The course of study for a respiratory therapist is a 66 credit hour (six semesters) Associate of Applied Science degree. The respiratory care program prepares graduates for the credentialing examinations from the NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care). The program is fully accredited by CoARC (Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, www.coarc.com).
The respiratory care program prepares graduates to be competent in delivery of therapeutic procedures in acute care settings, in performing diagnostic procedures, and in performing rehabilitation therapeutic procedures. The respiratory care program also prepares graduates to assist physicians in the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary disorders, to provide emergency cardiopulmonary care in the emergency room, and to implement therapist driven protocols in the practice of respiratory care. Many clinical facilities will require students to meet facility policy which can include background check, current immunizations, drug screen and hospital orientation . Areas for employment of respiratory care professionals include acute care hospitals, sub-acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, hyperbaric medicine, home care facilities, and physician offices.
The general education core will transfer to a variety of colleges and universities. Contact a counselor or faculty member for specific information and to obtain the recommended sequencing of courses. See LoneStar.edu/respiratory-care-requirements for additional program information.
General Guidelines
Upon acceptance into the program, students must submit a record of current immunizations required by the Texas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Criminal background checks may be required by clinical facilities. The background check will be processed through the FBI.
Completion of the respiratory care program does not guarantee eligibility to take the credentialing exam administered by the NBRC or certification by the Texas Medical Board. Respiratory Care Certification by the Texas Medical Board will consider individuals with histories of convictions, mental illness and/or chemical dependency on an individual basis after review.
Admissions Criteria
The respiratory care program accepts new students in the spring and summer of every year at LSC-Kingwood. Prerequisite courses must be completed one semester prior to the semester in which the student wishes to begin the program. In addition to the system admissions requirements, the following are requirements for the respiratory therapist program:
Program Application Instructions
- Minimum age of 18.
- Graduation from high school verified with high school transcript or GED certificate verified by a copy of the certificate.
- Complete TSI requirements: complete MATH 0309 or MATH 0310. To determine your status, see college advisor.
- College placement exam results.
- Complete ten (10) semester hours of college level course work in the program curriculum including: ENGL 1301, BIOL 2401 and PSYC 2301 found in the curriculum, with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended other than LSC. Submit these documents directly to the respiratory care department at LSC-Kingwood.
- Complete Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT).
- Complete and submit an application to the respiratory care program.
- Submit an essay written per a writing prompt given during the application process.
- Application and all required documents must be submitted before the specified application deadlines.
College eligibility information may be obtained from the counseling office 281.312.1604.
Student Selection
- Admission is limited to twenty-four (24) students.
- Students are ranked and selected by the admissions committee using the following criteria:
- Scoring of all academic courses applying to the degree plan using a numeric scale
- Completion of previous degrees
- HSRT scores
- Essay
- Points are deducted for retakes of academic courses.
Pre-Admission
All health documentation signed by a licensed healthcare provider must be completed and submitted by specified deadline. Health documentation information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
Hepatitis B vaccinations are required for all admissions to the respiratory care program. The enrolling student must complete the series of three vaccinations prior to entering the clinical practicum in the hospital setting. This process can take up to six months to complete.
All students must complete background checks prior to entering the respiratory care program. Drug testing will also be completed prior to entering clinical affiliates that require mandatory drug testing. Contact the department for information at 281.312.1708.
Attendance at an orientation session, after student selection is complete, will be scheduled prior to the first class meeting.
