B.S. Degree Respiratory Therapy Program

Respiratory Therapy is a patient care profession; they…

..assess, treat, monitor, follow up and care for patients with lung and heart disorders. Therapists make a difference in people’s lives.

What kinds of patients do Respiratory Therapists Treat?

• Lung disease patients

• Heart patients

• Neuromuscular patients

• Trauma victims

• Premature babies

• Children

• Adults

• The elderly

© 1998 Random House. Used with permission.

What Breathing Disorders Do Respiratory Therapists Treat?

• Asthma

• Bronchitis

• Emphysema

• Burn victims: smoke inhalation

• Cardiac-induced respiratory failure

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Chest Trauma

• Pneumonia

• Paralysis victims

Where Do Respiratory Therapists Work?

• Acute care hospitals

•Patient transport

•Diagnostic laboratories

•Rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities

•Patient’s homes

•Educational institutions

•Industry

The level of illness and setting of patients can vary widely. From patients in the neonatal intensive care unit…

to victims of trauma in the emergency room.

Where do Respiratory Therapists work?

© 2000 Time Inc. Used with permission.

A “code blue” in the ER means breathing and circulation must be restored immediately: ABCs of CPR…

Airway

Breathing

Circulation

The airway is always established first.

Respiratory Therapists Work in Hospital Intensive Care Units

Therapists use their knowledge of physiology to manage mechanical ventilation and monitor pulmonary and cardiovascular function, working closely with critical care nurses and physicians

Respiratory Therapists are a vital part of the transport team, answering life-threatening emergencies.

Respiratory Therapists Perform and Interpret Diagnostic Procedures

•Respiratory gas analysis: O2, CO2

•Lung function tests

•Arterial blood gas analysis: O2, CO2, pH

•Heart and circulatory function monitoring

•Tests of sleep-related breathing disorders

•Electrocardiography (ECGs)

•Exercise stress testing

•Airway hypersensitivity tests for asthma

Respiratory Therapists Treat and Educate Patients

• Mechanical Ventilation

• Oxygen administration

• Inhaled drug administration

• Chest physiotherapy

• Lung expansion therapy

• Pulmonary rehabilitation: improving quality of life in patients with chronic lung disease

• Smoking cessation classes

• asthma control and management

Respiratory Therapists consult with physicians specializing in pulmonary and cardiac disorders, emergency trauma care, adult and newborn intensive care, and pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation.

Therapists use chest X-rays to evaluate their patients.

Respiratory Therapists fulfill different roles...

- Patient Care Giver - Clinical Consultant -Technical Consultant

Career opportunities are EXCELLENT!

*The need for RRTs is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2020 due to:

• an increase in the elderly population

• the impact of our changing environment on diseases

• technology advancements

• advances in treatment of lung diseases

• smoking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

* Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employment Outlook

• 45% growth by 2020• High demand nationally: 1000 more

vacancies than graduates in 2010• University of Mary Grads: 100%

employment• Grads “interview” employers, not vice

versa• Signing bonuses, paid relocation

expenses

Who succeeds in Respiratory Therapy?

The “high tech, high touch” person:

Therapists handle the technical side of life-threatening situations and support, reassure, and educate patients and their families.

Is Respiratory Care For Me?

A career as a respiratory therapist can provide:

• the ability to make a difference in peoples lives

• an exciting, worthwhile career

• recognition, respect, and appreciation

• a great job at a good salary

•job security

• A rewarding career for life!

What should I be?

What is the earning potential?

According to the US Department of Labor, Respiratory Therapy new grad starting salaries range from $15-$22 per hour-- $31,200 to $45,760 per year. (Salaries range higher or lower depending on geographical region.)

$3000 to $6000 sign-on bonuses and paid moving expenses are common.

Respiratory Therapy and

Pre-Med/Respiratory Therapy Option

The Respiratory Therapy curriculum offers a pre-medical track, which meets medical school application requirements.

Pre-professional Curriculum(* denotes med school requirements)

Freshman

CHE 109 (111*) Fundamentals of Chemistry4

ENG 103 The Writing Process 4ALU 122 ALU 1PSY 201 General Psychology

4BIO 103 General Biology 4

BIO 209 Medical Microbiology 4CHEM 110 (112*) Intro to Organic & Biochemistry

4COM 109 Oral Communication 4MAT 103 College Algebra 4

May & Summer: Liberal Arts Requirements8

(AES & SBS)

Pre-professional CurriculumSophomore

BIO 207 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4PHY 203 Introduction to Physics 4THE 382 Moral Issues Seminar 4CHE 217 *Organic Chemistry I 4

BIO 208 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 CHE 318 *Organic Chemistry II 4PHY 304 *Intermediate Physics 4

Liberal Arts Requirement (PHI/THE) 4NUR 217 Pharmacology 3

May Liberal Arts Requirement (SBS)4

Summer: Liberal Arts Requirement (PHI/THE) 4

Why a B.S. in Respiratory Therapy to Meet Pre-Med

Admissions Requirements?

• Experience with patient care• Familiarity with the healthcare system• Functional healthcare credential; viable

career while enrolled in medical school• Advantage in admissions interview;

demonstrates interest in the medical field and motivation for pursuing a medical career