Respiratory Care - North Dakota State University - Main Campus

Respiratory Care from North Dakota State University - Main Campus is a Campus Bachelor Respiratory Care degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are health care specialists that evaluate, treat and educate patients with cardiopulmonary (heart-lung) disorders. They work closely with physicians, nurses and other allied health members in critical care units, emergency rooms, nurseries and pediatrics, medical units and home care . RTs may be responsible for patient assessment, medical gas therapy , pulmonary hygiene, diagnostic testing, mechanical ventilatory and cardiovascular support, and rehabilitation activities. Background Information The practice of respiratory care encompasses activities in diagnostic evaluation, therapy and education of the patient, family and public. Diagnostic activities include obtaining and analyzing sputum and blood specimens, performing breathing studies to determine if lung function is impaired, performing sleep disorder studies and interpreting the data obtained from these. Therapy includes administering medical gases and respiratory medications to alleviate breathing problems, applying and monitoring mechanical ventilatory and cardiovascular support, maintaining artificial airways, performing bronchopulmonary hygiene procedures and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Education of the patient, family and public promotes knowledge of disease processes, medical therapy and wellness. These essential functions of the RT are practiced under qualified medical direction. Respiratory care is second only to nursing in the amount of hands-on bedside care given to patients of all ages. Career Opportunities Graduates of the respiratory care program are eligible to complete a series of national examinations administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care that lead to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Most states require a license to practice respiratory care and use these examinations or verification of credentials for state licensing. To remain licensed, RTs may also be required to obtain continuing education credit. Graduates readily find employment in hospital, clinic and home care settings throughout the country. Additional career opportunities exist in management, education, sleep medicine research, sales and public health. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics \\\"employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2018. This increase is attributed to a substantial growth in numbers of the middle-aged and elderly population that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. Growth in demand will also result from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in case management, disease prevention, emergency care and the early detection of pulmonary disorders.\\\" View more details on North Dakota State University - Main Campus . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Respiratory Care courses.