Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and interested in a healthcare career focused on breathing and respiratory health? The Volunteer State Community College’s Respiratory Care Program offers a comprehensive and accredited path for students aiming to become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs). Students enrolling in any of Volunteer State Community College’s Health Sciences programs, including Respiratory Care, begin with the A.S. in Health Sciences curriculum. To ensure you select the most relevant general education and elective courses for admission into the Respiratory Care Program, it’s crucial to connect with an advisor specializing in this field. They can provide tailored guidance and information about specific program requirements and deadlines, which are also detailed in the program’s information packet.
Information Sessions for Prospective Students
For individuals considering applying to the Respiratory Care Program, attending an information session is highly recommended. These sessions provide valuable insights into enrollment requirements, class schedules, and address frequently asked questions. Information sessions are conducted monthly and are currently held virtually via Zoom. If you are interested in participating in an upcoming session, please express your interest by emailing [email protected].
Upcoming virtual information sessions are scheduled for:
- Friday, January 31, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
- Friday, February 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
- Friday, March 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
- Friday, April 25, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
What Does a Registered Respiratory Therapist Do?
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) and Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) are vital healthcare professionals who work under physician direction to deliver medical treatment to patients experiencing a wide range of respiratory ailments. From managing chronic conditions like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis to providing critical care for heart attack and accident victims, RRTs are essential in helping patients breathe easier. Their expertise is crucial in various settings, including hospitals, intensive care units, emergency rooms, and even patients’ homes.
Key Responsibilities of Respiratory Therapists:
- Blood Gas Analysis: Obtaining and analyzing blood specimens to assess oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gas levels, crucial for evaluating respiratory function.
- Ventilation Management: Interpreting blood gas data to adjust and manage life support systems, including ventilators and the administration of oxygen, nitric oxide, or heliox gas.
- Diagnostic Testing: Performing diagnostic procedures to measure and assess impaired lung functions, aiding in accurate diagnoses.
- Medication Administration: Recommending and administering aerosolized medications such as antibiotics, antivirals, and bronchodilators to treat respiratory conditions.
- Metabolic Assessment: Conducting metabolic testing to evaluate the efficiency of the cardiopulmonary system.
- Home Respiratory Care: Developing and managing home-based respiratory therapeutics for chronically ill patients and those with sleep disorders related to respiration.
- Therapy Monitoring and Adjustment: Continuously monitoring therapy effectiveness and making necessary adjustments to optimize patient recovery of lung function.
- Airway Management: Maintaining artificial airways for patients unable to breathe independently, ensuring proper ventilation.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Leading rehabilitation activities, including low-impact exercises, to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic lung diseases.
- Smoking Cessation Programs: Conducting programs to help patients and community members quit smoking, promoting preventative respiratory health.
Accreditation: Ensuring Quality Education
Choosing an accredited respiratory care program is paramount to ensuring you receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards. The Volunteer State Community College Respiratory Care Program holds full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) – https://coarc.com/. Our CoARC Program number is #200399. Accreditation signifies that our program has undergone rigorous evaluation and meets the nationally recognized standards for respiratory care education, preparing graduates for successful careers and board certification.
Program Outcomes and Resources
CoARC accreditation is an outcomes-based process, focusing on how well the program achieves its educational goals and demonstrates effectiveness. For detailed information on programmatic outcomes data, please visit the CoARC’s outcomes webpage: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/. Further resources and forms related to the Volunteer State Respiratory Care Program will be available to enrolled students, ensuring they have the support and materials needed throughout their education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective students often have questions about the Respiratory Care Program. We encourage you to attend an information session to have your questions answered directly by program faculty. We are committed to providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future in respiratory care.
Enroll in the Volunteer State Respiratory Care Program and take the first step towards a rewarding career in healthcare, helping patients breathe easier and live healthier lives. Contact us today to learn more and begin your application process.
