What inspired your interest in respiratory care?
Sophia: I knew early on I wanted to be in the healthcare field in some kind of capacity. I was unsure which avenue was right for me until I began working as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) at a local hospital. I worked alongside many respiratory therapists and watched them critically think, save lives, and affect patients’ lives for the better. Additionally, very close to the time I needed to decide what career path to take, my Nana became critically ill. She was put on a ventilator and had a respiratory therapist by her side, daily, giving excellent and empathetic care. Looking back, these are the moments that led me to my decision to pursue a career in respiratory therapy.

What do you like most about the respiratory care program?
My professors are dedicated to our success. We are a small group, so for any extra one-on-one time that is needed, there is either a professor or classmate ready to help us grasp a concept. The professors are very collaborative with us. I also have a great support system within my cohort. We all pick each other up when facing challenges. The program is interactive and hands-on. The skills/information we are learning all build upon each other. The content and lab applications are relevant for real-life hospital scenarios that we will experience as RTs. If I or any of my classmates are struggling with grasping a concept, Professor Hackney is quick to bring out equipment from the lab and work through the concept until we understand.

What has been the most valuable thing you have learned about yourself as a student?
The most valuable lesson I've learned throughout this program is how to critically apply the learning in the classroom and in the lab. Professor Degrande and Professor Hackney both have a gift of guiding us through clinical scenarios and having us think through the best course of action. In this program, I never feel like I am just regurgitating information; all elements of what we learn are directly related to critical thinking and patient care.

How has your training best prepared you for the workforce?
Being trained to come to a clinical conclusion quickly to help your patient. Professionalism in the workplace and as an RT working with patients and families is also something we consistently discuss.

What advice would you give to those considering the program?
To research the roles and responsibilities of an RT. Some ideas would be to watch YouTube videos about a day in the life of an RT, and look for message boards discussing what it is like for employees. This will help you decide if this is the field you are interested in, and if it is, do not hesitate to apply. SJR State's RT program is incredible and cares about your success!

Why did you select SJR State for your training?
I knew I wanted to stay local while obtaining my undergraduate degree. Working in the healthcare field gave me a unique opportunity to speak with various professionals about their experiences and how they felt about the programs they attended. I have experience with other local colleges, and I found that SJR State was extremely organized and professional, comparatively. I found it easy to reach out to my advisor while I was finishing my prerequisites and applying to the program. I have always felt that my professors and administrators at SJR State have kept an open-door policy for me and wanted me to succeed.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will complete the program in August of 2021. After graduation, I would love to begin my RT career at a children’s hospital in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and/or PICU (pediatric intensive care unit).

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I will be 23 when I graduate. I have aspirations to eventually experience travel jobs for a period and then obtain a physician assistant degree, specializing in neonatology. I also have a huge heart for medical mission work and plan to use my training to help others beyond our borders.