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Respiratory Therapy
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy is a 78- to 79-credit-hour program that prepares students for positions as respiratory therapists. Students learn to administer treatments or conduct tests on patients with lung and heart alignments, as ordered by a physician.
This program prepares students for careers as respiratory therapists. Students also gain clinical experience at area health facilities.
Graduates are qualified for positions in hospitals, clinics, home care agencies, education, equipment sales and marketing.
The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job opportunities are expected to be favorable, especially for respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with infants. In addition, the rate of employment for respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014 because of the aging population as well as the expanding role of respiratory therapists in the early detection of pulmonary disorders, case management, disease prevention and emergency care.
Persons interested in respiratory therapy should be:
- Team oriented, compassionate individuals who derive satisfaction from helping others in time of crisis
- Able to tolerate moderate physical activity, long hours of standing and work efficiently under stress