The healthcare sector is experiencing significant growth, and respiratory therapists are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the respiratory therapy profession is projected to grow 19% through 2029, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary for respiratory therapists is approximately $62,810, making it a financially stable and rewarding career choice. For individuals seeking a fulfilling and in-demand healthcare career, the Fscj Respiratory Care Program at Florida State College at Jacksonville provides comprehensive training and education to excel in this vital field.
Diverse Career Settings for Respiratory Therapists
Graduates of respiratory care programs, like the esteemed FSCJ Respiratory Care Program, are prepared for diverse employment opportunities. Registered respiratory therapists are essential healthcare professionals who can find fulfilling careers in a variety of settings, ensuring that their skills are always in demand. These settings include:
- Hospitals: Respiratory therapists are critical members of hospital teams, working across various departments, including intensive care units (ICUs), emergency rooms, and neonatal units. They manage ventilators, administer breathing treatments, and provide crucial support to patients with acute respiratory conditions.
- Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Labs: In these specialized labs, respiratory therapists conduct diagnostic tests to assess lung function and identify respiratory disorders. This role involves utilizing advanced equipment to evaluate patients and aid in accurate diagnoses.
- Skilled Nursing Facilities: Respiratory therapists provide ongoing care for patients in skilled nursing facilities, managing chronic respiratory conditions and providing rehabilitation services to improve patients’ quality of life.
- Home Health Care: The demand for respiratory therapists in home health care is rising, as they deliver personalized respiratory care to patients in the comfort of their homes, managing conditions and educating patients and families.
- Rehabilitation Centers: Respiratory therapists play a vital role in rehabilitation centers, helping patients recover lung function after illness or surgery. They design and implement respiratory therapy plans to aid patient recovery and improve their respiratory health.
Certification and Licensing for Respiratory Care Professionals
For graduates of the FSCJ Respiratory Care Program, pursuing professional certifications and licenses is a crucial step in their career journey. While the FSCJ program is based in Florida, it’s important for students considering employment outside of Florida to ensure the program curriculum meets the specific requirements for licensure or certification testing in their desired state. FSCJ provides resources to help students navigate these requirements and ensure they are well-prepared for their professional careers, regardless of location. Details regarding state-specific requirements can be found here. An A.S. degree from a program like the FSCJ Respiratory Care Program, coupled with successful completion of examinations and credential requirements, positions graduates for significant career advancement and success in respiratory care.
Nationally Accredited Respiratory Care Program at FSCJ
The FSCJ Respiratory Care Program A.S. degree (#200223) holds the prestigious status of “Continuing Accreditation” from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). This accreditation underscores the program’s dedication to providing high-quality respiratory care education that meets rigorous national standards. CoARC (CoARC) is the leading accreditation body for respiratory therapy education programs in the United States, utilizing an outcomes-based process to ensure programs effectively achieve their educational goals. This accreditation affirms the FSCJ Respiratory Care Program’s commitment to excellence and its ongoing compliance with nationally established accreditation standards. The next comprehensive program evaluation is scheduled for no later than 2029, ensuring continuous quality improvement and adherence to the highest educational benchmarks. CoARC can be contacted directly at 817-283-2835 for further information regarding accreditation standards and processes. The program’s commitment to these standards directly benefits students of the FSCJ Respiratory Care Program, ensuring they receive a top-tier education.
Proven Student Success in FSCJ’s Respiratory Care Program
The FSCJ Respiratory Care Program is committed to student success, consistently monitoring institutional goals and sharing results with the program’s Advisory Committee and administration. Reflecting its mission to provide high-quality education that prepares students for rewarding careers, the program has demonstrated impressive outcomes. FSCJ Respiratory Care Program students actively engage in volunteer efforts, such as the Fight to Breathe 5K Run and the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb, showcasing their dedication to community health. Additionally, students volunteer at local health fairs and events sponsored by organizations like the American Association for Respiratory Care and the Florida Society for Respiratory Care, gaining practical experience and networking opportunities. The program also actively participates in the Florida Society for Respiratory Care’s annual Sunshine Seminar Student Sputum Bowl, achieving recognition as the 2018 State of Florida Student Sputum Bowl Champions and 2017 Sputum Bowl Runner-up, highlighting the program’s competitive edge and student excellence.
The FSCJ Respiratory Care Program provides publicly available data on graduate success, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability. Key performance indicators include:
| Years | TMC Examination Pass Rate (high-cut score) | Clinical Sim Examination (CSE) Pass Rate | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 75% | 93% | 87% | — |
| 2021 | 88% | 83% | 80% | 94% |
| 2020 | 80% | 73% | 87% | 90% |
| 2019 | 77% | 100% | 81% | 76% |
These programmatic outcomes data, verified by CoARC and accessible via Programmatic Outcomes Data, underscore the consistent success of FSCJ Respiratory Care Program graduates in achieving certification, completing the program, and securing employment.
Admissions Information
For those interested in joining this thriving healthcare field and becoming part of the FSCJ Respiratory Care Program, detailed admissions information is available in the Admissions Information document. Explore this resource to understand the application process and requirements to embark on your journey towards a rewarding career in respiratory care with the FSCJ Respiratory Care Program.
