Associate of Science in Respiratory Care

Associate of Science in Respiratory Care

The Associate of Science in Respiratory Care is a degree program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career as a respiratory therapist. This program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for the challenges of working in the field of respiratory care.

Program Overview

The Associate of Science in Respiratory Care program typically takes two years to complete and is offered by many colleges and universities. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of respiratory care.

Students in this program will take a variety of courses that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, and respiratory therapy procedures. They will also gain practical experience through clinical rotations in hospitals or other healthcare settings.

Coursework

The coursework in an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care program covers a wide range of topics related to respiratory therapy. Some of the common courses include:

1. Anatomy and Physiology: This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the human respiratory system.

2. Pharmacology: Students learn about the medications commonly used in respiratory therapy and how they affect the respiratory system.

3. Patient Assessment: This course teaches students how to assess patients' respiratory health and develop appropriate treatment plans.

4. Respiratory Therapy Procedures: Students learn the various procedures used in respiratory therapy, such as administering oxygen therapy, performing chest physiotherapy, and managing mechanical ventilation.

5. Clinical Practice: Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in hospitals or other healthcare settings. They work under the supervision of experienced respiratory therapists and apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care program are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exams. Upon passing these exams, they can become licensed respiratory therapists.

Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They work with patients of all ages who have respiratory disorders, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. They assess patients' respiratory health, develop treatment plans, and administer therapies to improve breathing.

Respiratory therapists can find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare agencies. They may also work in specialized areas such as neonatal or pediatric respiratory care.

Conclusion

The Associate of Science in Respiratory Care program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a rewarding career as a respiratory therapist. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, students gain a strong foundation in respiratory therapy principles and practices.

By completing this program and obtaining the necessary certifications, graduates can enter the workforce as licensed respiratory therapists and make a positive impact on the lives of patients with respiratory disorders.