The Profession
Respiratory Care is an exciting field dedicated to helping patients with cardiopulmonary (heart-lung) disorders, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, trauma, and post-operative complications. The practice of Respiratory Care encompasses activities in diagnostic evaluation, therapy, and education of patients found in neonatal/pediatric units, adult general and intensive care units, pulmonary function labs, pulmonary rehabilitation and home care.
Diagnostic activities include obtaining and analyzing sputum and blood specimens, performing breathing studies to determine if lung function is impaired, performing sleep disorder studies, and interpreting the data obtained from these.
Therapy may include: administering medical gases and respiratory medications to alleviate breathing problems, applying and monitoring mechanical ventilatory and cardiovascular support, maintaining artificial airways, and performing bronchopulmonary hygiene procedures and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation activities.
Education of the patient, family and public promotes knowledge of cardiopulmonary disease, medical therapy and wellness. RTs practice under qualified medical direction while working closely with physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals to deliver direct bedside care to patients of all ages.
Contact Information
If you are interested in the profession and would like to participate in job shadowing please contact the appropriate person below.
High School Students: Youth Medical Group, Katie Nichelson
katie.nichelson@meritcare.com
Phone: (701) - 234 - 6202
High School Graduates: Trish Strom
trish.strom@meritcare.com
Phone: (701) - 280 - 4828
NDSU Students: Respiratory Care Advisor, Polly Olson
Polly.olson@ndsu.nodak.edu
Phone: (701) - 231 - 8133