Respiratory care is listed as one of the fastest-growing professions, and the need for respiratory therapists is expected to double in the next five years. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects "employment of respiratory therapists to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006." This increased demand for respiratory therapists is expected due to the substantial growth of the elderly population and the number of people who have chronic lung diseases. The current supply of therapist is unable to keep up with expanding demand. Students from top programs like SIUC, with multiple clinical sites, are usually offered continuing employment while attending the program. Graduates typically have immediate and multiple opportunities for employment.

Respiratory therapists care for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Therapist see a diverse group of patients ranging from newborn and pediatrics to adults and the elderly. Some of the diseases or conditions often requiring respiratory care include asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, as well as conditions brought on by shock, trauma or postoperative surgical complications.

Respiratory therapists are also involved in many specialty areas such as pediatric and neonatal care units, newborn labor and delivery, pulmonary function laboratory, sleep laboratory, patient transport, and heart test.

The Southern Illinois University program offers the student the very best in Respiratory Therapy training. The SIUC Respiratory Therapy program is a two and a half year program awarding the student an Associate of Applied Science Degree upon completion. This program combines practical hands on training with classroom studies. Many of the students begin working part-time before graduation and being paid considerably more than the average part-time college position. Due to the severe shortage, many employers are offering paid tuition, scholarships for tuition, reimbursement for tuition, and signing bonuses.

Come see why employers are looking to SIUC for their respiratory therapy needs!

For More Information Contact: Stan Pearson - Program Director (618) 453-7221