October 14
Second-year 快猫app respiratory care students and several faculty members attended the 鈥檚 annual conference, held September 30 through October 1 in Worcester.
鈥淭his is their first opportunity to see what's going on at a statewide level, how the conferences are run, and to begin networking as they figure out what they want to do with their careers,鈥� said Jane Schweizer 鈥�84, director of the respiratory care program.
Students had the opportunity to learn about educational opportunities, should they choose to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 in respiratory therapy, and to meet with recruiters.
鈥淲e were able to connect with professionals from major hospitals such as Mass General, Tufts, Beth Israel, and UMass Memorial. I left the conference feeling inspired and confident,鈥� said respiratory care student Madison Toth.
Most respiratory therapists work in acute care hospitals and are typically found in critical care units like emergency rooms, intensive care units, and cardiac care units. Respiratory therapists assess and diagnose patients, recommend therapy, and, under the direction of a physician, manage mechanical ventilators.
While attending sessions at the conference, students learned about new research and listened to advanced lectures on topics such as mechanical ventilation. As part of this behind-the-scenes look into respiratory care, students got a view of the society鈥檚 healthcare advocacy on the state and federal levels. For example, they gained an understanding of state delegates鈥� work in Washington, DC advocating for respiratory therapists and their patients.
鈥淭he conference really emphasized how important ongoing learning is in order to provide the best possible care and keep patient safety at the center of everything we do,鈥� said Noemi Escobar, a respiratory care student. 鈥淚t was a great opportunity to hear from experienced respiratory therapists about current research, new technologies, and how to apply what I鈥檓 learning in the classroom to real-world situations. It really motivated me and gave me a clearer idea of what to expect as I start my career.鈥�
To learn more about the respiratory care program, click here.