During COVID-19, healthcare workers and emergency responders reached a new level of acclaim in the public eye. As the pandemic wore on, doctors and nurses were seen performing selfless acts daily – putting themselves in harm’s way to help others. The refrain was “not all heroes wear capes,” yet one group of health professionals has been consistently compared to the Caped Crusader.
Respiratory therapists specialize in assessment, treatment, and care of patients with breathing disorders. They work with patients taking their first breath, premature infants in the NICU, and with adult patients taking their final breath. In certain corners of the internet, they’re often called the “Batman of Healthcare,” because they get the signal, show up with their gadgets, save the day, then disappear, and no one knows their name.
Despite their crucial role on the healthcare team, the profession is often less recognized compared to other more high-profile positions, such as nursing. Although less understood by the public, they are in high demand, with job growth much faster than average.
Carlow has three tracks for students to become respiratory therapists and start working in the field quickly.
- The new two-year Associate of Science track trains students to become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) and work in all aspects of the profession, such as hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, pulmonary rehabilitation, and homecare.
- The three-year Bachelor of Science track prepares respiratory therapists to move into leadership, management, education, or research roles. Unique in this field, this program offers an accelerated track which allows students to begin their careers fast.
- The fully online RRT to BS Degree program is designed to provide working respiratory therapists the ability to advance their degree.
Like most Carlow students, graduates of the Respiratory Therapy program tend to find employment immediately after graduation, either locally, nationally, or as a traveling respiratory therapist. Many enjoy the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the job, while finding gratification in diversity, collaborative teamwork, and helping patients breathe easier.
We can only hope for a Grey’s Anatomy character to emerge and raise awareness of this vital profession. Until then, respiratory therapists will continue to stand in the shadows, working tirelessly while finding fulfillment in the impact of their work.