The respiratory care technician works closely with the physician and other members of the health care team to provide the patient with effective treatment of respiratory and cardiac disorders and includes the use of life support equipment as well as emergency and trauma intervention.

Most technicians are employed in the anesthesiology or cardiopulmonary medicine departments of hospitals. Others are employed by oxygen equipment rental companies, ambulance services, nursing homes and industries.

The program consists of instruction in specialized courses in cardiac and respiratory care in addition to concentrated study in the basic sciences, mathematics, and communication skills. It is a combination of school-based classroom theory and laboratory experience coordinated with clinical experiences in a hospital setting and home care setting.

Graduates of the entry-level program are qualified to take the credentialing exam offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist. Students completing the advanced-level courses are qualified to sit for the credentialing exams to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

Recent shows show that in the next fifteen years there will be an increased demand for workers in all allied health occupations, including Respiratory Care.