Drop by Summerfield Hall this Thursday to learn about Respiratory Therapy and get some SWAG!

Connect with us in-person between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Thursday, November 7, in the lobby of Summerfield Hall. Drop by anytime and pick up some custom School of Health Professions SWAG.

What does a respiratory therapist do?

A respiratory therapist helps people who are having trouble breathing. They work under the direction of physicians and treat a wide range of patients, from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed, to elderly people with lung disease. They give patients oxygen, manage ventilators and administer medicine to the lungs.

Scope of Practice

Respiratory therapists work in a dynamic environment and here are just a few of the many things these essential health care workers do:

• Assist with diagnosing lung or breathing disorders.
• Evaluate patients and perform tests and clinical studies.
• Determine appropriate therapy and treatment options with physicians.
• Analyze blood and sputum in the lab.
• Manage equipment and devices needed to help people who can’t breathe normally on their own.
• Educate patients and families about lung diseases and breathing disorders.

Respiratory therapists may seek additional training to earn certification in an area such as pediatric care, critical care, pulmonary diagnostics, and other specialties.

Strong Job Outlook

It's no accident the respiratory therapist is #16 in the "100 Best Jobs" ranking from U.S. News & World Report. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13%, with a median annual salary of $77,960.

KU Medical Centear Advantage

You don't have to go very far to pursue this career. KU's medical center campus in Kansas City has the state of Kansas' only bachelor's degree program in respiratory care and is led by highly regarded KU faculty with experience in academia, clinics, hospitals and management. Most students enter the program as a college junior after completing two years of study on the KU Lawrence campus.

NEW for 2024:
MetroRate opportunity!

Missouri students qualify for Kansas in-state tuition for this academic program, if your official home residence is in one of the following counties: Bates, Buchanan, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Henry, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte or Ray. More info.

U-CHaMP Program

The Underserved Communities Have a Medical Provider (U-CHaMP) program provides students from underserved backgrounds an opportunity to enroll in an academic program in the School of Health Professions. Students will gain leadership skills, receive unique mentoring and advising opportunities, enjoy immersive clinical experiences and become eligible to apply for a substantial scholarship. Learn more.

Connect with us on Thursday!

Alex Lopez, School of Health Professions outreach and recruitment specialist, is also available for personal one-on-one appointments that work with your current schedule.

Online advising sessions allow you to connect with him online from anywhere: alopez12@kumc.edu