Respiratory Therapy
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Respiratory therapists blend technical instrumentation with patient contact. They work
with individuals who present with abnormalities of the lungs, heart, and circulatory
system. Assessments performed by respiratory therapists include measurement of lung
function, monitoring the cardiopulmonary functions. They are responsible for the
management of high-technology equipment used in the care of critically ill patients.
Treatments provided include administration of medical gases, aerosols, and humidification;
breathing exercises; and chest physiotherapy.
Their assessments include having patients breath into a tube connected to an instrument
that measures the patients ability to inhale and exhale. The existence and degree of lung
deficiencies is determined by comparing the patients' forced expiratory volume and air
flow readings to readings for normal individuals of the same age, height, weight, and
gender. Additional assessments involve analyzing arterial blood samples to determine the
levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH levels. Once the blood is drawn, a gas analyzer is
used to assess the results.
Treatments provided range from emergency care to giving temporary relief to patients with
chronic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and management of premature
infants with underdeveloped lungs. Much of a therapists time is spent monitoring patients
who are using oxygen and require ventilator support.
Respiratory therapists' primary practice setting is in a hospital environment. Within the
hospital environment respiratory therapists may work in acute medical centers and in
rehabilitation facilities. Additional environments in which respiratory therapists may
work include home health, oxygen equipment rental companies, ambulance services, and
nursing homes.
An acute medical center provides a variety of practice arenas within the hospital setting:
Units in which respiratory therapists may work include the emergency room; surgical
intensive care; medical intensive care; cardiovascular intensive care; neonatal unit;
anesthesiology; pulmonary medicine; and general hospital.
Respiratory therapists generally work a 40-hour week. Since therapists work with patients
who require care and monitoring twenty-four hours a day, therapists may be required to
work evenings, nights or weekends.
Patients with whom Respiratory therapists and technicians work include newborns, trauma
victims, asthma and allergy suffers, drowning victims, individuals who have sustained
spinal cord injuries, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiac disease.
Although the University of Central Arkansas does not offer a degree in respiratory
therapy, students are encouraged to contact John L. McClellan Veterans Hospital School of
Respiratory Therapy.
Average salaries for respiratory therapists in 1994 were reported to be $15.00/hour.
Respiratory technicians reportedly earned $8.50/hour.
Students are encouraged to contact the following UCA affiliating program for further
information regarding application to a program that offers instruction in Respiratory
Therapy.
Mrs. Erna Boone, Director
School of Respiratory Therapy
John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital
Mailing Slot 14/NLR
Little Rock, AR 72114
Students graduating with a degree in respiratory therapy must be accredited by the Council
on Medical Education, American Medical Association, and the Joint Review Committee for
Respiratory Therapy Education. In addition to the attainment of academic knowledge and
skill required for professional duties, students are guided toward the development of the
necessary communicative and personal skills needed to function smoothly as a member of a
health care team.
PRE-RESPIRATORY THERAPY CURRICULUM
Curriculum Guide
Department of Health Sciences
Fall #1
WRTG 1310 Comp I*
HIST 1310 World History
PSYC 1300 General Psych
MATH 1390 College Algebra*
Spring #2
WRTG 1320 Comp II*
HIST 1320 World History II
BIOL 1400 Biol for Gen Ed
SOC 1300 Princ of Sociology
Fall #2
ENGL 2305-6 World Lit I or II
CHEM 1402 Physiol Chem I
SPTA 1300 Basic Oral Communication
PSCI 1330, HIST 2301 or 24
H ED 1320 Concepts of Lifetime Health & Fitness
Spring #2
PHIL 1301, 1310, 1320 or 2325 1
CHEM 1403 Physiol Chem II 2
PHYS 1405 Applied Physics 3
Elective5
Fall #3
BIOL 2405 Anatomy & Physiology 6
ART 3300 or MUS 3330 7
ASVC 2300 or CSCI 1300 8
Elective 5
Spring #3
BIOL 2411 Microbiol 6
Elective 5
Elective 5
Elective 5