Respiratory Therapy Skills Guide
Recommended High School Level Background Courses
- *Biology
- *Physiology
- *Algebra II
- Advanced Biology
- Physics
- *Psychology
- *Chemistry
- *Health
- Speech
- Anatomy
- *Algebra I
- Keyboarding
* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center
Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job
Reading
Challenging medical textbooks written at a college reading level are used in this program. Students are frequently required to read and interpret graphs and diagrams. Texts are used as a central part of the coursework, with tests based on a combination of text and lecture.
In addition to texts, students also read medical journals, reports from diagnostic tests, and equipment manuals (both operating and service manuals). These types of reading are also done on the job.
View more information on reading skills in the Respiratory Therapy program.
Language
Communication skills are important in the work of a respiratory therapist. Students may take either Composition I (ENG 105) or Communication Skills (COM 703) to satisfy their English requirement. In their coursework, they will take essay tests and present both oral and written article summaries and research papers. In addition, both in the program and on the job, they will be making reports on diagnostic tests, providing patient instruction on therapies, and communicating with physicians and other staff members about patient progress. Because patient charts are legal documents, all notes on patient care must be written completely and accurately.
View more information on language skills in the Respiratory Therapy program.
Math
The equivalent of two years of high school algebra is required to enter the program. To succeed in the program, students must have a strong math background. In the program and on the job, respiratory therapists compute medical dosages and calculate percentages such as per cent change in lung function. They must also manipulate algebraic formulas to calculate volumes and densities of gases. Because calculators are not allowed on the licensure exam, students must be able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division calculations manually. In all their math work, students must be able to recognize whether the answer to a problem is reasonable.
View more information on math skills in the Respiratory Therapy program.
Learning
Respiratory therapists must note patient data and observe response to treatment in order to make inferences about appropriate care. They must compare numerical data from a machine with patient observations in order to determine whether the data is accurate. They use cause-effect reasoning to determine whether a therapy is actually needed by a specific patient or to determine if therapy has helped a patient. All of these thinking skills are refined in the program so that students can use them independently upon graduation.
View more information on learning skills in the Respiratory Therapy program.
Computer
Familiarity with computers, including keyboarding skills, is essential in this program. In their first term, students will be using computer-aided multimedia instruction. On the job, they will be using computers as an aid in determining appropriate therapy and in documenting patient care.
View more information on computer skills in the Respiratory Therapy program.
Coursework in this program is very demanding and time consuming. Students with family or work responsibilities should try if at all possible to complete their general education requirements before entering the program.
Ankeny