Respiratory Care
Be on the cutting edge of the fast-growing respiratory profession and all the directions it can take your career.
Why study Respiratory Care?
According to U.S. News and World Report 2024 Rankings, Respiratory Therapist is #12 in Best Health Care Jobs and #53 in 100 Best Jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says respiratory therapists are expected to have about 14% employment growth over the next decade. There were 135,800 professionals in this field in 2021, and this number is expected to increase by 18,400 by 2031. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are 16 million adults in the U.S. living with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition that limits airflow and causes breathing trouble.
According to Daniel Garret, executive director, of the American Associate for Respiratory Care. “Respiratory therapists are vital to the interdisciplinary team that cares for patients struggling to breathe. They can specialize in or treat a broad range of conditions with patients.”
Respiratory Therapists can add on certifications in adult critical care, sleep disorders, therapeutic intervention, pulmonary function, neonatal/pediatric, leadership, education, asthma, and tobacco cessation. What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Why study Respiratory Care at UNMC?
Innovative Program
The entry to practice master’s in respiratory care is an innovative program that prides itself on staying steps ahead of evolving healthcare practices. We have state-of-the-art facilities and simulations with high fidelity manikins in realistic environments, which promotes professional communication and safe skills practice with a patient, family and interdisciplinary care team.
Respiratory Care FacultyEvidence-Based Curriculum
We educate students by consulting with other healthcare practitioners, performing advanced diagnostic testing, understanding research, engaging in interprofessional learning, applying evidence-based knowledge in clinical, demonstrating awareness of healthcare financial reimbursement, clinical and academic education theories, and methods.
CurriculumProgram Snapshot
Program Highlights
Mission & Goals
Prepare the next level of respiratory care practitioners by offering education and clinical opportunities at the highest level of practice.
AccreditationDegree Advancement Option
The online Master of Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Option allows working Registered Respiratory Therapists who have completed a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program, the opportunity to advance their education and professional goals while working in their home communities.
Evolution of the Profession
The McGoogan Health Sciences Library created a virtual display of the evolution of the respiratory therapy profession.
View the Virtual DisplayCertifications
- ECMO Certificate
- Certified Asthma Educator
- Neo Peds Specialist
- Register or Certified - Diagnostics (PFT, Sleep)
- Advanced Critical Care Specialist
- Pulmonary Disease Educator Certificate
- Leadership Certificate
- Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist
- Certified Health and well-being coaching
- Sleep Disorders
Job Opportunities
- Research
- Information technology
- COPD Case Manager or navigator
- Complex medical needs and resources (ex. Long Sars-cov-2)
- Telemedicine (health)/ECHO
- Clinical Value Analysis Manager
- Administrator/Leadership position
- Consultant (Equipment Specialist)
- Academic – Adjunct Instructor, DCE, PD
- Palliative Care (IPE)
- Clinical Specialist (adult & peds)
- Neurorespiratory disease expert
- Trach care clinic
- Ventilator management clinic
- IPE & Simulation
- Interventional Pulmonology
Mom and daughter celebrate their love for patient care
They found their passion in Respiratory Care. Kim Bobo and her daughter, Loni Waddell, share why working together in a field they love is so special.
Loni Waddell (left), and her mother, Kim Bobo, love working in for the same organization together. “Nebraska Medical Center is a big hospital and when I go there for care, it doesn’t matter what department, they all know Loni and tell me how wonderful she is,” says Bobo.