Respiratory Therapist, A.A.S.

This program prepares students to become respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists perform diagnostic tests and provide treatments to patients with heart and breathing problems. Graduates of the program will be prepared for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam(s). A respiratory therapist primary goal is for the prevention, education, treatment, management, and rehabilitation involving people with lung disorders. A respiratory therapist is involved in a variety of patient care areas including those requiring life saving measures, working side by side with nurses and doctors treating a variety of patients from the very young, born with immature lungs, to the elderly fighting chronic diseases. To assist patients in their care, a respiratory therapist also draws arterial blood gases and uses sophisticated equipment in the treatment and diagnosis of lung and cardiac disorders. We are often considered the experts in the field of ventilator management.