Program Description
Respiratory care professionals have the incredible responsibility of helping people get the oxygen they desperately need to live. They care for patients of all ages, from premature babies with underdeveloped lungs to an elderly individual who may have been affected by disease. Therapists also give patients the treatments, resources and tools to improve their quality of life.
Students in ACC’s Respiratory Care program gain hands-on experience at hospitals in addition to lab and classroom training. The two-year associate degree program will prepare you for a rewarding career. Graduates can become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) by passing the Entry Level Exam and the Advanced Practitioners Exam.
Career Opportunities
Respiratory Care is currently one of the fastest growing career fields. The demand for respiratory therapists will continue to increase because of substantial growth of the middle-age population. Advances in the treatment of heart attack victims, accident victims, and premature infants will also increase the demand for respiratory therapists. The average starting salary is $46,800. An experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist can make between $52,000 - $70,000 plus shift or weekend differential.
Program Requirements
1. To be considered for admission to the respiratory care program, the applicant must:
a. be a high school or GED graduate.
b. make application to ACC and fulfill the admission requirements, including THEA.
c. make application to the respiratory care program.
d. submit official transcripts of all previous college work to ACC Registrar's Office.
e. applicants are required to demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities and duties of the profession through observation and discussion with a practicing therapist. Contact the director for details.
f. score 19 or higher on ACT composite or minimum combined math/verbal SAT score of 900 and complete BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 and ENGL 1301 with a grade no lower than a "C" prior to admission and test scores must be within 5 years of the time of application. (Please note: Individuals who hold a Bachelor's degree or higher are exempt from taking the ACT/SAT.)
g. complete a physical examination form which includes TB skin test, and immunizations upon acceptance to the program.
h. criminal background check and drug screen conducted as a condition of full acceptance.
i. not currently be on suspension or academic probation from ACC or another college or university.
2. Any science or respiratory care course completed more than five years prior to the student being accepted may not satisfy requirements for a degree in respiratory care.
3. Program begins in August.
To learn more about the Respiratory Care Program, please attend one of our information sessions.
Life and Breath video:
Interprofessional Drill:
Mock drill in conjunction with Nursing, Diagnostic Cardio Vascular, and Emergency Medical Technology departments to simulate Emergency Room scenarios.
Resources
- AARC - American Association for Respiratory Care
- NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care
- TSRC - Texas Society for Respiratory Care
- CoARC - Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
For more information call 281-756-5610 or email RespiratoryCare@alvincollege.edu.
Alvin Community College
3110 Mustang Road • Alvin, TX 77511
281-756-3500
For accommodations: 281.756.3531
TDD: 281.756.3845
