Respiratory Care - Montana State University - Great Falls College of Technology

Respiratory Care from Montana State University - Great Falls College of Technology is a Campus Associate Respiratory Care degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. Most people take breathing for granted. It?s second nature, an involuntary reflex. But for the thousands, who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. Those people include patients: with chronic lung problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema; heart attack and accident victims; premature infants; and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, and AIDS. In each case the patient will likely receive treatment from a Respiratory Therapist (RT) under the direction of a physician. RTs work to evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing disorders. They are a vital part of a hospital?s lifesaving response team that answers patient emergencies. While most RTs work in hospitals, an increasing number have branched out into alternative care sites, such as nursing homes, physicians? offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, and patients? homes. RTs perform both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as: Obtaining and analyzing sputum and breath specimens; Take blood specimens and analyze them to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases; Interpreting data obtained from specimens; Measuring the capacity of patients lungs to determine if there is impaired function; Performing studies on the cardiopulmonary system; Studying disorders of people with disruptive sleep patterns; Operating mechanical ventilators for patients who cannot breath adequately; Delivering inhaled medications and medical gases; Teaching patients with lung disorders to maintain meaningful and active life systems. RTs work collaboratively with other health care practitioners. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are mandatory for success in this environment. Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary when interacting with other members of the multidisciplinary health care team as well as the patients and families. Such a role also requires a broad educational background in English composition, communication, and interpersonal relations. Computer literacy is especially important in today?s health care environment. The RT Program is a two-year program designed to help students develop the knowledge, skills and professional attitude necessary for a successful career in RT. Upon completion of the AAS degree in RT, graduates will be prepared to begin a career as an Advanced Practitioner RT. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Entry Level and the Advanced Practitioner examinations. OUTCOMES: GRADUATES ARE PREPARED TO: Practice as a registered RT in the healthcare delivery system; Comply with standards-of-practice, and ethical code of the American Association for Respiratory Care; Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to patient care. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication as well as good interpersonal skills; and Safely and correctly utilize current technology and equipment in the practice of Respiratory Care . View more details on Montana State University - Great Falls College of Technology . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Respiratory Care courses.