Respiratory Therapy Programs in Indiana - IN
Indiana is a very popular state in which to become a respiratory therapist. This profession is expected to become more popular within the next few years due to advancement in technology.
The starting salary in Indiana is $30,000 to $38,000 per year and is expected to increase with experience, increased job responsibilities, and depends on the area of specialization one chooses to focus on.
A majority of respiratory therapists work at hospitals within four different departments including emergency medicine, anesthesiology, pulmonary medicine, or respiratory care. They also have the opportunity to provide assistance to physicians within a clinical setting or an operating room. They can also work in diagnostic centers, home health agencies, oxygen and medical equipment rental companies, ambulance/transport services, and extended care facilities.
These professionals are encouraged to learn additional skills through online programs or Indiana respiratory therapy schools so as to specialize in respiratory care specific to neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. Other areas of specialization include education, home care, emergency care, pulmonary function, rehabilitation, management, and research.
Within the state of Indiana, respiratory therapy is the only allied health profession that gives their students the ability to apply for a state permit that will allow for them to work within their profession before actually graduating.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos084.htm
www.in-isrc.org
Continuing Education
Being a respiratory therapist in Indiana means having to renew your credentials every five years through being a part of the National Board of Respiratory Care continuing competency program. Since all credentials are granted by the NBRC it applies to every respiratory therapist. There are three options available for re-credentialing, either re-examination, obtaining 24 continuing education units obtained in or related to respiratory care, or upgrading your credentials.
http://www.in-isrc.org/
Respiratory Therapist and Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest health care systems in the country and gives respiratory therapists many opportunities across the health care spectrum. They are needed to work with patients in both acute and critical care along with certain patients with special needs. Through working within the VA respiratory therapists will have the opportunity to work alongside physicians, dieticians, nurses, social workers, and pastoral care providers.
One can begin working as a respiratory therapist for the VA by applying directly to the Human Resources Management office at any of the following VA health care facilities in Indiana:
VA Northern Indiana Health Care System in Fort Wayne, IN
Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN
VA Northern Indiana Health Care System in Marion, IN
Bloomington VA Outpatient Clinic in Bloomington, IN
Goshen VA Outpatient Clinic in Goshen, IN
Lawrenceburg Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Greendale, IN
Muncie/Anderson VA Outpatient Clinic in Muncie, IN
VA Healthcare Center in New Albany, IN
Richmond Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Richmond, IN
Terre Haute VA Outpatient Clinic in Terre Haute, IN