Respiratory Care San Angelo

Mission

The purpose of the Respiratory Care Program at Howard College is to educate students in respiratory therapy through innovative and educationally sound learning opportunities. The program serves a 13-county area ranging from Lamesa to Junction and supports the personal development of each student so graduates can serve their communities as competent respiratory therapists.

Program Goal

The goal of the Respiratory Care Program is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills, and affective behavior learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by Registered Respiratory Therapists.

Admission Criteria and Course Requirements

1. Apply to Howard College and complete all general admission requirements.

   Review Howard College application requirements.

2. Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing with Howard College and any transfer institution.

3. View the Health Professions Orientation video on the Health Professions San Angelo homepage. Completion is required for all applicants to San Angelo Health Professions programs.

4. Complete the required prerequisite courses with a final grade of C or higher by the application deadline:

   • BIOL 2101 and BIOL 2301 – Anatomy and Physiology I lecture and lab
   • BIOL 2102 and BIOL 2302 – Anatomy and Physiology II lecture and lab
   • MATH 1314 – College Algebra, MATH 1332 – Contemporary Mathematics, or MATH 1342 – Elementary Statistical Methods

   Note: Additional courses are required for program completion. Because of the intensive nature of the program, students are encouraged to complete as many of these courses as possible before applying. Course timing may affect financial aid eligibility while enrolled in program courses.

5. Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).

   • Register and pay for the examination through ATI Testing.
   • Contact the Testing Coordinator at 325-481-8300 for scheduling information.
   • The TEAS may be taken once per month, with a maximum of three attempts per admission cycle.
   • The examination must be proctored at an approved testing facility. Online or at-home proctored examinations are not accepted.
   • TEAS scores older than five years are not accepted.
   • Submit the TEAS Individual Performance Profile with your full name clearly visible.

6. Successfully complete a criminal background check through CastleBranch at the time of application.

Application Process

Submit a complete online Health Professions application for the Respiratory Care Program along with unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended. Incomplete applications may not be prioritized for review.

Fall application deadline: June 5.

Immunization Requirements

• Hepatitis B: Two- or three-dose series, or a positive titer.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Two-dose series or a positive titer.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): One dose within the last 10 years.
• Varicella: Two-dose series or a positive titer.
• Tuberculosis screening: Required annually.
• Influenza vaccination: Required seasonally.

Requirements After Acceptance

• Successfully complete an approved American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers course.
• Pass a 10-panel drug test before beginning clinical rotations.
• Provide proof of health insurance.
• Pass a physical examination using the program-provided form.
• Provide documentation of all required immunizations or an exemption accepted by the clinical facility.

View CoARC Respiratory Care Program Outcomes Data.

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States using an outcomes-based process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators used to document the extent to which a program meets its educational goals.

Respiratory Care Program Expenses

The following expenses are in addition to tuition and fees. All amounts are approximate and subject to change.

Current tuition and fee information is available in the Howard College Catalog.

Admission-Related Expenses

• Immunizations: Variable
• Background check: Variable
• TEAS Allied Health examination: Approximately $80–$100

Additional Program Expenses

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers course: Approximately $56, depending on provider
• Physical examination: Variable, depending on health insurance
• 10-panel drug test through CastleBranch: Variable
• Health insurance: Variable
• Tuberculosis test: Variable, depending on health insurance
• Influenza vaccination: Variable
• Clinical travel expenses: Variable

Uniforms

• Scrubs with a red top and black pants: Approximately $60 per set; at least two sets are required
• Optional lab coat: Approximately $40
• Program patch: Approximately $6

Textbooks

• First-year fall semester: Approximately $463
• First-year spring semester: Approximately $82
• Summer semester: No additional textbook cost listed
• Second-year fall semester: Approximately $375
• Second-year spring semester: No additional textbook cost listed

Licensing Expenses During the Final Semester

• Texas Medical Board application and certification fee: Approximately $80
• Fingerprinting: Approximately $40

For questions or additional information regarding the program, contact one of the following team members.

Lauri Kirgis, RRT, B.A.T.

Respiratory Care Program Chair
Phone: 325-481-8371, ext. 3431
Email: lkirgis@howardcollege.edu

Kara Samaniego, BSRT, RRT

Director of Clinical Education
Phone: 325-481-8371, ext. 3414
Email: ksamaniego@howardcollege.edu

Tracey Riddle

Health Professions Coordinator
Phone: 325-481-8371, ext. 3435
Fax: 325-481-8373
Email: triddle@howardcollege.edu