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: O 2, CO 2 Lung function tests Arterial blood gas analysis: O 2, CO 2, 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 ENG103The Writing Process4 ALU122ALU1 PSY201General Psychology4 BIO103General Biology4 BIO209Medical Microbiology4 CHEM 110 (112*) Intro to Organic & Biochemistry4 COM109Oral Communication4 MAT103College Algebra4 May & Summer: Liberal Arts Requirements8 (AES & SBS)

Pre-professional Curriculum Sophomore BIO207Human Anatomy and Physiology I4 PHY203Introduction to Physics4 THE382Moral Issues Seminar 4 CHE217*Organic Chemistry I4 BIO208Human Anatomy and Physiology II4 CHE318*Organic Chemistry II4 PHY304*Intermediate Physics4 Liberal Arts Requirement (PHI/THE)4 NUR217Pharmacology3 MayLiberal 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