Respiratory Care encompasses the care of patients with respiratory problems in the hospital, clinic, and home. Graduates are prepared to provide patient care, including diagnostic and monitoring procedures, to persons with heart and lung problems. Respiratory care professionals are essential members of the modern health care team and work in collaboration with physicians and other health professionals to provide respiratory care. They learn to utilize medical gases, medications, aerosols, bronchopulmonary drainage, ventilatory support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management procedures, and respiratory disease management for the adult and pediatric patient as well as the neonate. Starting salaries are competitive with premiums paid for evening, night, and weekend shifts.
Jobs are plentiful throughout the United States.
Licensure requirements in the state of Montana also are met by successful completion of the NBRC examinations. The program is 4 semesters in length including a summer session between the first spring and second autumn semesters. Graduates receive the degree of Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care. Students entering the program are required to rotate to clinical sites outside the Missoula area on a periodic basis. These rotations take place during the autumn and spring semesters of the second ear.