Respiratory therapists work with all types of patients, from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to the elderly suffering from failing or diseased lungs. Respiratory therapists also provide relief to patients with chronic asthma and emergency care to victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning, or shock. The respiratory therapy program at Kaplan College can provide you with the professional skills, knowledge, and hands-on training required to seek entry-level employment in this potentially rewarding health care field.
Respiratory Therapy Program
The respiratory therapy program curriculum can prepare you to, under the supervision of a physician, administer respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Specific duties may include:
- Assessing patients
- Determining the most appropriate therapy methods
- Setting up and operating equipment
- Performing pulmonary function testing
- Assisting patients with breathing maneuvers
Certification Preparation
Kaplan College's respiratory therapy program can prepare you to take the computer-based assessment exams administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care in order to achieve the Certified Respiratory Therapist (entry level) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (advanced level) credentials.*
Occupational Outcomes
By earning an Associate of Occupational Studies in Respiratory Therapy degree, you can seek entry-level employment as a respiratory therapist in various settings including:
- Hospitals
- Physicians' offices
- Nursing care facilities
- Home health care services
* However, the College cannot guarantee a student's eligibility either to take this exam or become certified. A student's eligibility may depend on his or her work experience, completion of high school (or its equivalent), not having a criminal record, meeting other licensure or certification requirements, or the program or College itself having appropriate accreditation or licensure. Externship sites may themselves require a criminal background check or medical examination.