Midland College

Respiratory Care

Now Taking Applications for the Fall 2009 Class, Scholarships Available

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Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care offers unique challenges in the areas of prevention, diagnostics, treatment, management and rehabilitation of people with respiratory and/or cardiac abnormalities. Graduates are involved in a variety of lifesaving and life-supporting situations, working side by side with physicians, nurses, radiographers, and others on the health care team, treating patients ranging in age from newborn to senior citizens.

The Program

Respiratory Care students satisfactorily completing the second year program will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.). Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination, given by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). After passing the CRT, they may apply for Texas State Licensure. These graduates are then eligible for the Advanced Practitioner examination for Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) given by the NBRC.

Midland College offers a full-time program accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Students, working under supervision, gain clinical experience at area health care facilities.

Job Opportunities

Respiratory Care graduates enter a specialty field in which the demand has exceeded the supply. This expertise is a precious commodity in most medical institutions. Positions are available in hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, nursing homes, and home care. Specialties include home care, critical care, diagnostics, neonatal and pediatric intensive care, education or management. CRT and RRT credentials are honored throughout the fifty United States and Canada, geography is no barrier to career opportunities.

Respiratory Care Technical Standards

Respiratory Care students and practitioners are expected to master the technical standards of their 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 health care 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 and mask ventilation, chest compressions).
Utilize intellectual ability to adapt to changing patients' conditions.

Admission Requirements

1. Complete Health Sciences Application. (Download Application Here)

2. Submit two official transcripts showing high school graduation (or proof of GED) and two official college transcripts with any required academic courses- one to the Respiratory Care Program and one to the Registrar at Midland College.

3. Take the Nursing Entrance Test (NET) which is available through the Midland College Testing Center.

4. Complete Anatomy and Physiology I and II with a Grade of "C" or better in each course.

Advisement for prospective student will take place throughout the year. Applications received by April will be eligible for a personal interview. In order to be considered for admission, all items must be in applicant's file by May 25th (or for Fall registration deadline, if positions are available). Notification of admission into the program will progress from highest point totals down through other qualified applicants until the class is full.

TSI

Successful completion of the state mandated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test is required prior to graduation from the Respiratory Care program. Some exceptions apply to taking the TSI. Contact a college counselor for further information.

Cost

The average cost for the first year of the program is $3,000 which includes tuition, fees, books, supplies and uniforms.

The total average cost for both years is approximately $5,000. There are additional expenses related to clinical rotations at Children's Medical Center, Dallas; Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas; and Covenant Medical Center and University Medical Center in Lubbock. Students are responsible for housing, transportation, and meals during these trips.

There are many scholarships and grants available through the Financial Aid Office and the program is V.A. approved.

Admission Criteria:

1. Nursing Entrance Test (NET).

2. Anatomy and Physiology I and II with a grade of "C" or better in both courses.

3. Hepatitis immunization series must be completed prior to beginning program.

Additional Consideration

Academic courses:

HPRS 1106 Medical Terminology

ENGL 1301 Composition and Rhetoric

Humanities or Visual/Performing Arts elective

Social Behavioral elective

BIOL 2420 Microbiology