Respiratory Therapists: Breathing Life into Healthcare

Respiratory Therapists are an essential pillar of modern healthcare, dedicated to the art and science of treating cardiopulmonary diseases. They work across a wide spectrum of medical settings, including critical care hospitals, home healthcare, outpatient services such as pulmonary rehabilitation and sleep centers, emergency transport teams, education, and even medical sales.

These professionals provide care for patients at every stage of life—from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to older adults facing age-related decline in respiratory function. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and compassionate care, Respiratory Therapists truly breathe life into the medical field.

91ÆÞÓÑ College Respiratory Care Program

91ÆÞÓÑ College offers a five-semester Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care, beginning each Fall. The program includes intensive clinical rotations paired with hands-on laboratory work and classroom instruction. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, graduates earn their degree and are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the program to schedule a tour of our facilities and learn more about this dynamic career path.

Application Procedure

To be considered for admission to the Respiratory Care program, interested persons should:

  1. Apply to 91ÆÞÓÑ College.
  2. Fill out the Respiratory Care Program Admissions Application.
  3. Contact respiratory@cisco.edu for additional information and to complete the Respiratory Care application process.

Be advised that many clinical sites utilized throughout the various Health Sciences programs at 91ÆÞÓÑ College require a background check and/or drug screen before students can participate in the clinical portion of the program.

Respiratory Care Cost Sheet

Application Requirements

  • All applicants must be 18 years of age and conform to the following admissions policies. Below are the current admission requirements.
  • Applicants with any transferable hours at the time of application must meet the following requirements:
  • Submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. An overall grade point average of 2.25 is encouraged for admission to the Respiratory Care Program.
  • Must meet the general admission requirements for 91ÆÞÓÑ College.
  • For identification purposes, upload a current driver's license or photo ID. (Upload at the bottom of the application)
  • All TSI developmental classes must be taken as prerequisites for the Respiratory Care Program.
  • All prerequisite courses require a minimum passing grade of a C **
  • Completed application: Failure to complete all sections may result in disqualification for admission.
    * All references are required and must include a phone number and email information.
  • Upload immunization records and background check data. Immunizations must be from patient or school records. Immunizations must include:
    a. 2MMR vaccines or report of positive titer
    b. 2 Varicella vaccines or report of history of chickenpox signed by a physician or report of positive titer
    c. Negative TB skin test within 1 month of application
    d. Tetanus/Diphtheria Booster in past 10 years
    e. Hep B (3 immunization series)
    f. COVID-19 vaccine series record (if obtained)
  • Completion of Admission Health Record
  • A background check is required for all Health Science students that will attend clinical rotations. This background check must come back clear of any criminal background. This background check must be completed prior to acceptance in the program. It is the student's responsibility to complete the background check through the link below.
  • Complete the background check and download the results to upload below. .

After submitting the application and other required information to the school, the admission committee will review the application and contact you to schedule an interview. Student selection will be determined in late June or early July. Students will be notified of acceptance status no later than August 1, 2025.

Prerequisites

BIOL2401 Anatomy & Physiology I (4 hours)

BIOL2402 Anatomy & Physiology II (4 hours)

MDCA1313 Medical Terminology (3 hours)

Please see pages 125 & 126 of the 91ÆÞÓÑ College Course Catalog for complete course information.


91ÆÞÓÑ this Program

Degrees & Certifications Program Length
Associate of Applied Science Five Semesters

What Can This Program Do For You

  • Potential Career Paths
    • Respiratory Therapist
    • Home Care
    • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
    • Sleep Study
    • Equipment Sales
    • Educator
    • Healthcare Administration
  • 91ÆÞÓÑ the Program

    The Respiratory Care Program at 91ÆÞÓÑ College aligns with the college's mission to provide high-quality education that meets the needs of students and local employers. The program's primary goal is to prepare graduates to be competent respiratory care practitioners, focusing on knowledge, skills, and professional behavior required for registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

    Respiratory therapists work in various clinical settings, treating patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. They must uphold high ethical standards, work effectively as part of a healthcare team, and demonstrate excellent communication, attention to detail, and empathy for patients.

    91ÆÞÓÑ College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy. Graduates are eligible to pursue RRT certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care.

    Click here to read the Prospective Student Information Letter.

  • Multimedia

  • Courses

    Pre-Requisite Courses:

    BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I - 4
    BIOL2402 Anatomy & Physiology II - 4
    MDCA 1313 Medical Terminology - 3

    TOTAL - 11


    Specialized Course Sequence:

    First Semester (Fall)Second Semester (Spring)
    RSPT 1201: Intro to Respiratory Care2RSPT 2216: Pharmacology2
    RSPT 1160: Clinical Respiratory Care1RSPT 1361: Clinical Respiratory Care II3
    RSPT 1410: Respiratory Care Procedures I

    4

    RSPT 1331: Respiratory Care Procedures II3
    RSPT 1340: Advanced Cardio A & P

    3

    BIOL 2421: Microbiology for Science Majors (Lecture & Lab) **

    4
    ENGL 1301: Composition I **3
    TOTAL13TOTAL12
    Third Semester (Summer I)
    RSPT 2414: Mechanical Ventilation4
    RSPT 2147: Specialties in Respiratory Care1
    RSPT 1261: Practicum / Respirator Care2
    TOTAL7
    Fourth Semester (Fall) Fifth Semester (Spring)
    PSYC 2301: General Psychology **3

    Language, Philosophy & Culture, Creative Arts Elective **

    3
    RSPT 2358: Respiratory Care Patient Assessment3
    RSPT 2367: Practicum / Respiratory Care
    2
    RSPT 2353: Neonatal/Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Care
    3RSPT 2231: Simulations in Respiratory Care
    2
    RSPT 2210: Cardiopulmonary Disease
    2
    RSPT 2131: Board Exam Prep
    2
    RSPT 2266: Practicum / Respiratory Care
    2
    RSPT 3139: Advanced Cardiac Life Support
    1
    TOTAL
    13
    TOTAL

    10

    TOTAL DEGREE HOURS66

    * All Respiratory classes held Monday - Thursday.
    ** Indicates Core Curriculum.

    After successful completion of the required curriculum, students earn an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to seek Registered Respiratory Therapist recognition from the

  • Salary Information

    Links to the following websites are provided for your convenience and information and do not constitute official endorsement by 91ÆÞÓÑ College.

    • The can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.
    • Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is a resource for career exploration, training, skill sets, wages & jobs.

Meet the Faculty

Taylor Alexander Headshot

Taylor Alexander

Director of Clinical Education
Respiratory Care Program
RRT
Abilene Campus
Taylor.Alexander@cisco.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Bonnie Coxe Headshot

Bonnie Coxe

Professor of Respiratory Care
Respiratory Care Program
BSRC, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, AE-C
Abilene Campus
Bonnie.Coxe@cisco.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Shellie Wilson Headshot

Shellie Wilson

Program Director
Respiratory Care Program

BSRC, RRT, RRT-NPS, RCP
Abilene Campus
michelle.wilson@cisco.edu
(325) 794-4506

Curriculum Vitae