Utah Tech University Respiratory Therapy Students are Helping Southern Utahns Breathe Easier

Through a combination of rigorous academics and hands-on training, Utah Tech University’s Respiratory Therapy Program is building Southern Utah’s health care workforce of tomorrow.

In Utah Tech’s program, students build skills and confidence in class, work with professionals, and have opportunities to practice their skills with patients in the community.

“Our program completely embodies the ‘active learning. active life.’ tagline of Utah Tech,” explains Dr. Jessica Munk, the university’s respiratory therapy program director. “Even during the preparation process for clinicals, we have labs and simulations where they are able to practice their skills.”

This hands-on approach to education is proving beneficial. In fact, 100 percent of Utah Tech’s respiratory therapy graduates passed their board exams last year.

In addition to passing their board exams, students are required to complete 720 hours of clinical work to prepare for careers as respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists care for people who have trouble breathing because of diseases like asthma or pneumonia or emergencies such as heart attacks or drowning.

To provide these clinical hours, Utah Tech partners with Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital and other community organizations to place students in a variety of settings, including the hospital’s pulmonary floor, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), emergency room, intensive care unit (ICU), and sleep labs. Through these experiences, Utah Tech students have the opportunity to learn from respiratory professionals, gain firsthand experience working in the field, and care for patients of all ages, from infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with diseased lungs.

Additionally, Utah Tech’s program emphasizes service and giving back to the Southern Utah community. Students in the program are not only learning health care skills but also actively applying those skills to benefit others. Along with completing their clinical shifts, they assist in putting together packets for bronchiolitis patients and volunteer at community events. Each summer, students in the program teach local middle and high school students about respiratory therapy through Utah Prep Academy, inspiring the next generation of respiratory therapists.

“It is so amazing to watch these students grow, build confidence, and develop a passion for respiratory therapy,” remarks Munk. “I am so proud of them and excited to see what they accomplish.”

To learn more about Utah Tech University’s Respiratory Therapy Program, visit health.utahtech.edu/respiratory-therapy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Abby Adams is a full-time student studying marketing at Utah Tech University. Born and raised in St. George, she is passionate about digital media, brand strategy, and building her professional network within the community. Alongside her studies, Abby gains hands-on experience as an intern in Utah Tech’s University Marketing & Communication office and serves as president of the UT Hiking Club.