Respiratory Care

Respiratory care is a challenging and rewarding healthcare specialty that deals with patients who have deficiencies and abnormalities of their cardiac and pulmonary systems. Under the direction of a doctor, respiratory therapy practitioners manage, treat and evaluate patients with breathing problems.

Respiratory services include:

• Therapeutic and diagnostic use of medical gases and administration apparatus, environmental control systems, humidification and aerosols;
• The administration of drugs and medications to the cardiopulmonary system;
• Ventilatory support, including the maintenance and management of life-support systems;
• Bronchopulmonary drainage and breathing exercises;
• Respiratory rehabilitation;
• Assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and 
• Maintenance of natural airways, including the insertion and maintenance of artificial airways.

Respiratory services also include specific testing techniques to assist in the research, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of those with cardiopulmonary disorders.

Respiratory therapists work in a number of settings from acute critical care; pediatric and neonatal intensive care units; physicians' offices; hospital emergency departments; pulmonary rehabilitation; home care; recovery rooms; pulmonary functions; and more. Some graduates use respiratory care as a stepping stone into other health careers, such as echocardiography, anesthesia, physician assisting; or perfusion.

Length of Training

Respiratory Therapist: Five semesters

Aptitudes and Interests

Those who are considering working in respiratory care should have:

• An interest and aptitude in science;
• The desire to help people;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Self-motivation; and
• Personal satisfaction in a job well done.

Did you know?

SCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.