Respiratory Therapy Programs in Mississippi - MS
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than average over the next decade, primarily because the aging baby boom generation will increase the number of older people, who tend to suffer the most from respiratory conditions like pneumonia and COPD and who often have respiratory complications due to heart disease and other common diseases of aging.�? This quote is so true when it comes to the State of Mississippi because 12.8% of Mississippi’s Population is 65 or older.
With the current economic situation, Respiratory Therapists are in demand and are needed especially in Mississippi. If the proposed nationalized health care bill is passed, it will likely increase the need for more Respiratory Therapists because many people who have never had health coverage or could not afford it will now have access to health care. Many of these people have pulmonary conditions.
Once you have decided you want to become a Respiratory Therapist, find a school, college, or university that offers a Respiratory Therapy Program in Mississippi. There are a number of local allied health Mississippi respiratory therapy schools. Make sure the school you choose is accredited through the National Board of Respiratory Care.
After you have found a school and are admitted, work diligently to complete your program. Most schools offer an associates and a bachelor degree in respiratory therapy. Associates program take two years and bachelors programs take four years to complete. If you take more hours per semester you can finish quicker.
Continuing Education for Respiratory Therapists in Mississippi
Respiratory Therapists are required to complete 20 contact hours of continuing education to renew their Respiratory Therapy License. Many professional organizations such as The Mississippi Society for Respiratory Care and The American Association for Respiratory Care offer accredited continuing education courses. It is very important for Respiratory Therapists to take continuing education courses so they can have the knowledge they need to be successful.
www.bls.gov
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/28000.html