AS Respiratory Care at Valencia Community College
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009Program Requirements:
Respiratory Care Curriculum Guide (A.S. Degree)
(Click this link to view the curriculum guide in PDF format. The curriculum guide outlines the course requirements for the degree program. It also includes the application and program admission criteria).
Polysomnography Technology (Advanced Technical Certificate)
(Click this link to view the curriculum guide in PDF format. The curriculum guide outlines the course requirements for the degree program. It also includes the application and program admission criteria).
Program Description:
The very breath of life is what you give another as a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders such as chronic asthma or emphysema. Integral members of any medical team, they serve as life-support specialists who work to restore the heart-lung system to normal function. You’ll be prepared to move into such positions as a:
Typical Tasks May Include:
evaluating and treating patients’ breathing problems
using a ventilator to pump pressurized air-oxygen mixes through a tube into patient’s lungs
sampling blood to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
reporting results to the physician
Characteristics Students Need to be Successful:
Caring
Responsible
Reliable
Trustworthy
excited about medicine
knowledge of math and science
strong work ethic
dynamic
Be on time, pay attention and follow directions
Have an interest in a combination of technology and medicine
Potential Careers:
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Potential Employers:
Respiratory Therapists work mainly in hospitals, in the departments of respiratory care, pulmonary medicine, or anesthesiology. Other career opportunities are available in medical clinics, physicians’ offices, home care, sales, education, research, and consulting.
Potential Earnings: ($31,000 – $34,000)