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Brittany Petruska, RCP

“I earned a Respiratory Care degree from El Centro — an outstanding program that has prepared me for my future. The Respiratory Care program is exciting and challenging, and the faculty truly believes in and wants each student to succeed. The faculty went above and beyond to prepare us for our “real-life” careers. 

“The program at El Centro covered a wide variety of all aspects of respiratory care. It not only prepared me academically, but also for all situations. It focused on critical thinking that has helped me daily in my career at BUMC. Understanding disease processes and having a clear understanding of mechanical ventilation is core in this career. 

“I would suggest that every student take the time to explore Respiratory Care when choosing a career path. This is a highly rewarding career that has numerous opportunities. This program is fast-paced and sometimes difficult — especially with a young child and family — but you must keep pushing through and reach out for help when you need it. Make a few close study buddies and most importantly, learn and understand the material. Ask for help if you need it. After working hard and pushing through — the reward is indescribable. 

“I go to work every day excited knowing that I will help someone. My knowledge is constantly evolving and every day is a new adventure. I honestly cannot think of anything I’d rather be doing.”


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Kim Nguyen

Oanh Kim Nguyen, MLT(ASCP)

Medical Laboratory Technician Methodist Medical Center of Dallas
“My first experience at community college was taking ESL classes at Richland and Brookhaven, which were close to where I lived. Then when I started exploring what kind of program I wanted to take for a career change, I saw Medical Laboratory Technology and transferred to El Centro ... I always tell people who are thinking about community college to think about Medical Laboratory Technology, and I tell them about my personal experience with the program. It’s a stable job, in a quiet environment with a lot less stress than many other medically related fields, and the people are very friendly and professional. I really love my job.”
English as a Second Language (ESL and ESOL), Medical Laboratory Technology
Dolores Schueler

Dolores (Dee) Schueler, BSN, LVN, RN, CRNI

Director of Nurses USBioservices
“Our instructors had high expectations and saw our potential. They let us know that it wasn’t going to be easy, but it wasn’t going to be insurmountable either.”
Nursing
Sylvia Moreno

Sylvia Moreno, BSN, RN

Director of HIV Services Parkland Hospital of Dallas
“Community college gave me everything I needed to take and succeed in classes for an advanced degree.”
Nursing
Shawn Terry

Shawn Terry, B.A., RRT, RCP

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Parkland Health and Hospital System
“Respiratory therapists are not just technicians trained to deliver treatments and therapies with different types of equipment. We have to truly comprehend a wide range of topics and how they relate to a patient’s condition.”
Respiratory Care Program
Brittany Petruska
Brittany Petruska, RCP
Registered Respiratory Therapist, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, Dallas

Respiratory Care Program
School of Health Sciences
Updated November 25, 2025