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Archived Articles5/3/2005 9:00:00 AM12/2/2012 9:00:00 AMRespiratory therapists work with physicians and other health professionals to diagnose and treat patients with disorders associated with the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. April Rollins-Kyle<SPAN class=Content> <STRONG>What to know about Respiratory Therapy:</STRONG> <P> <UL> <LI>Respiratory care is among the top 15 fastest growing jobs with an estimated growth of almost 50% over the next 10 years. <LI>The national average salary for a respiratory therapist is almost $40,000. <LI>Graduates with a BS degree in Respiratory Therapy can become supervisors and department managers within 3-5 years after graduating. <LI>Respiratory therapists exercise considerable independent clinical judgment under the direct or indirect supervision of a physician. They act as technical resource persons for both physicians and other health care professionals. <LI>Therapists administer many medical gases and cardio respiratory drugs and are trained to perform and evaluate the results of diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gases and pulmonary function studies. <LI>Therapists often assist physicians with procedures such as bronchoscopies, arterial cannula insertions, and heart catheterizations. <LI>Therapists work in a variety of settings including intensive care units, general care areas of the hospital, diagnostic laboratories, nursing homes, clinics, and patient homes are becoming common sites for the practice of respiratory therapy. </LI></UL> <P><STRONG>Degrees in Respiratory Therapy:</STRONG> </P> <P><A href="/Shrp/default.aspx?pid=77393">B.S. in Respiratory Therapy </A></P></SPAN>Respiratory TherapistCritical Care.5/3/2005 9:00:00 AM12/2/2012 9:00:00 AMNurse anesthetists are registered professional nurses who specialize in anesthesiology, administering anesthesia to all types of patients within the health-illness continuum. April Rollins-Kyle<SPAN class=Content> <B>What to know about Nurse Anesthetists</B>: <UL type=disc> <LI>Graduates of the program have not had problems finding employment over the last several years. This has been true for the southeast as well as most of the other geographical regions of the <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 /><ST1:COUNTRY-REGION><ST1:PLACE>U.S.</ST1:PLACE></ST1:COUNTRY-REGION> <LI>Most nurse anesthetists are employed by hospitals, clinics, or physicians. Some are self-employed, in group practice, or in military service <LI>Nurse anesthetists enjoy good salaries,opportunities to sub-specialize, the provisions of 24-hour "on call" service, and ease of geographic mobility. <LI>Some of the many duties of nurse anesthetists are to develop and implement an appropriate anesthesia plan, recognize emergency patient conditions, prevent anesthesia complications, and perform skills required during emergency life support situations. </LI></UL> <P><B>Degrees in Nurse Anesthesia: </B></P> <P><A href="/Shrp/default.aspx?pid=77391">Master of Nurse Anesthesia </A></P></SPAN>Nurse AnesthetistsCritical Care.5/3/2005 9:00:00 AM12/2/2012 9:00:00 AMOccupational therapists assist individuals when physical or mental illness, trauma, developmental conditions, or aging processes interfere with performance of significant life tasks. April Rollins-Kyle<SPAN class=Content> <B>Facts about Occupational Therapy:</B> <UL type=disc> <LI>The American Occupational Therapy Association has identified low vision rehabilitation as one of the top 10 emerging practice areas. <LI>Occupational therapists aid patients in the rehabilitation process through use of activities of special interest to the client. If complete recovery is not possible, occupational therapists help persons maintain their independence. This process may involve modifying activities, using assistive equipment or technology, identifying and removing environmental barriers, or educating others <LI>Many occupational therapists provide comprehensive, competent treatment intervention to people with visual impairment from various conditions including age or brain injury. <LI>Occupational therapists additionally work with clients who benefit from the health promoting effects of therapeutic occupations and activities. </LI></UL> <P><B>Degrees in Occupational Therapy</B></P> <P><A href="/Shrp/default.aspx?pid=78663">Occupational Therapy Master Science Professional Degree</A></P> <P><A href="/Shrp/default.aspx?pid=76994">Occupational Therapy Master Science Post-Professional Degree</A></P></SPAN>Occupational TherapistOccupational Therapy