The respiratory care practitioner is a member of the health-care team in medical centers, skilled-nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation programs, physician offices, and in-home care. Many are involved in research and development of new and innovative care protocols and equipment. They are effective communicators and compassionate caregivers, possessing an awareness of cultural sensitivity and diversity. They have leadership roles in patient education, wellness intervention and development of respiratory care plans. Respiratory care professionals apply critical-thinking skills in cardiopulmonary diagnostics and patient assessment to optimize the delivery of patient care. In a time of high technology, increasing growth of the elderly population and increasing numbers of patients with asthma and chronic lung disease, there is a great demand for educated and skilled respiratory care practitioners. The Respiratory Care program begins with the autumn quarter and is based on the completion of two years of prerequisite course work at any accredited college or university. The first year at Loma Linda University primarily emphasizes the theoretical aspects of respiratory therapy science, with twenty weeks of introductory clinical fieldwork. The remaining year combines clinical training three to four days per week, with more advanced classroom topics in management and research. The schedule is suspended for Christmas and spring vacation periods.