Trains to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT, RCP.) Learns to perform all therapies, assessments and, interventions performed by respiratory care.

1. Complete all course requirements and clinical rotations for the designated Respiratory Care program. Maintains passing grades in all program courses including clinical competency evaluations.
2. Learns how to evaluate existing data in the patient record. (Pertinent clinical information by inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and patient interview.)
3. Learns to inspect chest x-rays to determine the presence of or changes in consolidation, atelectasis, pneumothorax, opacification, the position of the tracheal tube, and other conditions.
4. Learns to recommend respiratory care alternatives to meet patient care objectives.
5. Learns to recommend the collection of additional pertinent data through chest x-ray, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function studies, and other laboratory tests.
6. Learns to perform and evaluate bedside spirometry, pulmonary mechanics, and pulmonary function studies. Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and goals for the identified pathophysiological state.
7. Learns to select, assemble and check the equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness, including correcting malfunctions. Performs procedures for disinfection and sterilization.
8. Learns to conduct prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve maintenance of a patient airway, including maintenance of adequate humidification, use of appropriate oral-nasopharyngeal airways, and changing of tracheostomy tubes.
9. Learns to explain planned therapy and goals to the patient.
10. Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve removal of bronchopulmonary secretions and administers prescribed pharmacologic agents.
11. Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate spontaneous and artificial ventilation.
12. Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation, including adjustment of oxygen concentration, adjustment of PEEP/CPAP, and prevention of "iatrogenic" hypoxemia.
13. Learns to evaluate and monitor patient's response to respiratory therapy. And how to modify treatment techniques based on patient response to IPPB, incentive breathing devices, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation.
14. Learns to initiate, conduct and modify respiratory therapy techniques in an emergency setting, including CPR, monitoring, and patient transport.
15. Learns to record therapy and results as required by hospital policy and regulating agencies; communicates information to appropriate members of the health care team.
16. Learns to assist physicians performing bronchoscopy, tracheostomy, and invasive monitoring.
17. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Enrolled as a student in the respiratory care program at the River Valley Community College (RVCC) respiratory care program.
• One year of employment at DH-H or 6 months with Manager approval
• Applicants are required to submit a copy of their resume and cover letter
• High school diploma (or GED)

• At the end of the training period, take and pass the NBRC CRT examinations and receive an NH license. Completion of the RRT examination by the NBRC must be done within one year of graduation.