Alegent Health School of Respiratory Therapy
Affiliated with Midland Lutheran College and University of Nebraska-Kearney
Respiratory Therapy is an allied health specialty instrumental in providing diagnosis, treatment, management and preventive care of patients with cardio/pulmonary problems. One of the most rapidly growing fields of paramedical study, Respiratory Therapy today offers a wide variety of exciting career challenges and opportunities. Using high tech ventilatory and monitoring equipment, the therapist fulfills a vital role in patient care techniques. Working in the emergency room, surgery, newborn nursery, medical and surgical floors, intensive care units, and even the patient’s home, respiratory therapists are an essential part of the healthcare team.
As the profession of Respiratory Therapy became established, requirements to become a registered therapist were formalized. Career preparation now includes at least the equivalent of an associate degree, with many candidates pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Extensive clinical and classroom studies of respiratory care techniques are necessary for the graduate to be prepared and eligible to take the credentialing exams administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
History and Accreditation
The Alegent Health School of Respiratory Therapy has been in existence since 1972 and was the first respiratory therapy school in the state. .
"The Alegent Health respiratory therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)."
Facilities
The Alegent Health School of Respiratory Therapy is located on the Immanuel Medical Center Campus in northwest Omaha. The 601-bed healthcare complex was opened in 1974 and offers impressive clinical facilities for a number of educational programs serving University of Nebraska Medical Center students, area nursing programs and Immanuel School of Radiology Technology.
Take a look at what Alegent Health can offer you. Then join our team and be assured of taking a positive step toward a rewarding career in Respiratory Care!
College Affiliates
The Alegent Health School of Respiratory Therapy is affiliated with Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska, and University of Nebraska-Kearney in Kearney, Nebraska. These colleges award credit for the courses taught at Immanuel Medical Center.
Curriculum Description
The curriculum offers an intensive concentration of rotations at the Alegent Health campuses in Omaha, Nebraska. Respiratory therapy students are able to gain knowledge and first hand experience in a number of clinical rotations. The clinical areas include Cardiology, Pulmonary Function/ Blood Gas Laboratory, Pulmonary physician rounds, Pediatrics, Surgery and Respiratory Therapy.
Instruction for Respiratory Therapy students includes didactic, laboratory and clinical practice eight hours each day, five days a week.
Each eleven-month study program begins in August and is divided into 3 semesters with the usual school holidays and vacations. The Respiratory Program is a Bachelor Degree program. After completion of pre-requisite and Respiratory core courses, students are allowed to apply for and take board examinations. The successful completion of Board examination is the main requirement for Licensure. The requirements for a Bachelor degree at Midland Lutheran College must be met before a degree is awarded.
Respiratory Therapy Courses:
RET 201 Medical Arts
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with medical terminology, patient care and medical ethics.
RET 302 Medical Gas Therapy
A course designed to acquaint the student with the therapeutic use of oxygen.
RET 305 Cardio-pulmonary and Renal Anatomy and Physiology
An advanced course in cardiopulmonary and renal anatomy and physiology.
RET 311 Airway Management
This course will focus on maintaining an open passage way between the atmosphere and the air sacs of the lungs.
RET 312 Respiratory Therapy Equipment
This course will focus on the equipment employed by the respiratory therapist in the activities of patient care.
RET 313 Pulmonary Medicine Lecture Series
This course will be taught by the pulmonary physician group, including the medical director for the respiratory therapy program.
RET 406 Cardio-Pulmonary Pharmacology
A basic course of pharmacology with special emphasis on respiratory and cardiac drugs. This course will be taught by the pharmacy department of Alegent Health.
RET 407 Medical Microbiology
Principles of infection control and medical microbiology.
RET 408 Ventilator Management
Advanced course designed to instruct the student in the management of life support systems to include the description of various mechanical ventilators.
RET 412 Respiratory Diagnostics
Diagnostic procedures including pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gas analysis.
RET 415 Pediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Therapy
A course designed to familiarize the student with the principles of pediatric and neonatal respiratory therapy.
RET 417 Pulmonary Rehabilitation
A course designed to acquaint the student with the principles of pulmonary rehabilitation.
RET 418 Sleep Medicine
This course is designed to acquaint the student with thescience of sleep medicine.
RET 431, 433, 435 Clinical Theory I, II, III
This course consists of case study presentations and discussions of selected medical publications and readings.
RET 432, 434, 436 Clinical Practice I, II, III
Observation and performance of all clinical aspects of respiratory therapy in the hospital. This course continues and progresses throughout the year.
Clinical practice and theory. Course is utilized throughout the year to familiarize student with the hospital environment. Applies all practical and theoretical phases of respiratory therapy to the clinical situation, providing student with well-rounded experience necessary for optimal patient care.
Admission Requirements
Persons applying for admission to our Respiratory Therapy Program must have completed the following college level courses:
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Biology
Anatomy/Physiology
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Microbiology
English
College Math
Computer Science
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1 semester
1 semester (2nd recommended)
1 semester (2nd recommended)
1 semester
1 semester
1 semester
1 semester
1 semester
1 semester
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The National Board for Respiratory Care requires all applicants for the registry to have at least 62 semester hours of college credit and a certificate from a respiratory therapist program.
Program Success
The success of our graduates is a tribute to the quality of education they receive. Most students have employment commitments prior to graduation. Their success is also demonstrated in the results of the national credentialing exams. The pass-rate of Alegent Health graduates has consistently been higher that the national average.
For Further Information Contact:
Alegent Health School of Respiratory Therapy at (402) 572-2312.
