Respiratory therapists have a high degree of involvement with the care of a very diverse patient population. Respiratory therapists administer medical gases and aerosol medications, assure airway and bronchopulmonary hygiene, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and are responsible for ventilatory life support systems. Therapists evaluate patients' needs, perform cardipulmonary diagnostic procedures, and follow protocols. Therapists work throughout hospitals, mostly in intensive care units and diagnostic laboratories, and in sub-acute and skilled nursing facilities. Some therapists concentrate on pulmonary rehabilitation, patient education, and continuing care in patient homes while others concentrate on pediatrics, or cardiopulmonary diagnostic testing.
Some therapists supervise and manage other therapists.
The respiratory therapy program is an upper division program designed to prepare advanced respiratory care professionals and future leaders in respiratory care. The program has been fully accredited since 1975. During the program students explore all aspects of the scope of respiratory care clinical practice. Upon completion of the curriculum, students earn the Bachelor of Science in Allied Medical Professions degree with a major in respiratory therapy. Graduates are eligible for licensing and professional credentialing.