The University of Mary and Saint Alexius Medical Center B.S. Degree Respiratory Therapy Program

1. The University of Mary and Saint Alexius Medical Center B.S. Degree Respiratory Therapy Program

2. Respiratory Therapy is a patient care profession; they… ..assess, treat, monitor, follow up and care for patients with lung and heart disorders. Therapists make a difference in people’s lives.

3. What kinds of patients do Respiratory Therapists Treat? • Lung disease patients • Heart patients • Neuromuscular patients • Trauma victims • Premature babies • Children • Adults • The elderly © 1998 Random House. Used with permission.

4. What Breathing Disorders Do Respiratory Therapists Treat? • Asthma • Bronchitis • Emphysema • Burn victims: smoke inhalation • Cardiac-induced respiratory failure • Cystic Fibrosis • Chest Trauma • Pneumonia • Paralysis victims

5. Where Do Respiratory Therapists Work? • Acute care hospitals • Patient transport • Diagnostic laboratories • Rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities • Patient’s homes • Educational institutions • Industry

6. Where do Respiratory Therapists work? The level of illness and setting of patients can vary widely. From patients in the neonatal intensive care unit… © 2000 Time Inc. Used with permission. to victims of trauma in the emergency room.

7. A “code blue” in the ER means breathing and circulation must be restored immediately: ABCs of CPR… Airway Breathing Circulation The airway is always established first.

8. Respiratory Therapists Work in Hospital Intensive Care Units Therapists use their knowledge of physiology to manage mechanical ventilation and monitor pulmonary and cardiovascular function, working closely with critical care nurses and physicians

9. Respiratory Therapists are a vital part of the transport team, answering life-threatening emergencies.

10. Respiratory Therapists Perform and Interpret Diagnostic Procedures • Respiratory gas analysis: O2, CO2 • Lung function tests • Arterial blood gas analysis: O2, CO2, pH • Heart and circulatory function monitoring • Tests of sleep-related breathing disorders • Electrocardiography (ECGs) • Exercise stress testing • Airway hypersensitivity tests for asthma

11. Respiratory Therapists Treat and Educate Patients • Mechanical Ventilation • Oxygen administration • Inhaled drug administration • Chest physiotherapy • Lung expansion therapy • Pulmonary rehabilitation: improving quality of life in patients with chronic lung disease • Smoking cessation classes • asthma control and management

12. Respiratory Therapists consult with physicians specializing in pulmonary and cardiac disorders, emergency trauma care, adult and newborn intensive care, and pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation.

13. Therapists use chest X-rays to evaluate their patients.

14. Respiratory Therapists fulfill different roles... -Patient Care Giver - Clinical Consultant -Technical Consultant

15. Career opportunities are EXCELLENT! • *The need for RRTs is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010 due to: • anincreasein the elderly population • the impact of our changing environment on diseases • technology advancements • advances in treatment of lung diseases • smoking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease • * Bureau of Labor Statistics

16. Employment Outlook • 45% growth by 2010 • High demand nationally: 1000 more vacancies than graduates in 2001 • University of Mary Grads: 100% employment • Grads “interview” employers, not vice versa • Signing bonuses, paid relocation expenses

17. Who succeeds in Respiratory Therapy? The “high tech, high touch” person: Therapists handle the technical side of life-threatening situations and support, reassure, and educate patients and their families.

18. Is Respiratory Care For Me? • A career as a respiratory therapist can provide: • the ability to make a difference in peoples lives • an exciting, worthwhile career • recognition, respect, and appreciation • a great job at a good salary • job security • A rewarding career for life! What should I be?

19. What is the earning potential? According to the US Department of Labor, Respiratory Therapy new grad starting salaries range from $15-$22 per hour-- $31,200 to $45,760 per year. (Salaries range higher or lower depending on geographical region.) $3000 to $6000 sign-on bonuses and paid moving expenses are common.

20. Respiratory Therapy and Pre-Med/Respiratory TherapyOption The Respiratory Therapy curriculum offers a pre-medical track, which meets medical school application requirements.

21. Pre-professional Curriculum(* denotes med school requirements) Freshman CHE 109 (111*) Fundamentals of Chemistry 4 ENG 103 The Writing Process 4 ALU 122 ALU 1 PSY 201 General Psychology 4 BIO 103 General Biology 4 BIO 209 Medical Microbiology 4 CHEM 110 (112*) Intro to Organic & Biochemistry 4 COM 109 Oral Communication 4 MAT 103 College Algebra 4 May & Summer: Liberal Arts Requirements 8 (AES & SBS)

22. Pre-professional Curriculum Sophomore BIO 207 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 PHY 203 Introduction to Physics 4 THE 382 Moral Issues Seminar 4 CHE 217 *Organic Chemistry I 4 BIO 208 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 CHE 318 *Organic Chemistry II 4 PHY 304 *Intermediate Physics 4 Liberal Arts Requirement (PHI/THE) 4 NUR 217 Pharmacology 3 May Liberal Arts Requirement (SBS) 4 Summer: Liberal Arts Requirement (PHI/THE) 4

23. Why a B.S. in Respiratory Therapy to Meet Pre-Med Admissions Requirements? • Experience with patient care • Familiarity with the healthcare system • Functional healthcare credential; viable career while enrolled in medical school • Advantage in admissions interview; demonstrates interest in the medical field and motivation for pursuing a medical career

24. Respiratory Care…a Career for Life! University of Mary: 355-8048 St. Alexius Medical Center: 530-7757