Bachelor [Respiratory Care] From North Dakota State University

The practice of respiratory care encompasses activities in diagnostic evaluation, therapy, and education of the patient, family and public. Diagnostic activities include obtaining and analyzing sputum and blood specimens, performing breathing studies to determine if lung function is impaired, performing sleep disorder studies and interpreting the data obtained from these. Therapy includes administering medical gases and respiratory medications to alleviate breathing problems, applying and monitoring mechanical ventilatory and cardiovascular support, maintaining artificial airways, performing bronchopulmonary hygiene procedures and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Education of the patient, family and public promotes knowledge of disease processes, medical therapy and wellness. These essential functions of the RT are practiced under qualified medical direction.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the respiratory care program are eligible to complete a series of national examinations administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care that lead to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Most states require a license to practice respiratory care and use these examinations or verification of credentials for state licensing. To remain licensed, RTs may also be required to obtain continuing education credit. Graduates readily find employment in hospital, clinic and home care settings throughout the country. Additional career opportunities exist in management, education, sleep medicine, research, sales and public health. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2022. This increase is attributed to a substantial growth in numbers of the middle-aged and elderly population that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. The mean annual earnings for RTs is $58,490 (Occupational Outlook Handbook, National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2014).