|
 |
The Profession
Respiratory care is the health profession responsible for the care of
patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary
system. It is a dynamic and exciting health profession, offering many
opportunities for new graduates. As a respiratory therapist, you
will help treat a diverse group of patients, ranging from newborns and
children to adults and the elderly. You will bring help and relief to
patients suffering from asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive lung
disease, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, infant respiratory distress
syndrome, and postoperative surgical complications.
Respiratory therapists are involved in many specialty areas in the
hospital, including labor and delivery; neonatal, pediatric and
adult intensive care units; pulmonary function laboratories; and sleep
laboratories. You may also deliver respiratory care in patients' homes
or other alternative care sites.
Respiratory therapists holding a bachelor's degree enjoy exceptional job
security and an excellent opportunity for advancement into management
and supervision, clinical academic education, research and clinical
specialization, and other leadership positions.
Respiratory
care is one of the fastest-growing professions in the country, driven by
the aging "baby boomers" and a rise in respiratory ailments and
cardiopulmonary diseases.
A Career in Respiratory
Care Offers You So Much
Respiratory care is a dynamic and
exciting health profession involved in helping patients throughout their
life span, from newborn infants and children, to adults and the elderly.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
projects an increase in demand for respiratory therapists of 35 percent
through 2012.
UAMS' new graduates in respiratory
care enjoy a virtual 100 percent placement experience, with annual
salaries in the mid-$40,000 range.
Respiratory therapists are
cardiopulmonary specialists and, as such, are respected members of the
health care team.
|
