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Master of Respiratory Therapy and Advanced Clinical Practice
Master of Respiratory Therapy Program Details focus on educating tomorrow's Respiratory Therapy leaders today. Respiratory Therapy (RT) was established in 1971 in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, as one of the first undergraduate programs in the nation. Our mission remains the same, to prepare advanced-level therapists who have the abilities to provide leadership for the ongoing development of the profession. Our program is well-respected, highly competitive and very successful. Ohio State RT Alumni are leaders in administration, education, research, professional practice and RT associations. Currently, the new Master of Respiratory Therapy is addressing the RT needs of tomorrow, today.
The Role of the Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist (APRT)
According to the scope of practice defined by the AARC - An advanced practice respiratory therapist (APRT) is a skilled person, qualified by academic and clinical education to provide diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases and disorders to patients under the supervision and responsibility of a licensed doctor of medicine or osteopathy. An APRT may perform medical acts, tasks, or functions in accordance with state licensing laws that are:
- Related to the care of persons with problems affecting the cardiovascular and/or cardiopulmonary systems
- Delegated by a supervising physician to an APRT
- Within the scope of practice identified in collaboration with the supervising physician
- Appropriate to the APRT’s education, experience, and level of competence
- Related to the prescribing, ordering, procuring, dispensing, and administering of drugs, medical care, and medical devices related to the cardiovascular and/or cardiopulmonary systems.
Clinical Applications: What Happens In A Respiratory Therapy Program?
Breath is life. From the moment we’re born, our lungs work hard to supply our bodies with the health-giving oxygen we need to survive. As the years go by, all that hard work can sometimes take its toll. The older we get, the higher our chances are of developing a breathing problem. If you’re struggling to catch your breath, it can be difficult to live the life you want to live. The good news is that respiratory and pulmonary rehabilitation programs can help strengthen your lungs and improve your quality of life.
Conditions Requiring Therapeutic Intervention
A number of different illnesses or afflictions can negatively impact your ability to breathe. Some common conditions that might cause a person to seek out a respiratory therapy program are:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lung surgery
- Pneumonia
- Congestive heart failure
- Asthma
Before you begin a course of treatment, a skilled respiratory therapist will perform a full assessment of your health, including taking a full medical history and evaluating your symptoms. Once your diagnosis is complete, therapy can begin.
Treatments Used in Respiratory Therapy
No two respiratory therapy programs will look the same, as each course of treatment is tailored to an individual patient’s medical needs. Your program may include various specialized therapies summarized below:
| Treatment Type | Description and Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chest physiotherapy | Also known as chest physical therapy, CPT is a method of clearing the lungs of mucus using clapping and vibration. |
| Incentive spirometry | An incentive spirometer is a device that helps you practice taking slow, deep breaths to improve lung capacity and open up airways. |
| Aerosol treatments | Commonly known as compressors or nebulizers, these convert liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled directly to the lungs. |
| Oxygen administration | Supplemental oxygen can be given to patients who are showing signs of respiratory distress; therapists can also provide mechanical ventilation. |
Features of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
How long does a respiratory therapy program last? Some programs last a few weeks, while others require lifestyle changes to accommodate more permanent treatments. For those who have chronic breathing problems, pulmonary rehabilitation can help you learn to manage your symptoms and improve your ability to function in day-to-day life. Reputable programs provide several key features:
- Exercise training: Maintaining physical fitness and building endurance is crucial to pulmonary health. A skilled respiratory therapist will design an exercise program to fit your needs.
- Nutritional counseling: Nourishing your body with healthy food is important for your overall wellbeing. Additionally, being overweight or underweight can significantly impact your ability to breathe.
- Emotional support: Having a chronic breathing condition can make you prone to depression or anxiety. A reputable pulmonary rehabilitation program will provide you with a support system to help you manage stress and frustration.
- Education: Learning all you can about your condition, your medication, and how to alleviate symptoms empowers you to lead an independent life without being burdened by breathing problems.