Mar 28, 2024  
SFCC Catalog 2020-2021 
    
SFCC Catalog 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Respiratory Care, A.A.S.


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CIP: 51.0908
School of Sciences, Health, Engineering and Math, 505-428-1723

The A.A.S. Respiratory Care program at SFCC, Program number 200549, is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. CoARC can be reached at 817-283-2835 or 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021-4244.

Respiratory therapists work closely with doctors, nurses and other clinicians in emergency rooms, critical care units, diagnostic centers, clinics, and home health care organizations. SFCC’s program prepares students for a fast-paced, in-demand career. Blending high-tech training with compassionate care, students gain the skills required to be a specialist in assessing and treating people with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders.

SFCC’s Respiratory Care Program prepares students to become knowledgeable, competent, effective, and ethical respiratory care practitioners consistent with the professional, community, and employer expectations of registered respiratory therapists (RRT). Graduates will have demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.

For information on admission requirements and process, see the Respiratory Care Applicant Information document at www.sfcc.edu/programs/respiratory_care or a Respiratory Care Department adviser. Students must complete all respiratory care core courses at SFCC. Students are required to pass each course with a grade of “C+” or better in order to progress in and complete this sequential program. All general education and prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the second semester of the program in order to progress in and complete the program.

Students who successfully complete the A.A.S. in Respiratory Care are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple Choice Exam (TMC). Graduates who successfully complete the TMC exam are eligible for licensure as a certified respiratory therapist (CRT) and are eligible for the NBRC RRT exams.

NOTE: A.A.S. degrees are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in specific occupations; they are not generally intended to transfer to four-year institutions. For more information on transfer, refer to the Transfer of Credit  section, the SFCC Respiratory Care web page, or speak with an academic advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate professional, effective, compassionate and ethical behavior in the practice of respiratory care.
  • Demonstrate competence in the respiratory care of the adult, pediatric and newborn patient populations.
  • Provide community and patient education in cardiopulmonary health promotion and disease management.
  • Explain the fundamental principles of medical ethics, and the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of respiratory care.
  • Demonstrate competence in interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with diverse population groups.
  • Apply problem solving strategies in the patient care setting.

General Education Requirements: (28 Credits Min.)


Mathematics (3 Credits Min.)


Social/Behavioral Science or Creative and Fine Arts (3 Credits)


Humanities (3 Credits)


Health and Wellness (1 Credit)


Total 80.5 Credits Min.


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