Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists work in a rapidly changing, fast-paced medical environment and possess advanced knowledge for the care and treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies and diseases. Respiratory therapy is a health profession that functions in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and preventive care of patients with medical disorders such as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, croup, bronchitis, and newborn and acute respiratory distress. These professionals utilize their specialized knowledge, critical thinking, clinical expertise, and interpersonal skills to care directly for patients. The respiratory therapist is proficient in the therapeutic use of medical gases, humidification, aerosols, artificial airways, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

A Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy is awarded to students who successfully complete the program. Graduates are eligible to take the examinations (entry-level and registry) given by the National Board for Respiratory Care and become registered therapists (R.R.T.) upon successful completion of the credentialing process.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). CoARC is located at 264 Precision Blvd., Telford, TN 37690 and can be reached at 817-283-2835.

Programs

• Respiratory Therapy Major, B.S.
• Respiratory Therapy Major, Degree Completion Option, B.S.