October 30, 2020
Brooke Day knew she wanted to work in the healthcare field, but was not sure which area to pursue. After her sister completed the Respiratory Therapy program at Shawnee State University, she decided to take a look into it further.
Now, as President of her Respiratory Therapy class this year, she is looking forward to graduating this upcoming spring to start a career in a field where she found a lot of opportunity.
“I enjoy the one-on-one time with the patients during clinicals,” said Day. “Seeing improvements in patients is always rewarding and I enjoy helping them and hearing their stories.”
The Respiratory Therapy program at SSU offers students the opportunity to learn in the classroom, laboratory, and in clinical work. The five-semester program teaches how to assist patients with heart, lung, and circulatory injuries or disorders while also learning how to deliver care to patients at all stages of life.
“Respiratory Therapy essentially involves therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to help improve lung function,” said Day. “While our main goal is for our patients to maintain an open airway, the respiratory system affects other systems in our body so we have an overall knowledge about different organ systems. It is a very exciting field and there are many job opportunities within the field.”
Many Respiratory Therapists can be found in hospitals, but more recently their role has been expanding due to a higher demand for their services. As the field is predicted to keep growing over the next decade, professionals are continuing their education to branch out their services into related healthcare services, teaching, and advancing their careers. Once she receives her associate’s degree, Day hopes to continue finding ways to enhance her skillset.
“I would like to finish my Bachelor of Health Science online to further my education and explore my options in expanding my role as a Respiratory Therapist,” she said.
This week, the SSU Respiratory Therapy program celebrated Respiratory Care Week. Raising awareness for the profession and celebrating the work of others, the students in the program packed care packages for area hospitals to celebrate current Respiratory Therapists.
To learn more about the Respiratory Therapy program at Shawnee State University contact Program Director Amy France at afrance@shawnee.edu or visit shawnee.edu/respiratory-therapy.