The Respiratory Care program is a cohort program, with each cohort beginning in the Fall semester.

Students must take each course in sequential order as listed below:

Fall
RESP100 Introduction to Respiratory Care
RESP102 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care
RESP103 Pharmacology

Spring
RESP101 Gas Exchange Physiology
RESP105 Cardiovascular and Renal Anatomy and Physiology
RESP107 Principles of Mechanical Ventilation
RESP109 Clinical Practicum I
Summer
RESP110 Clinical Practicum II

Fall
RESP200 Pulmonary Diagnostics
RESP201 Cardiac Monitoring and Diagnostics
RESP202 Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
RESP203 Clinical Practicum III

Spring
RESP204 Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Home Care
RESP205 Professional Seminar
RESP207 Cardiovascular and Renal Anatomy and Physiology Review
RESP209 Clinical Practicum IV

Respiratory Care students participate in various classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences. The laboratory experience provides the opportunity for hands-on experience in preparation for clinical practice in diverse clinical settings. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all courses. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry Examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (N.B.R.C.). The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC),1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244; 817.283.2835.

The Respiratory Care A.A.S. Degree Program at FCC is a Selective Admissions Program. This pathway is for students who have been accepted into the program only. Students who have not yet been accepted into the program should begin the Pre-Health Professions Pre-Respiratory Care pathway and apply to the Respiratory Care A.A.S. Degree Program after all selective admissions courses have been completed.