Respiratory Therapy is a two-year program that prepares students to administer respiratory care and life support to patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary abnormalities. Students work as technicians or registered respiratory therapists in a variety of job settings including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies, oxygen equipment companies, and companies providing ambulance services. Respiratory therapists advance in clinical practice by moving from care of "general" to "critical" patients with problems in other organ systems such as the heart or kidneys. They may also advance to supervisory or management positions.

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may also pursue careers in teaching, research, and health care management. Some practitioners leave the profession to work as sales representatives or as equipment designers for equipment manufacturers.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Respiratory therapists perform chest physiotherapy, administer aerosol medications, deliver oxygen via mask, nasal cannula, or respirator, and evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of therapy. Respiratory care practitioners use special equipment to test lung capacity and to analyze pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in the blood. They operate and maintain respiratory care equipment and record patient treatments and responses. As part of the health care team, respiratory therapists work closely with physicians and other allied health professionals.

Respiratory therapists generally work a 40-hour week. Because hospitals operate around the clock, therapists may work evenings, nights, or weekends. Respiratory therapists spend long hours standing and walking between patients' rooms. In emergencies, they work under great stress. Respiratory therapists must adhere to proper procedures and safety precautions in order to avoid risks from infection and gases stored under pressure.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NEEDED
Most accredited respiratory therapist programs last two years and lead to an associate degree. Entrance requirements may include prerequisite study of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Individuals who want to enter the field of respiratory therapy should enjoy working with others and be sensitive to the physical and psychological needs of patients. Respiratory care workers must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. Some mechanical ability and manual dexterity is required to operate complex equipment.

Note: Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program at Skyline College is by special application only. Students should see "admissions" or contact the Respiratory Therapy Department for an application and information about admission procedures and entrance requirements.

TRANSFER: There are only a few baccalaureate programs in Respiratory Therapy in the United States and none in the State of California. All Respiratory Therapy courses are transferable to the California State Universities, but not to the University of California.

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