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Respiratory Therapist
Program description: Respiratory therapists (RTs) help people with breathing disorders, including chronic disease such as asthma, emphysema or cystic fibrosis; heart attack or accident victims; or premature infants. RTs perform a variety of patient assessments at the bedside, as well as detailed diagnostic breathing tests in the laboratory. The essence of respiratory care involves treatments and procedures to help people breathe easier, maintain open airways or clear obstructed airways, provide oxygen therapy, ventilator support and emergency care. RTs also teach patients proper breathing techniques and the proper use of breathing devices.
Entry Time: Fall
Duties: RTs work closely with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to provide direct patient care.
Education: The Respiratory Therapist curriculum consists of classroom and laboratory experiences and hospital-based clinical experience at area hospitals and in home health.
Accreditation: Kirkwood’s RT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC).
RT graduates can take the entry-level exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care to become a CRT-Certified Respiratory Therapist.
For more information contact:
Dennis R. Harger, B.A., RRT
221 Linn Hall
319-398-5520 | 
