About Respiratory Therapy

The US Department of Labor projects an increase of 43% in the need for respiratory therapists between now and 2008.

The respiratory therapy program provides the opportunity to learn everything needed to work closely with physicians to improve the quality of life for persons who have difficulty breathing.

All graduates of the DMACC respiratory therapist program have been employed in the profession.

The average salary for respiratory therapists was $37,000 Source: Respiratory Therapist Human Resources Study - 2000

Employment opportunities are found in hospitals, medical clinics, home care, long term care, physician offices and in industry (sales, training and research and development).

The respiratory therapy program provides education and training in the dynamic profession of respiratory care. Respiratory care is an allied health profession consisting of persons who work closely with physicians and other health care professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and evaluation of persons with abnormalities of the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. Respiratory therapists provide direct care to persons with pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.

The curriculum contains over 900 hours of supervised practicum experience in a variety of health care settings in which respiratory care is provided. Graduates will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to begin a career in respiratory care and to continue to develop and learn as the professional and health care change in the future.

Graduates of the Program receive an Associate of Applied Arts (AAS) Degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) and graduates are eligible for all credentialling examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and the Iowa Department of Public Health. Respiratory therapists must obtain a license to practice in Iowa and most other states.

Prior to attending practicum experience, students must document immunity against common illnesses and undergo criminal background and DHS abuse registry checks. Students must be certified in CPR at the professional level prior to practicum experience.