Frequently Asked Questions
Check out a few of the most common questions our University has received below. Hopefully you can find the answer you’re looking for. If not, let us know and we’ll do our best to find out for you. Every question and comment is important to us, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help.
What Is Respiratory Therapy?
Respiratory care is a specialized area of health care that works closely with individuals suffering from breathing and cardiac disorders. Respiratory therapists are trained on advanced medical equipment and work closely with patients to help them manage their conditions.
Visit the Be An RT website to learn more!
Where Do RT's Work?
You'll find RT's....
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IN HOSPITALS giving breathing treatments to people with asthma and other respiratory conditions
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IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS managing ventilators that keep the critically ill patients alive
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IN EMERGENCY ROOMS delivering life-saving treatments
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IN NEWBORN AND PEDIATRIC UNITS helping children with conditions ranging from premature birth to cystic fibrosis
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IN OPERATING ROOMS working with anesthesiologists to monitor patients' breathing during surgery
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IN PATIENT'S HOMES providing regular check-ups and making sure people have what they need to stay out of the hospital
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IN SLEEP LABORATORIES helping to diagnose disorders like sleep apnea
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IN SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES and pulmonary rehabilitation programs helping older people breathe easier and get more out of life
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IN DOCTORS OFFICES conducting pulmonary function tests and providing patient education
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IN ASTHMA EDUCATION PROGRAMS helping children and adults learn how to cope with the condition
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IN AIR TRANSPORT AND AMBULANCE PROGRAMS rushing to rescue people in need of immediate medical attention
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IN CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS helping devise long-term care plans for patients
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Why Should I Choose Respiratory Therapy As My Major?
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If you like the excitement of caring for patients in emergency and critical care situations,
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If you want your profession to include using state-of-the-art technology and providing bedside patient care,
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If you like having the flexibility of caring for patients of different ages and clinical conditions,
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If you enjoy learning about how the body functions, what happens in the disease process and how to restore normal lung function,
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If you care about helping other people to manage their disease and improve their quality of life,
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If you would enjoy seeing a patient who was under your care in the intensive care unit, now being discharged and knowing that you played a vital part in the patient’s recovery,
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If you want to earn competitive wages and have the flexibility to move nearly anywhere in the country (or the world) and have excellent job opportunities,
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If you would like to become an expert in areas relating to heart and lung disorders and treatment,
…then you may be interested in becoming a respiratory therapists! Respiratory Care is a growing health care field providing a rewarding professional work environment, competitive salaries, opportunities for continued learning, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have made a difference in the lives of those you have cared for.
How Many Students Are Admitted Into The Program?
We admit up to 14 students each year. Since our cohorts are small, we have a 5:1 student/faculty ratio providing students one on one attention from our faculty.
How Long Is The Program?
The professional phase of our program is 5 semesters, including a summer semester. The total length of the program is 4 years, 2 years prerequisite courses plus 2 years professional phase.
When Should I Apply To the Program?
New cohorts begin in the fall, therefore students should apply to the program during fall or spring semester prior to the fall semester. Our application deadline is February 15th.
What Impacts Application Acceptance?
Grades and the interview portion have the biggest impact on application.
What Is Your Employment Rate?
One hundred percent of our students who seek employment as a respiratory therapist have secured a job after graduation.
Who Will My Advisor Be?
The advisor for Pre-RT students is Dr. Sperle. Once admitted to the Respiratory Care program you will be assigned a faculty member as your advisor.
How Can I Book a Visit?
To book a visit to learn more about our program and to tour our classroom and lab, email Dr. Christine Sperle: cksperle@umary.edu, or call (701)-530-7756.