Respiratory Care Program Coordinator Featured in DelawareToday

Rand Solly, MS, RRT, RPFT, AE-C, Professor of Practice and Program Coordinator for Respiratory Care was featured in an article by DelawareToday on the high demand for respiratory therapists. Since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for respiratory therapists has grown exponentially. Four years later, this demand continues to grow due to several factors including an aging population, increased respiratory disorders, and elevated patient acuity/severity of pulmonary conditions. The number of new respiratory therapists has not met the demand for this growing need.

“Respiratory therapists play a critical role in addressing these challenges. In addition to providing specialized pulmonary care, managing mechanically ventilated patients, and customizing treatment plans for patients, RTs focus on providing education to help patients manage their conditions, administer their medications, recognize symptoms of distress, and help keep them out of the hospital,” Professor Solly shared with DelawareToday.

Students entering the respiratory care profession have a variety of opportunities within the healthcare field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the profession will grow roughly thirteen percent from 2023-2033, much faster than other occupations.

“RTs are a vital part of the heath care team,” Professor Solly shared. “Our educational programs underscore the need to address the pressing demands for skilled respiratory therapists amid rising challenges in lung health. It’s up to our educational institutions, credentialing organizations, and health care facilities to help attract new practitioners to the profession.”

To read the full article, click here. To learn about GMercyU’s Respiratory Care program, click here.