Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care at Collin

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are in high demand, with rewarding career opportunities and competitive salaries. With the flexibility to work across the country and internationally, RTs make a real difference in patient care.

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Respiratory Care from Collin College equips you to join this vital field. As an RT, you may care for patients with lung or heart disorders, manage ventilators in intensive care units, perform diagnostic tests, assist in urgent care situations, educate patients and families, and consult with physicians to improve therapy. You could also have opportunities in telehealth, home care, education, research, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Respiratory Therapists work in diverse settings, including critical care units, emergency rooms, pediatric and neonatal units, operating rooms, sleep labs, and more.

Collin College's 22-month program prepares you for the National Board for Respiratory Care exam. In addition, we partner with Midwestern State University to offer an online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care. You can also pursue a Bachelor's in Clinical Operations Management at Collin College.

Licensure Notice: Licensing for Respiratory Therapists is administered by the Texas Medical Board. If you have a criminal history, please be aware that it may impact your eligibility for licensure in the State of Texas. For questions regarding your background and licensure eligibility, you can request an evaluation of your criminal history through the Texas Medical Board at https://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/licensing-criminal-history.

ACCREDITATION
The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). They may be contacted at:

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
264 Precision Blvd.
Telford, TN 37690
Phone: 817.283.2835
Fax: 817.354.8519

FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES/CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS STATEMENT
Upon acceptance into the program, all students must meet specific functional abilities-either with or without accommodations-to successfully complete the program and perform safely and effectively in various professional settings. These functional requirements are outlined in the Functional Abilities/Core Performance Standards document, available on the Respiratory Care program website. Students who believe they may need accommodations to meet these standards are encouraged to contact the college ACCESS department as soon as they express interest in the program.

ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Spaces in the Respiratory Care Program are limited. Please see the Respiratory Care Program Information Packet, found at the program website http://www.collin.edu/rcp for details on the selective admission process. Applications may be obtained online from the program website. To apply, students must:

• Apply to Collin College and complete the Collin College reading, writing and mathematics assessments
• Submit official copies of all college transcripts to Collin College and the Respiratory Care Program Director.
  • Science courses must have been completed within five years of the Fall semester of the admission year in order to receive transfer credits.
• Submit the program application to by the designated deadline
• Overall GPA of 2.5 with a minimum grade of "C" in all prerequisite courses
• Complete the HESI or TEAs exam
• Successful completion of drug screen, background check and physical exam. Negative findings from the background check may compromise clinical placement.
• Attend a student orientation prior to the start of the first semester in the program
• Complete all immunizations required by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)
  • Hepatitis B, a three-dose series, can take up to 7 months to complete.
  • All immunizations must be completed by the deadline specified by the program.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR certification.
• Health Insurance - All Respiratory Care students are required to show proof of health insurance prior to starting clinical rotations and must maintain coverage while in the program.