About the CareerASSOCIATE
DEGREE IN RESPIRATORY CARE
CERTIFICATE IN PRE-RESPIRATORY CARE
About the CareerHumans can live without food for weeks, without water for a few days, but people only live for a few minutes without air. In terms of survival, breathing is the most immediate need. That’s why the job of a respiratory therapist is so critical.
Serious illnesses or accidents may cause people to have trouble breathing, or have impaired or injured lungs. Respiratory therapists treat all types of patients, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed, to elderly people whose lungs are diseased. As an essential member of a health care team, they provide care to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning or shock. They are trained to be members of the highly technical life support teams, patient educators and rehabilitation specialists.
A significant shortage in respiratory therapists is predicted for the next 10-15 years and jobs will be plentiful. As the population ages, the need for respiratory care will increase as well. As treatment advances for heart attack and accident victims, premature babies and AIDS patients, the demand for respiratory care will grow.
The respiratory care profession has a bright future with a great deal of job security and opportunity for advancement. Although hospitals will continue to employ the vast majority of therapists, a growing number of therapists can expect to work outside of hospitals in respiratory therapy clinics, offices of physicians, nursing homes or home health, colleges or manufacturers of health equipment and supplies. Once students enter the profession, they may want to specialize in an area such as neonatal care, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, helicopter transport, critical care, education or management.
About the ProgramThis program can be taken in phases. Students may enter at any time into Phase I (Pre-Respiratory Care), which includes the general education and related courses (English, math, anatomy and physiology, integrated science, etc.) required by the curriculum. The student can take some or all these courses prior to taking the professional courses, and when done will qualify for a Pre-Respiratory Care certificate. Phase I can be taken at the student’s own pace.
Phase II starts in the fall and completes the technical or professional training. During this phase, students study respiratory care procedures and concepts in class, the laboratory and clinical facilities. Much of the time is spent in supervised patient care at clinical sites.
Upon completion of the curriculum, students are awarded an associate degree. Graduates are then qualified to take all credentialing examinations given by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Students can opt to transfer credit from the associate program to many 4-year colleges and continue to complete a baccalaureate degree in health science and other related programs.
