Respiratory Care

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Respiratory Care is an allied health specialty employed in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with respiratory system abnormalities. The program is designed to provide the necessary education required for a thorough understanding and proficiency in all aspects of respiratory care. New classes begin each Fall and courses must be taken sequentially for progression in the program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete as many non-respiratory courses as possible prior to entering the program. Specific admission criteria are listed in the program brochure, or call the Health Sciences Division for information. The student must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all Respiratory and Biology courses, a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and pass a written and/or clinical simulation final exit exam to be eligible for graduation. Clinicals will be scheduled with Midland/Odessa health care facilities and others as available. The Midland College Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Respiratory Care students satisfactorily completing the program will receive an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. These students will be eligible for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Entry-Level Exam, which after successful completion will allow the graduate to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist/Advanced Practitioner (RRT) exams.

The degree in this field offered by Midland College and the courses needed to achieve this credential are presented in the following sections. Students interested in this program should contact the Health Sciences Division office to obtain additional information and/or acquire a degree plan.

Specific Admission Requirements: The Midland College Respiratory Care Program has a limited enrollment based on specific admission criteria. For information regarding the admission criteria, see the program brochure. Each prospective student will be counseled by either the program chair or the clinical director as scheduled through the Health Sciences Division Office.

Respiratory Care Technical Standards

Respiratory Care students/practitioners are expected to master the following technical standards of the profession:

• utilize both visual and auditory monitoring equipment safely and effectively;
• assess and record changes in patient status using visual, auditory, and tactile senses;
• troubleshoot patient/equipment systems;
• effectively and appropriately communicate and relate with patients, their families, and members of the healthcare team using oral and/or written means;
• possess strength and mobility sufficient to support and transport patients as well as equipment;
• perform Respiratory Care procedures while wearing personal protective equipment (mask, gown, gloves, etc.);
• safely and effectively prioritize workload;
• perform CPR (bag/mask ventilation, chest compressions); and
• utilize intellectual ability to adapt to changing patients’ conditions. 

The course sequences shown in the programs of study below should be followed when possible. Respiratory Care (RSPT) courses must be taken according to the sequence shown.

Programs

• Respiratory Care, A.A.S.

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