Gourt > Health > Professions > Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory therapy is categorized as an allied health profession in the United States and Canada. Respiratory therapists (RT) specialize in the assessment and treatment of breathing disorders including chronic lung problems (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, COPD), and more acute multi-systemic problems stemming from other pathological conditions such as heart attacks, stroke, or trauma. RTs are specialists in airway management, mechanical ventilation, acid/base balance, and critical care medicine.
Certification, Education, and Training
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) are graduates of a three-year diploma program or a four- or five-year degree program. There are also Master's and PhD degree programs offered by some schools. After graduation, the therapist must then write a national exam administered by the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) in Canada and/or the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) in the United States. Only two attempts to pass are permitted, after which further training is required.
In order to be considered for admission to a respiratory therapy program, a strong high school background (typically grades of B+ or higher) in science and math at the senior matriculation level is usually required. The program of study varies from one school to another, but all programs include the following: Courses in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, hemodynamics, mechanical ventilation, statistics, healthcare law, and medical ethics are required. Pass marks are usually set high. These studies relate to all body systems. Extra focus is spent on the respiratory, cardiovascular, neuro and renal systems. Class sizes are usually small and offer classroom as well as clinical "hands-on" experiences. Many applicants already hold science degrees. Traditionally there is a measurable attrition rate due to a student's failure to meet expected performance standards. Most of the schools do not allow multiple rewrites of failed exams. The material from the entire program must be mastered, applied and retained. There is no "cook book" practice. RTs must think quickly under stressful situations and make the proper life-or-death decision, while others may become emotional and unable to react. RTs must function as a patient advocate, as well as a staff, physician and patient resource. RTs function as an indispensable member of the health care team.
More on [ Respiratory therapy ]
Jason Shedd - Rome News Tribune
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:55:03 -0000
Jason SheddRome News TribuneJeff Thompson, director of Respiratory Therapy, says Jason is an invaluable player to the respiratory team because he's always working hard to learn more. ...and more »
Respiratory program is offered at JCC - WatertownDailyTimes.com
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:32:42 -0000
Respiratory program is offered at JCCWatertownDailyTimes.comJoseph G. Sorbello, associate professor and chairman of the medical college's Respiratory Therapy Education Department, said Upstate wants to offer as many ...and more »
Pembroke Pines respiratory therapist accused of defrauding Medicaid - Sun-Sentinel.com
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:41:11 -0000
Pembroke Pines respiratory therapist accused of defrauding MedicaidSun-Sentinel.comTALLAHASSEE - A Pembroke Pines respiratory therapist has been charged with grand theft for allegedly defrauding the Florida Medicaid program of more than ...and more »
Respiratory Therapy Graduates Recognized at SSU - Community Common
Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:10:16 -0000
Respiratory Therapy Graduates Recognized at SSUCommunity Commonby Submitted Students who graduated at Shawnee State University in the Respiratory Therapy program are from front, left, Josh Miller and Jeremy Mathis. ...American Career College's Ontario Campus Approved To Offer ...Medical News Today (press release)all 5 news articles »
Academy Provides Real Experiences For Students - Marshall County Journal
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:17:45 -0000
Academy Provides Real Experiences For StudentsMarshall County JournalMulloy developed a strong interest in respiratory therapy after seeing her grandmother struggling to breathe as she died from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ...and more »
BUYINS.NET: FBP, LNCR, CNW, AGP, MRTN Are Seasonally Ripe To Go ... - Trading Markets (press release)
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:08:10 -0000
BUYINS.NET: FBP, LNCR, CNW, AGP, MRTN Are Seasonally Ripe To Go ...Trading Markets (press release)Lincare Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: LNCR), together with its subsidiaries, provides oxygen and other respiratory therapy services to the home health care market ...and more »
Allegany College - Respiratory Care Program - Two year Associates degree program in respiratory therapy located in Cumberland, Maryland.
American Association for Respiratory Care - Professional organization representing respiratory therapists. Includes membership and meeting information, industry news and job listings.
Meta Description: [ The AARC is a professional membership association for respiratory care professionals and allied health specialists interested in cardiopulmonary care. ]
British Columbia Society of Respiratory Therapists - Includes standards of practice, downloadable journal, and a section for members.
Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care - Accreditation organization for respiratory care educational sysytems.
Foothill College Respiratory Therapy - Includes program information, an application as well as general career information.
Gulf Coast Community College - Respiratory Therapy Program. Includes admission criteria, advisors and curriculum.
Idaho Society for Respiratory Care - Includes mission statement, membership information, newsletters, events, scholarships, and employment opportunities.
Meta Description: [ Idaho Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC) home page ]
Mansfield University/Robert Packer Hospital Respiratory Therapy Program - Course descriptions, sample curriculum, faculty addresses.
Meta Description: [ Guthrie Health and Medical care ]
Respiratory Care Program at El Centro College - Information about the profession, curriculum, admission process, faculty, financial aid, and contact information. Dallas, Texas.
Meta Description: [ Degree Plans - Respiratory Care Program ]
Respiratory Therapy at The Michener Institute - Post secondary educational institution which offers courses and programs in health care disciplines at entry and graduate levels. Provides full and part-time, continuing and distance education.
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Respiratory Therapy Program of the School of Health Related Professions. Includes program and curriculum information, application process and faculty.
Meta Description: [ The Respiratory Therapy Program teaches students to treat patients with Lung disease. The B.S. Degree Program trains students in Critical Care, Neonatal Care, Long term Care, Home Care areas. Science and Math are areas where students need to be strong. ]
University of Texas Health Science Center - Department of Respiratory Care. Includes bachelor program information, admission requirements, list of faculty, continuing education opportunities, and success stories.
Meta Description: [ Department of Respiratory Care, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio ]
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