Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences

 

The overall goal of the baccalaureate degree program in Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences is to provide an educational curriculum to prepare students for the Registered Respiratory Therapist examination by the National Board for Respiratory Care, assist the graduate in attaining expanded roles in the practice of respiratory care, and train graduates to be educators, supervisors and managers in the field of respiratory care. Students receive extensive clinical training in affiliated hospitals. Many of our graduates go on to complete graduate degrees. Some graduates enter professional programs. Virtually all students have a job waiting on them at graduation. Many hospitals currently offer sign on bonuses. The demand for respiratory therapy is quite high. United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that it has a projected growth rate that is to "increase at a faster than average" rate.

The field of Respiratory Care needs practitioners to work in hospitals, homecare, laboratories, and sales or business. In the clinical setting, Respiratory Therapists administer various treatments, medications, perform diagnostic procedures, and/or manage sophisticated life-support equipment. They may be used in areas as diverse as working in intensive care units including premature infants to adults, valuable members of the CPR team, and giving breathing treatments to asthmatics. Although the majority of respiratory care practitioners are employed by hospitals, opportunities to practice outside of the standard hospital setting are developing. A Bachelor of Science degree allows the therapist an extra credential to climb the career ladder.

Photos: Courtesy of American Association for Respiratory Care