What is Respiratory Care?
Respiratory Care is a health care specialty that offers a set of unique challenges in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management, and rehabilitation of people with lung problems. This specialty is utilized not only in the hospital setting, but also in home care situations, skilled nursing facilities, medical sales and health education. Respiratory Care provides students with a special opportunity by blending advanced technology with patient care.
What can I do with a Respiratory Care degree?
The employment outlook for Respiratory Therapists is very promising due to an ever increasing aged population, and the profession's continued expansion into various speciality fields. After receiving an Associates Degree in Respiratory Care, students also have the opportunity continue their education, at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare.
What kind of courses will I take?
The courses listed below are only a small glimpse into the Respiratory Care courses available on our campus. To view the full list of Respiratory Care course descriptions, click here.
| INTRODUCTION TO RESPIRATORY CARE TECHNIQUES 1 | |
| This course introduces the student to medical terminology, basic patient care, vital signs assessment, and patient communication. An introductory clinical tour is included during this course. In addition, gas laws as they apply to pulmonary physiology and medical gas therapy will be covered. |
| RESPIRATORY PATHOLOGY | |
| This course examines the etiology and treatment of specific pulmonary diseases and other disease conditions that adversely affect the cardiopulmonary system. Topics include restrictive and obstructive pulmonary diseases, pulmonary infections, neoplasms, emboli, pediatric and neonatal pulmonary conditions, chest wall diseases and thoracic trauma, and adult respiratory distress syndrome. Also included are basic chest x-ray interpretation, radiation safety, and physical examination and assessment of the chest. |
| CLINICAL PRACTICUM 1 | |
| This hospital-based activity allows for supervised student practice of basic respiratory care therapeutics, electrocardiography, arterial blood gases, and home care. |
Meet our Respiratory Care Faculty
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