity, how kind people are. There are many wonderful people out there.

“If you like to learn and truly care about people, you’ll love this job.”  Vanessa Nguyen earned an associate degree in Respiratory Care from El Centro in 2008. She also holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts with an emphasis in graphic design from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is credentialed as a registered respiratory therapist (RRT).


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
Vanessa H. Nguyen
Vanessa H. Nguyen, RRT
Respiratory Therapist Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Respiratory Care Program
School of Health Sciences
Updated September 16, 2025