Respiratory Therapy Programs in Houston
Just like many other medical careers, the field of respiratory therapy is a hot job choice with high demand to match the relatively high starting annual salaries that average $46,800 (Reference 1). Respiratory therapists get oxygen to compromised patients who are young, old or ill. Because Houston has one of the world's largest medical centers, you can find RT programs at many of the community colleges in the area.
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Basic Information
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RT programs typically last for two years, and the course of study leads to an associate's degree. After graduation, students must take two exams, the Entry Level Exam and the Advanced Practitioner's Exam, to become registered respiratory therapists. RRTs have an earning potential of $52,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on the hospital and shift.
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Alvin Community College
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Applicants must apply to both the college and the Respiratory Care program, and provide college transcripts from any other schools attended. You must also have an SAT score of at least 900 or an ACT score of 19, as well as a grade of C or better in two introductory biology classes and one English composition class. Admitted students must pass a drug screening, as well as provide current vaccination information for the Hepatitis B series.
The course of study lasts for 21 months, and applicants can apply for summer or fall entry. The total amount of tuition, including fees and course materials, was about $4,700 in 2009.
Alvin Community College
3110 Mustang Road
Alvin, TX 77511
(281) 756-3500
San Jacinto College
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Applicants must apply to the college and the Respiratory Care program at San Jacinto College. Prerequisites include a grade of C or better in two basic biology classes, one college algebra class and one English composition class. Admitted students must maintain a grade of C or better in all math, science and respiratory care classes.
Tuition for the 72-hour curriculum was $2,376 in 2009, plus the cost of lab fees and course materials.
San Jacinto College Central
8060 Spencer Highway
Pasadena, TX 77505
(281) 476-1813
Lonestar College System
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The Lonestar College System operates five college campuses throughout the Houston area and outlying suburbs. The Respiratory Care program admits students for spring matriculation. Applicants must complete required testing for careers in the medical field, which can be done through the college, as well as complete nine hours in biology and English. All college transcripts must be provided with the application, and upon admittance, students must submit proof of vaccinations.
Students undertaking a semester course load of 15 hours paid about $757, plus other fees and course materials, in 2009.
Lonestar College
5000 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
(832) 813-6500
Considerations
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Because of the demand for RRTs, these programs are highly competitive. Students are expected to maintain strong grades during their course of study, and those who are struggling can be placed on probation or dismissed from the program. Students need to dedicate ample time for studying for classes and preparing for clinical rotations at the hospital.
References
- Photo Credit "guts" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: striatic (hobvias sudoneighm) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
