Prospective Students
What
is a Respiratory Therapist? |
|
Salary |
|
Career Opportunities |
|
Cost of the Program |
|
Career Video |
|
Application |
Prospective Students
|
What
is a Respiratory Therapist? |
|
Salary |
|
Career Opportunities |
|
Cost of the Program |
|
Career Video |
|
Application |
What
is a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory
therapists are the health specialists who evaluate, treat, and care for patients
with breathing disorders. They work under the direction of a physician and assist
in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders.
In the area of diagnosis, respiratory therapists measure the capacity of a patient's lungs to determine if there is impaired function. They draw and analyze blood samples to determine the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases in order to assess the best course of treatment for a particular patient.
Once diagnosed, the respiratory therapist is responsible for treating patients and providing therapy that will help them recover their lung function. They do this by using various types of equipment to administer oxygen or stimulate breathing. They also administer medications in aerosol form to help alleviate problems certain patients encounter in their breathing. To help patients who have chronic lung problems, many respiratory therapists are involved in rehabilitation activities and home care.
Finally,
respiratory therapists are responsible for ongoing monitoring and management
of their patients in both acute care and intensive care settings. In this way,
they can access the course of therapy and suggest alternatives to the physician
for the care of all types of patients, including high-risk newborns, pediatric
and adults. For a more in-depth discussion visit the AARC website's
What
is a respiratory therapist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor's Latest research, respiratory therapy is one of the "fastest growing" occupations requiring an associate's degree. The earnings potential for respiratory therapists is high, with the median salary for staff therapists in 2004 at $43,000. The BLS also reports that jobs are expected to grow by nearly 35% through 2012.
Salaries
for new graduates in the area:
|
|
|
|
| Local & Regional | $16.00 - $18.00 | $32,000 - $36,000 |
| Major Metropolitan Areas | $18.00 - $22.00 | $36,000 - $44,000 |
As a respiratory
therapist you will find that you have numerous career opportunities. Some of
these are:
 Staff
Therapist |
| Critical
Care - Adult, Pediatric, Neonatal Intensive Care |
| Diagnostics
- EEG, EKG, Pulmonary Function Testing, Echocardiography & Ultrasonography |
| Pulmonary
and Cardiac Rehabilitation |
| Polysomnography
(Sleep Lab) |
| Hyperbaric
Medicine |
| Home
Care |
| Research |
| Education |
|
Want to continue your education and get an advance degree? Using your associate's degree in respiratory care, you can attain a bachelor's degree in applied technology, education, management, or respiratory care. You can even use respiratory care as a bridge to become a physician's assistant, or apply to medical school. |
In addition to tuition, fees, and textbooks, respiratory care students are responsible for uniforms and related items used while enrolled in the program.
The Victoria College has a variety of financial assistance programs available to qualifying students including scholarships, loans, and grants.
For additional information on financial assistance, please contact the Student Financial Aid Office at 361-572-6415, or visit with a financial aid counselor in the Administration II building.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor's latest research, respiratory therapy will be one of the "fastest growing" occupations through the year 2006. The BLS reports that by 2006 there will have been 37 thousand more respiratory therapist jobs created, which shows a 46% increase in demand.
The American Association for Respiratory Care has developed a short video (6 minutes) demonstrating the many career opportunities for a respiratory therapist.
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Applicants for the Respiratory Care Program must meet special entrance requirements and complete a departmental application form in addition to the general Victoria College application for admission and general admission requirements. Prospective applicants should contact the Program Director for additional information. (See also Admission Criteria at this web site).
Respiratory Care Program Application (pdf file).
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