Respiratory Therapy

The A.A.S. in Respiratory Therapy is designed for students who wish to become respiratory therapists, offering emergency and immediate relief to patients who have trouble breathing, including from chronic respiratory disease such as asthma or emphysema, a blocked passageway or other life-threatening experiences such as heart attacks, drowning or shock. It is a health care specialty that focuses on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Specialty areas include working with newborn infants, children, transport teams, rehabilitation, research, education and management. Graduation from this program ensures eligibility to take national certification and registry exams by the National Board for Respiratory Care. The Entry-Level Certification Exam by the NBRC is required for Oklahoma Licensure for new graduates. Once the student has passed the NBRC exam they may apply for a state license in any of the 50 states according to that specific state's guidelines. It is recommended to review the state guidelines for the state in which you desire to practice.

Degrees

The Respiratory Therapy program at EOSC prepares individuals to perform client-centered care at the beginning respiratory therapist level. Graduates may pursue career interests in a variety of specialty areas and services. Instruction is planned to provide close correlation between theory and practice. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, hospices, and home health agencies are utilized for respiratory therapy experience.