Respiratory Therapy

Educational programs in respiratory therapy are located on the following Indiana University campuses: Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and Indiana University Northwest.

Description of the Profession Respiratory therapists assist patients with the ‘‘Breath of Life.’’ A career in respiratory therapy allows practitioners to care for individuals with cardiorespiratory disorders. The primary focus of a respiratory therapist is to care for patients, from the infant to the elderly, with heart and lung disease. Respiratory therapists are an integral part of the fast-paced world of medicine. They utilize life-support equipment to treat disease and aid in assessing and diagnosing cardiopulmonary disorders, often working in settings where respiratory therapists teach patients and their families about various respiratory diseases, smoking cessation techniques, or the equipment and drugs used to treat these problems. The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy degree provides graduates a career ladder that includes a broadened clinical emphasis within the cardiorespiratory field as well as leadership training.

Graduates of the Program The graduates of the Respiratory Therapy Program are eligible for state licensure examinations as well as examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Completion of the program will allow a graduate to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (R.R.T.) examination.

Credential Required to Practice C.R.T., Certified Respiratory Therapist; R.R.T., Registered Respiratory Therapist