Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) care for people with breathing disorders. They work in hospitals, long term care centers, clinics, and the patient’s home. RCPs are becoming increasingly involved in specialty areas such as air and ground ambulance, patient education, rehabilitation and intensive care of infants and children.

Respiratory Care Program

HCSA offers an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care - CoARC (1248 Harwood Road Bedford, Texas 76021-4244, (817) 283-2835) and the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs - CAAHEP (1361 Park Street Clearwater, Florida 33756, (727) 210-2350.)

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care Entry Level Examination (Certified Respiratory Therapist - CRT). Once they pass this exam, they are eligible to take the Advanced Practice Exam (Registered Respiratory Therapist - RRT). This is a two-part exam that evaluates basic knowledge, assessment and decision-making skills. Both NBRC exams are computer-based and are given nationwide. The CRT or RRT credential is often used as criteria for obtaining a state license to practice.

Successful completion of a criminal background check is required for enrollment in all Health Professions programs.

For more information contact:

Michelle Trubenstein
Program Director, Respiratory Care

West Texas Training Center, B115
(325) 481-8300, ext. 239
mtrubenstein@howardcollege.edu