Respiratory care practitioners are members of the health care team that provide treatment for patients with heart and lung disorders. You will learn about conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. You will how to care for patients with chronic lung disease, neuromuscular disorders, and traumatic injuries. You will gain these experiences through classes, simulations, and clinical rotations. The Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care is accredited by CoARC. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) examination. Respiratory Care is the allied health profession devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the respiratory system. Respiratory therapists must have a thorough understanding of normal pulmonary anatomy and physiology and of the pathology and treatment of various breathing-related disorders. They work in adult and pediatric hospitals, in some nursing homes, and for a growing number of home-care companies. With the authorization of a healthcare provider, they give aerosolized medications and various special breathing treatments to patients with acute or chronic pulmonary disease. Respiratory therapists are life-support specialists, setting up artificial ventilators for patients of all ages who cannot breathe for themselves. When a cardiac arrest occurs in the hospital, respiratory therapists provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation and manual ventilation. With sophisticated equipment, they measure the effectiveness of breathing and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Following recognized protocols or authorized orders, they institute therapies to reduce the work of breathing and to improve ventilation and oxygenation.