Attending a four-year college or a university will be an extremely rewarding personal achievement for me. I have goals to become a professional in respiratory therapy and receive my associate degree from Hinds Community College and then a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Being a respiratory therapist is an incredibly profitable and rewarding profession within the healthcare industry. A respiratory therapist specializes in a particular sector of healthcare that pertains to pulmonary medicine and involves working with patients who have trouble breathing from a chronic respiratory disease like asthma, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), or asthma. Respiratory therapists work with both young and old and provide emergency attacks to those in need. At the minimum, it will require an associate degree, but as with most medical professions, higher education means higher earning potential and it makes one look more attractive to employers with additional skill sets and knowledge. Attending Hinds Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi works as a part of my plan to achieve my career goals in a smart way by getting my associate degree from completing core and introductory courses at community college, then moving on to a four-year university to complete my specialized RT courses.
Becoming a respiratory therapist directly relates to how important healthcare is to me as well as living a healthy life. The state of healthcare and its future is currently uncertain, especially given the current presidential administration. However, the respiratory therapy career is projected to have high growth in job outlook, like with many other health industry careers. With an increasingly globalized world and aging population, the need for respiratory therapists and other medical professionals will increase. Aging and elderly populations are likely to suffer from respiratory conditions like COPD and other lung diseases and disorders, which can damage their lungs and restrict their function, especially in old age. This particular medical profession is also quite profitable and has a good outlook in terms of median salary. The aim of respiratory therapy is to improve the breathing mechanics and lung function in suffering patients. I believe that the state of one’s physical health is the most influential precursor to their mental health. When one does not feel well physically, they cannot possibly feel well mentally. My professional goals in being the best respiratory therapist that I can be are driven by my personal beliefs as well. As Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This scripture makes me faithful and hopeful that all things are possible not only with faith, but with hard work and strength. Breathing is indicative of strength, to me, and as a respiratory therapist I want to do the work to lift the burden of breathing from patients to ensure them a proper quality of life, day in and day out. It will be my job to provide the highest standard of care for patients with chronic or even acute pulmonary and lung conditions.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Respiratory Therapists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm (visited April 13, 2018).
