Respiratory Care
Respiratory Care practitioners work closely with patients and other health care providers. You will acquire skills in the treatment, management, diagnosis and care of patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Training will include the use of therapeutic gases, ventilator support, breathing exercises, aerosol administration, medications, humidification and maintenance of airways. You will likely work in a hospital however, opportunities exist in many areas of health care. This two year program includes a summer session and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
- Estimated Length of Program: 2 years
- Credential Awarded: Associate in Science in Respiratory Care
Curriculum Checklist
As a respiratory therapist at Hartford Hospital, I am confident in my skills to make the best decisions for my patients' health, all thanks to the dedicated professors at STCC.Emily Kollar, Class of 2018, Hartford Hospital
About
Mission Statement: The Springfield Technical Community College Respiratory Care Program is committed to the development of competent respiratory care professionals through rigorous academic and clinical learning, fostering critical thinking, encouraging professional leadership and mastery of practice, while instilling ethical values and appreciation of diversity.
Respiratory Care is a health specialty involved in the treatment, management, diagnosis and care of patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. The respiratory care practitioner is an expert in the use of therapeutic gases, ventilatory support, bronchopulmonary drainage, breathing exercises, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, aerosol administration, hyperinflation therapy, medications, humidification, and maintenance of natural, artificial, and mechanical airways. Respiratory care practitioners are also involved in diagnostic testing, monitoring, treatment, education, sales, and research. These include the measurement of lung volumes, pressures, flows, blood gas analysis, electrocardiograms, stress testing, sleep studies, smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and asthma management.
Respiratory care offers the chance to work closely with patients and other health care practitioners in a career which is both personally and financially rewarding.
The graduate practitioner will find a health care system that is changing and expanding. In many areas of the health care system, a multi-skilled practitioner will be needed. The graduate respiratory care practitioner will be this person. While the greater number of graduates work in hospitals or hold teaching positions, the future undoubtedly will see openings in industry, rehabilitation centers, home care companies, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, and individual businesses.
Click here to view a list of current local job opportunities.
Upon successful completion of requirements for this program, the degree of Associate in Science in Respiratory Care will be awarded.
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