Respiratory therapy assisting degree overview

A respiratory therapy assisting degree is a program that trains students to support respiratory therapists in treating patients with breathing disorders and lung conditions. This degree provides foundational knowledge in respiratory care, patient assessment, and the use of medical equipment to assist with breathing treatments.

The curriculum typically includes courses in human anatomy, physiology, respiratory therapy techniques, and medical terminology. Students also gain hands-on experience through clinical training, where they learn to operate ventilators, administer oxygen therapy, and assist patients with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections.

There are several respiratory therapy assisting degree programs that provide the necessary education and training to support respiratory therapists in healthcare settings. Here are the main options:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy Assisting: This program provides foundational knowledge in respiratory care, patient assessment, and the use of breathing treatment equipment. It typically takes two years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
• Certificate in Respiratory Therapy Assisting: A shorter program that focuses on basic respiratory care techniques, such as oxygen therapy, ventilator management, and patient monitoring. This is a good option for those looking to enter the field quickly or supplement an existing healthcare background.
• Associate of Science (AS) in Respiratory Therapy: This degree covers essential respiratory therapy concepts, including pulmonary function testing, airway management, and emergency respiratory care. It prepares students for roles in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

In a respiratory therapy assisting degree program, students develop a range of skills that prepare them to support respiratory therapists in providing care for patients with breathing disorders. Here are some key skills learned:

• Patient Assessment: Students learn how to evaluate a patient’s respiratory condition by checking vital signs, oxygen levels, and overall lung function to determine the best course of treatment.
• Oxygen Therapy Administration: Training includes how to safely deliver oxygen therapy to patients who need assistance with breathing due to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
• Ventilator Management: Students gain hands-on experience in setting up, monitoring, and adjusting ventilators for patients who require mechanical breathing support.
• Airway Management: This skill involves techniques such as suctioning airways, assisting with intubation, and ensuring that patients have clear air passages for effective breathing.

With a respiratory therapy assisting degree, you can work alongside respiratory therapists to help patients with breathing disorders and lung conditions. This degree prepares you for roles in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare settings. Here are some career options:

• Respiratory Therapy Assistant: Supports respiratory therapists by setting up and maintaining breathing equipment, monitoring patients during treatments, and assisting with procedures like oxygen therapy and ventilator management.
• Pulmonary Function Technician: Works in diagnostic labs conducting breathing tests to assess lung function and detect respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Sleep Study Technician (Polysomnographic Technician): Assists in sleep clinics, monitoring patients for breathing-related sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and helping with the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices.
• Home Respiratory Care Assistant: Helps patients manage respiratory conditions at home by providing equipment setup, patient education, and routine monitoring under the supervision of a respiratory therapist.