The scope of practice of cardiothoracic anesthesia respiratory therapy professionals requires they remain knowledgeable, forward thinking and acutely aware of current therapeutic options and treatment regimens. Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Respiratory Therapy offers many opportunities for continuing education. Currently, therapists are offered greater than 18 CEU credits at no cost to the practitioner.Topics are evolving continually and include but are not limited to:
- The clinical application of evidence-based medicine
- Lung-protective ventilation
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia
- Intubation and airway management
- Weaning from mechanical ventilation
- Introduction to preceptorship and assessment of the mechanically ventilated patient
The CTA Respiratory Therapy Preceptorship Program allows for both individual career advancement and the dissemination of departmental policy and practice in a consistent fashion. The preceptorship prepares the respiratory professional for future leadership responsibilities.
Educational possibilities continue to expand with the ever-changing landscape of clinical practice. Cleveland Clinic expects to continue to meet the challenges of these increased clinical demands with a commensurate expansion of new educational programs and opportunities.
The Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Respiratory Therapy department wants the experience of new employees to be one of enthusiastic adaptation to a dynamic and innovative practice model. The new employee is teamed with a preceptor who acts as both mentor and facilitator of the orientation process. The preceptor works with the new employee and introduces him or her to the department, the Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute and Cleveland Clinic. This one-on-one teaching and mentoring eases the orientation process and provides the new team member with an experienced guide and advocate.
School Affiliations
Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Respiratory Care is affiliated with four Respiratory Care Programs. During their clinical rotations, students gain an understanding of advanced ventilator modalities, hemodynamic monitoring, chest x-ray interpretation, nitric oxide and other innovative therapy. The students will also have the opportunity to attend lectures and view an open heart surgery.
The Ohio State University
- Four-year Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Professions
- Elective rotation
- Program information
- For information on this clinical rotation, contact Beth Morell
Youngstown State University
- Four-year Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care
- Optional Sleep Diagnostics Program
- Full-time affiliation
- Eight-week clinical rotation
- Case study presentations and oral exams
- Program information
- For information on this clinical rotation, contact Beth Morell
Cuyahoga Community College
- Two-year Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Full-time affiliation
- 15-week clinical rotation
- Medical research and case study classes
- Program information
- For information on this clinical rotation, contact Liz Murvine
Lakeland Community College
- Two-year Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Full-time affiliation
- Five-week clinical rotation
- Program information
