Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists perform diagnostic testing, treatments, and management of patients with heart and lung diseases. The respiratory therapist is qualified to assume primary clinical responsibility for all respiratory care modalities and is frequently required to exercise considerable independent, clinical judgment in the respiratory care of patients under the direct or indirect supervision of a physician.

Students will master skills in patient assessment and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. These skills include ventilator management and monitoring, drug administration, and treatment of patients of all ages in a variety of settings. Graduates may be employed in wide variety of health-related areas including hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing care facilities, home care agencies, rehabilitation centers, industrial and educational institutions.

Upon completion of all required course work, the student will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy. Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy program are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple Choice exam from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which will also allow them to apply for licensure in most states. (Licensure requirements vary by state.) Respiratory Therapy program graduates may also be eligible to take Advanced Practitioner examinations from the NBRC.