Alabama Respiratory Therapy Education

There are many students seeking admissions into Alabama respiratory therapy education programs for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, there is a growing need for respiratory therapists in a diversity of health care settings, meaning that job prospects are excellent. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics there is an above average growth for this career expected and as of 2008, salary ranged from just a little under $46,000 to over $64,000 annually.

Educational Requirements

Although there are multiple schools in Alabama which may offer respiratory therapy programs, these programs can differ significantly in terms of admission criteria. Most will generally have selective acceptance procedures in place which means that certain criteria must be met in order for the person to be accepted into the respiratory therapy program. This can include but is not limited submission to a criminal background check, satisfactory completion of prerequisites and a minimum grade point average (GPA) above passing or beyond. These stipulations can vary according to the institution.

Types of Educational Programs

Alabama requires that respiratory therapists either obtain an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited learning institution in order to become a certified respiratory therapist (CRT). Several colleges and universities offer both the two and four-year option to help meet the needs of students, with some offering the option to earn a master's degree. Those seeking certification within a specialty often choose to enroll in baccalaureate programs, but this is not required.

Required Courses

The student can expect to gain a great deal of knowledge in the Alabama respiratory therapy education programs that are available. While many of the courses will focus solely on cardiopulmonary function, normal versus abnormal findings and the like, there are also several other things that these courses may entail. This may include but is not limited to microbiology, legal procedures and protocols, anatomy and physiology and pharmacology for example. There is often a strong focus on curriculum in the sciences.

Learning Experience

There may be several different modes of learning available to students in these programs. The traditional classroom setting and online learning is generally available. However, many respiratory schools in Alabama may actually combine these methods in order to enhance learning. A hands-on component, also known as clinical experience is a critical part of learning. This is where students practice skills under the supervision of an instructor in a real world setting. Even those pursuing an online degree must complete the necessary skills portion of learning.

After successful completion of Alabama respiratory therapy education, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure, also known as certification. However, there are two types available, the regular and temporary license. Although a temporary license can be issued prior to the graduate taking an exam offered by the Committee on Accreditation of Respiratory Care, the certification exam must be taken and passed successfully in order to obtain regular licensure. However, the first step for anyone wishing to become a CRT is to find the right Alabama respiratory therapy education.