Bunker Hill Community College

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

RESPIRATORY THERAPY OPTION - 2007
Respiratory Therapy Program
(Associate in Science Degrees):

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Overview

Program ID - AS.RESPT

This is a 21-month respiratory therapist day program which prepares students through lectures, laboratory activities and hospital based hands-on clinical experience, to evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing disorders. Respiratory students work under the direction of a physician in a variety of health care settings, such as acute hospitals, long term facilities, neonatal and pediatric care specialties, pulmonary rehabilitation and home care.

Career Outlook:
This program prepares students to pursue careers as respiratory therapists at the associate degree level and prepares students to be eligible to take the CRT Examination offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Having successfully earned the CRT credential the graduate is eligible to take the advanced-level NBRC Registry examinations to earn the RRT credential. Respiratory care practitioners are licensed in the state of Massachusetts.

Upon completetion of this program graduates will be able to:

• Administer oxygen and other medical gases.
• Administer humidification and aerosol therapy, including aerosolized medications.
• Interpret and report tests in diagnosing lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods.
• Manage mechanical ventilators and artificial airway devices for patient who can’t breathe normally on their own.
• Perform postural drainage, bronchopulmonary hygiene, breathing exercises, pulmonary rehabilitation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Measure ventilatory volumes, pressure and flows.
• Perform pulmonary function testing, hemodynamic and other related physiologic monitoring of the cardio- pulmonary system.
• Interview patients and perform chest physical exam to determine what kind of therapy is best for their condition.
• Educate patient and families about lung conditions so they can maximize their recovery.
• Consult with physicians to recommend a change in therapy, based on their evaluation of the patient.

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