Earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy

What is a respiratory therapist?

 

Are you someone who has a passion for impacting the lives of people you interact with daily? Do you find yourself offering your assistance to those in need and feeling a sense of satisfaction because of it? If you answered yes to these two questions, then a career as a respiratory therapist might be a good fit for you.

Respiratory therapists have a specialized set of skills dedicated to caring for patients who struggle with breathing. Respiratory therapy programs prepare students to operate high-tech medical equipment used to properly diagnose respiratory diseases.

When working closely with physicians and surgeons in this role, you would administer pulmonary function tests, treatments to clear airways and educate patients on how to use ventilator systems at home.

Now that you know what you could potentially do, let’s talk about how to get started.

How do I become a respiratory therapist?

 

To work in the healthcare field as a respiratory therapist, you will need at least an associate degree. Most employers prefer professionals who have a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy.

If you’re in high school considering how you can get licensed begin by taking courses in biology, algebra, chemistry, and physics. This will help you fulfill prerequisites that will later aid you as you enroll in an accredited respiratory therapy program.

By completing a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program, you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a member of a health care team in a range of settings including hospital respiratory care departments, anesthesiology or pulmonary rehab, pulmonary diagnostics or nursing homes.

Is Respiratory Therapist a job with a future?

 

The growing demand for help preventing and detecting disease, improving medications and creating more sophisticated treatments leads to a need for respiratory therapists. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 23 percent between now and 2030. Hospitals need medical professionals who are dedicated to what they do and can assist in reducing readmissions by doing the job right the first time.

Are There Different Types of Respiratory Therapy?

 

There are four main types of respiratory therapy. They include:

  • Emergency Respiratory Therapy
  • Adult Respiratory Therapy
  • Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
  • Geriatric Respiratory Therapy

You can specialize in one or more of these areas. In each of these categories of respiratory therapy, you would manage or initiate life support, assist in diagnosis of breathing problems, and help with routine maintenance of chronic diseases.

Attending an accredited respiratory program will grow your professional skills in areas of management, cultural diversity, and supervisory skills across various healthcare settings.

Young college student is in a living room

Join a career field that needs someone like you. Someone who cares about helping those in need breathe easier.

 

Learn more about our online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program to get started today!

Call 855-429-1131 for more information on Florida National University’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy