Respiratory therapists help people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. They work with people of all ages—from babies to the elderly. Advanced-level therapists participate in clinical decision making, patient education, the development and implementation of protocols and treatment plans, health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management. In addition to the classroom and laboratory courses in the program, IUPUI respiratory therapy students will complete over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience caring for real patients.
Skills and abilities this major develops: ability to work both independently and in a team; developing and implementing effective care plans, protocols, and disease management programs; critical thinking skills; knowledge of health conditions and procedures; and intricate knowledge of the human body systems.