Inaugural cohort of respiratory therapy students begin classes, Fleischer finds fit in patient-centered career

The West Virginia University School of Medicine’s Respiratory Therapy program began classes this fall, marking the new program’s official start.

Aquinnah Fleischer, a junior transfer student from Montpelier, Vermont, is part of the inaugural cohort. She chose respiratory therapy because she wanted a patient-facing career, and through experiential learning opportunities in the lab and clinical rotations at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, she is gaining the experience she needs to achieve her goal. 

“I have really enjoyed the hands-on learning experiences I’ve had as well as the collaborative aspect of the curriculum,” Fleischer said. “We sit with partners, attend clinicals with partners and work in groups in mock patient scenarios to come to a collective conclusion.”

The WVU Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) program is one of two BSRT programs in West Virginia, and the only program in the northern part of the state.

Students learn in a dedicated respiratory therapy laboratory space that includes full medical gases and 20 state-of-the-art ventilators, which ensure hands-on learning opportunities to prepare them to work under the direction of doctors to treat a wide range of patients who have difficulties breathing in a variety of inpatient or outpatient settings.

Students also have access to the David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS), a state-of-the-art training center that includes two 10-bed open lab spaces, 12 patient exam rooms, a large surgical skills unit, an operating room, a mother-child suite, four ICU setups and the latest technology, including augmented reality and virtual reality equipment and high fidelity manikins.

“The STEPS lab is a great resource for simulating patient scenarios and getting to practice skills needed for effective bedside treatment,” Fleischer said. “We also have clinical rotations in the hospital, where we work side-by-side with WVU Medicine providers, observing and assisting respiratory therapists in the general hospital floor setting.”

In the program, students develop an expansive knowledge of the diverse practice areas of respiratory therapy including critical care, neonatal/pediatrics, sleep medicine, outpatient diagnostics and general patient care.

The numerous specialties within respiratory therapy are another reason Fleischer was draw to the profession. “Within respiratory therapy there are so many different specialties,” she explained. “We have begun learning about specialties from the ICU to pulmonary rehabilitation to transport flight therapists. I think it will be rewarding to work with all walks of people and find an area that I feel is a good fit.”

Michael Mehall, M.Ed., RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, CPFT, the program’s founding director, said that a motivator for creating the program was to meet an increased need for respiratory therapists in West Virginia and beyond.  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 14% within the next 10 years, creating a positive employment outlook for graduating students.

“In any medical situation, there is always going to be a need to ensure the patient is breathing,” Fleischer said. “We are a part of every hospital process, which not all disciplines can say. This program is a great choice for people looking to be involved in a wide variety of patient treatments. It is also ideal if you aren’t sure whether you would enjoy high-stress environments or slower-paced care since there are so many options.”

For more information on the Respiratory Therapy program, visit medicine.wvu.edu/respiratory-therapy/.