To develop in the student the ability to serve as an integral part of the pulmonary health team. Respiratory Therapists also known as Respiratory Care Practitioners, specialize in the evaluation, treatment, and care of patients with breathing disorders. Whenever the breath of life is at risk the Respiratory Therapist is called on to intervene. Treatment may range from giving temporary relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema to emergency for heart failure, stroke, drowning, or shock.
More common treatments are oxygen delivery, aerosolized treatments and mechanical ventilation.
People who want to enter the Respiratory Therapy field should enjoy working with people and be sensitive to the patient's physical and psychological needs. The Respiratory Therapist is an important member of the health care team. Practicum Intensive Care Respiratory Care Practicum Total Credit Hours Classes are 61 weeks in length, and total 1338 hours of training. Class size is limited to 22 students. Graduates of this program receive a certificate and may sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care Technician Level Certification.