Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. To evaluate patients, therapists test the capacity of the lungs and analyze oxygen and carbon monoxide concentration. They also measure the patient’s hydrogen level, which indicates the acidity or alkalinity level of the blood.
To measure lung capacity, therapists have patients breathe into an instrument that measures the volume and flow of oxygen during inhalation and exhalation. By comparing the reading with the norm for the patient’s age, height, weight, and sex, respiratory therapists can determine whether lungs deficiencies exist.
To analyze oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels, therapists draw an arterial blood sample, place it in a blood gas analyzer, and relay the results to a physician. Respiratory therapists generally work between 35 to 40 hours a week. Because hospitals operate around the clock, therapists may work evenings, nights or weekends. They spend long periods of time standing and walking between patients’ rooms. In an emergency, therapists work under a great deal of stress.
Information
Salary Range
El Paso: $45,509 - $54,708
State of Texas: $57,301 - $68,169
Career Ladder Mobility
A.A.S.
Duration of Program
2 year - Associate Program
Accreditation
The El Paso Community College Respiratory Technology Program, #200174, (AAS-RSPT), Rio Grande Campus, 100 W. Rio Grande, El Paso, Texas 79902 is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
The program goal is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
Program Documents
 | Respiratory Care Manual | | Program Guide - Respiratory Care Technology AAS | | Respiratory Care Technology-Student Outcome Data |
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