Respiratory Care - AAS
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to assist in developing respiratory care plans, administer respiratory care procedures, supervise personnel and equipment operation, maintain records, and consult with other health care team members. Includes instruction in the applied basic biomedical sciences; anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the respiratory system; clinical medicine; therapeutic procedures; clinical expressions; data collection and record-keeping; patient communication; equipment operation and maintenance; personnel supervision; and procedures for special population groups.
Careers
A respiratory therapist primary goal is for the prevention, education, treatment, management, and rehabilitation involving people with lung disorders. A respiratory therapist is involved in a variety of patient care areas including those requiring life saving measures, working side by side with nurses and doctors treating a variety of patients from the very young, born with immature lungs, to the elderly fighting chronic diseases. To assist patients in their care, a respiratory therapist also draws arterial blood gases and uses sophisticated equipment in the treatment and diagnosis of lung and cardiac disorders. We are often considered the experts in the field of ventilator management.
Program Outcomes
- Utilize critical thinking to recommend appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using patient data from laboratory and physiological evaluations.
- Use a variety of communication skills to establish and maintain an effective relationship with clients, families and health care providers.
- Perform cardio-pulmonary therapeutic procedures and modalities appropriate to the respiratory therapist's level of training.
- Work cooperatively as a member of a healthcare team in implementing the respiratory plan of care.
- Function within the legal and ethical framework of respiratory care practice and demonstrate accountability for personal growth.
- Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX 76021-4244
817-283-2835
Hutchinson Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.