Respiratory Care

What Is Respiratory Care?

Respiratory Care or Respiratory Therapists help patients who are having trouble breathing. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of doctors and treat a range of patients, from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. They give patients oxygen, manage ventilators, and administer drugs to the lungs.

Scope of Practice

Respiratory therapists work with doctors and nurses to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. In a typical day, respiratory therapists may:

• Assist with diagnosing lung or breathing disorders
• Evaluate patients and performing tests and studies
• Determine appropriate therapy and treatment options with physicians
• Analyze blood and sputum in the lab
• Manage equipment and devices needed to help people that can’t breathe normally on their own
• Educate patients and families about lung diseases and breathing disorders

Specializations

There are many different areas that respiratory therapists can specialize in. Some areas require extra certification or experience. Respiratory therapists can specialize in:

• Neonatal or pediatric
• Geriatric
• Pulmonary rehab
• Polysomnography
• Critical care
• Home care
• Pulmonary diagnostics

Respiratory Therapy is one of the most challenging, but rewarding careers at the forefront of health care. Graduates from our program are prepared to work in hospitals, emergency departments, intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, diagnostic laboratories, offices, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home care. A Respiratory Therapist’s duties vary depending on the needs of their patients and the level of care needed. Typical responsibilities include:

• Performance of cardiopulmonary diagnostic tests and arterial blood gas analysis
• Patient assessment and administration of certain medications, medical gases, aerosol and humidity therapy, hyperinflation therapy, bronchial hygiene, and mechanical ventilation.
• Perform CPR and application of life support technology
• Evaluation of patient responses to therapy.
• Assessment of disruptive sleep patterns
• Operation of highly sophisticated equipment

Midland College Program

Midland College’s Respiratory Care program is a 20-month curriculum leading to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Respiratory Therapy. Courses are completed in four 16-week academic semesters and one 12-week summer session. Classes begin the last Monday of August.

Respiratory Care is a full-time program. Courses consist of class, lab, and clinical rotations. Local clinical rotations include Midland Memorial Hospital, Medical Center Hospital, Odessa, and Odessa Regional Medical Center. Out-of-town rotations include Covenant Medical Center and University Medical Center in Lubbock.

Students can work part-time but must stay current with daily assignments. All respiratory courses are face-to-face in class, lab, or clinical sites. Online courses are only available for general education courses.

Physical Abilities and Technical Standards to Master

• Utilize both visual and auditory monitoring equipment safely and effectively
• Assess and record changes in patient status using visual, auditory, and tactile senses
• Troubleshoot patient/equipment systems
• Effectively and appropriately communicate and relate with patients, their families, and members of the health care team using oral and/or written means
• Possess strength and mobility sufficient to support and transport patients as well as equipment
• Perform respiratory care procedures while wearing personal protective equipment (mask, gown, gloves, etc.)
• Safely and effectively prioritize workload
• Perform CPR (bag and mask ventilation, chest compressions)
• Utilize intellectual ability to adapt to changing patients’ conditions

Respiratory Care students satisfactorily completing the program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.). Graduates are eligible for the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Therapist Multiple Choice

The Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) must be passed at one cut score to obtain the credential, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), and both the TMC (at a higher cut score) and Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) must be passed to obtain the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Following credentialing, the graduate will apply to the Texas Medical Board (TMB) for licensure. A therapist cannot work in the state of Texas without obtaining a license.