Respiratory Care Degree

Career education in respiratory care can be your key to a promising career in the growing health care industry. In this career field, you will have the opportunity to work under the direction of a physician evaluating, treating, and caring for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.

Responsibilities on the Job

As a respiratory therapist, you will work under the direction of a physician, providing care to patients with respiratory ailments. Specific job responsibilities may include:   

Assisting patients with breathing maneuvers
Determining the most appropriate method of therapy
Monitoring how patients respond to various treatment modalities
Monitoring and troubleshooting life support systems in critical care areas and emergency departments
Performing pulmonary function testing
Setting up and operating equipment
   

Respiratory Care Education

In addition to classes in business, communications, math, ethics, and medical terminology, your respiratory care classes will include topics such as:   

Acute critical care of the cardiopulmonary patient
Anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the cardiopulmonary system
Disease pathophysiology and case management
Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, including congenital heart defects, pulmonary infections, airway management, and mechanical ventilation
Pharmacology with emphasis on the names, dosages, and effects of the medications used in respiratory care  

Career-Focused Real-World Training

Practicum and preceptorship training is intended to prepare you to perform respiratory care therapies, including medical gas therapy (oxygen therapy), humidity and aerosol therapy with small volume nebulizer, and chest physiotherapy. When you graduate from the respiratory care program at CHI Institute, you will have received the training required to seek entry-level positions in respiratory care. Most jobs in this career field are in hospitals, but opportunities may also exist in education, management, research, pulmonary rehabilitation, home care, and nursing facilities.