FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM:
How do I know if respiratory care is right for me?
- A future RT…
- Wants to be directly involved in lifesaving interventions
- Enjoys critical care and emergency medicine
- Interested in heart and lung physiology
- Wants to play a crucial role in managing airways and ventilators for critically ill patients
- If this interests you, we recommend completing the inquiry form and visiting with program faculty about the role of a respiratory therapist and the SPC Respiratory Care program.
How long is the Respiratory Care Program?
- The program is a 21-month, full-time program that begins each August and leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Respiratory Care.
long is the Respiratory Care Program?
- The program is a 21-month, full-time program that begins each August and leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Respiratory Care.
What makes the SPC Respiratory Care Program unique?
- Experienced respiratory care faculty
- Extensive hands-on clinical training
- Strong employer partnerships
- Regional recruitment opportunities
- Preparation for credentialing examinations and workforce entry
These features help our graduates enter practice with strong clinical and professional skills for long-term success.
What prerequisites do I need before I can apply?
- Applicants must complete the following with a “C” or higher:
- MATH 1314 College Algebra
- BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II
Can I apply while finishing my prerequisite courses?
- Students may apply while completing prerequisite coursework, provided all prerequisites are successfully completed before the program begins. However, because admission rankings are based heavily on prerequisite grades, completing these courses with strong grades can strengthen your application. Be sure to discuss your individual academic plan with an academic advisor or program faculty.
What GPA is required for admission?
- South Plains College has no minimum GPA requirement for general admission. However, program admission is based on availability and ranking of required prerequisite courses’ GPA.
How are students selected for admission?
- Admission to the Program may be limited, so applicants will be ranked. The first consideration is given to those students who have completed the application process in its entirety and with the highest grade point average in the prerequisite courses: MATH 1314, BIOL 2401, & BIOL 2402.
How competitive is admission?
- Admission to the Respiratory Care Program is competitive because the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of available seats. Applicants are ranked primarily based on their prerequisite GPA, so strong academic performance in Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II, and College Algebra can improve an applicant's competitiveness. Students are encouraged to apply early and submit all required materials before the application deadline.
When is the application period?
- Applications open in January, and the deadline to complete all application requirements is June 1st.
What does the selection criteria consist of?
- The evaluation process will begin after the application deadline. First priority is given to students who have completed the application in its entirety, completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better, and have those prerequisites documented on official transcripts received by SPC Admissions.
What would deem an applicant as “waitlisted”?
- A waitlisted application means one or more admission requirements were incomplete, pending, or unable to be verified by the application deadline. Common reasons include prerequisite courses still in progress, missing official transcripts, or an incomplete application. Waitlisted applicants may still be considered for admission once all requirements have been completed and verified; however, admission is dependent on available program seats after qualified applicants have been reviewed.
Will I have to complete a background check?
- All South Plains College Health Professions students will have a criminal background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety before program admission or before beginning clinical and/or practicum rotations. This background check will be conducted by a third-party provider, CastleBranch, and housed for Program Director verification.
What physical abilities are required for respiratory therapists?
- Students should be able to:
- Lift and assist patients safely
- Walk and stand for extended periods
- Read monitors and written orders
- Hear alarms and verbal communication in clinical settings
- Reasonable accommodations are considered as appropriate.
What is the class and clinical schedule like?
- Students attend classes and clinicals Monday through Thursday. Most clinicals may begin as early as 6:00 a.m., and some classes may extend until 4:00 p.m. Although rare, Fridays may occasionally be used for clinical rotations or volunteer activities. Clinical and classroom attendance is essential for success.
Can students work while attending the program?
- Students may be employed while enrolled. However, the program demands increase, both classroom and clinical requirements, as the student progresses in the program. It is common for our students to be employed part-time for the duration of the program.
What credentials will I be eligible for after graduation?
- Graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examinations leading to the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials.
Can I continue my education after earning the AAS degree?
- SPC has articulation agreements and relationships with several universities that allow graduates to pursue bachelor's degrees and other advanced educational opportunities.
What is the difference between a nurse and a respiratory therapist?
- Respiratory Therapists (RTs) specialize in the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with heart and lung disorders. RTs manage oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, ventilators, artificial airways, pulmonary diagnostics, and other respiratory treatments. They often work closely with critically ill patients in intensive care units, emergency departments, neonatal ICUs, and pediatric ICUs.
- Nurses (RNs) provide comprehensive patient care across all body systems. They administer medications, monitor overall patient status, coordinate care, provide patient education, and manage a wide variety of medical and surgical conditions.
- A simple way to think about it is: Nurses focus on the whole patient, while respiratory therapists are the specialists in breathing and cardiopulmonary care. Both professions collaborate closely to provide safe, effective patient care and are highly respected healthcare careers with excellent employment opportunities.
What is the difference between a radiology technologist and a respiratory therapist?
- Respiratory therapists specialize in cardiopulmonary care and breathing support. They
assess, treat, and manage patients with heart and lung disorders. Our primary focus
is helping patients breathe and managing respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Administering oxygen therapy
- Managing ventilators and artificial airways
- Providing breathing treatments
- Responding to medical emergencies and codes
- Performing pulmonary function testing
- Caring for critically ill patients in the ICU, NICU, and emergency department
- Radiology technologists specialize in medical imaging. They perform diagnostic procedures
that help physicians see inside the body and diagnose injuries or diseases. The primary
focus is obtaining diagnostic images to help physicians identify medical conditions.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Taking X-rays
- Performing CT scans (with additional training)
- Assisting with MRI procedures (with additional training)
- Positioning patients for imaging exams
- Operating imaging equipment
- Ensuring radiation safety
