-- As hospitals throughout Kansas and nationwide experience increasing demand for qualified respiratory care professionals, educators and alumni from Newman University are highlighting the essential qualities that distinguish exceptional respiratory therapists in today's complex healthcare environment.
Respiratory care experts at Newman University have identified key attributes that separate outstanding respiratory therapists from the average practitioner—insights that come at a crucial time as the profession experiences significant growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 14% increase in positions through 2031.
"While technical proficiency is fundamental, truly exceptional respiratory therapists demonstrate a unique combination of organizational skills, triage abilities, and effective communication," explains Timothy Cho, Director of Newman University's Respiratory Care program. "These professionals make life-changing differences for patients during their most vulnerable moments."
The ability to remain calm during high-stress medical emergencies stands out as a distinguishing quality of outstanding respiratory therapists. "When patients experience respiratory distress, decisions must be made quickly and accurately," notes Stacey Fox, assistant professor and director of clinical education for Newman's Respiratory Care program. "Outstanding therapists integrate multiple assessment factors simultaneously while maintaining composure when stakes are high—setting aside their own anxiety to focus completely on the patient's needs."
This emotional regulation becomes crucial during code blue situations or respiratory emergencies, where therapists often manage the patient's airway while the team works to stabilize them.
Kyle Weiss, a 2014 graduate of Newman's respiratory care program emphasizes the diverse responsibilities respiratory therapists handle daily.
"On a day-to-day basis, respiratory therapists in hospitals primarily perform procedures and provide treatments for patients needing respiratory support," Weiss explains. "This ranges from delivering nebulizer treatments to patients with COPD to managing ventilators for neonatal patients who need breathing assistance. We care for patients from birth through geriatrics, working alongside nurses, radiologists, physicians, and mid-level providers."
The technical aspects of the profession require both precision and adaptability. Fox points out that successful therapists have a natural aptitude for working with complex medical equipment. "Healthcare protocols and technologies evolve continuously. Respiratory care combines healthcare knowledge with sophisticated technology—from mechanical ventilators to pulmonary function testing equipment and specialized monitoring devices. These aren't just accessories but essential instruments that can mean the difference between life and death."
Equally important is the ability to genuinely connect with patients of all ages—a quality that goes beyond technical expertise. Cho emphasizes the importance of empathy: "Breathing difficulties create intense anxiety and trigger primal fear responses in patients. Therapists who can recognize this fear and address both the physical and psychological aspects of respiratory distress create a more effective healing environment."
The capacity to translate complex medical concepts into understandable language for patients and families makes a significant difference in treatment compliance. This communication skill becomes essential whether teaching a child with asthma how to properly use an inhaler or helping an elderly patient understand their home oxygen equipment.
Beyond hospital settings, Weiss points out additional career pathways: "Respiratory therapists can also work with home medical equipment companies, helping patients who need home BiPAP or CPAP devices, ventilators, or oxygen therapy. There are management opportunities in these areas and in hospitals. You can also work with medical device companies as an education specialist, teaching other respiratory therapists how to use specialized equipment."
The field offers substantial career stability with competitive compensation. According to industry data, median salaries for respiratory therapists exceed $75,000 annually, with various advancement routes available through specialization in areas like neonatal/pediatric care, pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep medicine, or education and management roles.
Newman's program maintains a 96% first-time pass rate on national board examinations, preparing graduates thoroughly for required credentials. "As a respiratory therapist, you must be certified by your state and also by the National Board of Respiratory Care, earning your CRT or RRT credentials before applying for state licensure," Weiss explains.
For students considering the field, Weiss offers practical advice: "Someone interested in becoming a respiratory therapist should contact a practicing professional. Shadowing at hospitals provides a better understanding of our individual tasks and helps determine if it's a good fit."
The program's accelerated structure makes it an attractive option for many students. "The minimum requirement is an associate's degree," Weiss notes. "After completing prerequisites, the program itself is three semesters. There are also bridge programs available later for those wanting to earn a bachelor's degree, which is highly recommended for advancement in the respiratory field."
What sets Newman's approach apart is its emphasis on personalized education through smaller class sizes and strong clinical partnerships. "I really enjoyed Newman's individualized approach to each student," Weiss reflects. "We received more one-on-one time than at larger universities, which really prepared me for entering the career field. The smaller class sizes and the passion our instructors had for our success were crucial—if not for their passion, I wouldn't have been able to create my own."
As Kansas healthcare facilities continue recruiting respiratory therapists, particularly for specialized roles and underserved rural areas, these insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring professionals seeking excellence in a field where professionals make a difference, one breath at a time.
Learn more about Newman University's program at https://newmanu.edu/academics/respiratory-care-wichita.
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Name: Clark Schafer
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Organization: Newman University
Address: 3100 McCormick , Wichita, Kansas 67213, United States
Website: https://newmanu.edu/
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