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Department of Allied Health Sciences
Cardiopulmonary - Respiratory Care

Offering associate and bachelor’s degree programs and advanced courses

Advanced Respiratory Therapists

Advanced respiratory therapists participate in clinical decision-making and patient education, develop and implement respiratory care plans and take an active role in health promotion, disease prevention and disease management. They may be required to exercise considerable independent judgment, under the supervision of a physician, in the respiratory care of patients.

Credentialing
Students who successfully complete the specific advanced respiratory therapy course offerings, which are included in the advanced cardiopulmonary care curriculum and advanced respiratory therapy certificate track, may acquire credentials including:

Graduates of the bachelor’s degree program may be eligible for additional credentials depending upon which electives they choose to take. Students should consult with their adviser before scheduling. They may be eligible to acquire credentials from Cardiovascular Credentialing International including:

Employment characteristics
Advanced level respiratory therapists are employed in:

  • hospitals,
  • acute care facilities,
  • chronic care facilities,
  • extended care facilities,
  • clinics,
  • physicians’ offices,
  • home care companies,
  • rehabilitation facilities,
  • educational institutions,
  • pharmaceutical companies,
  • diagnostic and research laboratories and
  • sleep laboratories.

Job duties
The advanced level respiratory therapist may perform the following procedures:

  • obtain and evaluate clinical data;
  • asses the cardiopulmonary status of patients;
  • perform and assist with diagnostic studies, such as obtaining blood samples, blood gas analysis and pulmonary function testing;
  • establish therapeutic goals for cardiopulmonary disease patients;
  • work with physicians to develop and modify respiratory care plans for patients;
  • provide prescribed respiratory care treatments, evaluate and monitor patients’ responses to respiratory care treatments and modify prescribed therapy if needed;
  • provide patient, family and community education;
  • promote cardiopulmonary wellness, disease prevention and disease management; and
  • participate in life support activities.

Salary
The Human Resources Study from the American Association for Respiratory Care indicated that the average salary for advanced level certified respiratory therapists with an RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) was $43,994 in 2000.