Allied Health (UAB Programs), Respiratory Therapy

Allied Health (UAB Programs)

Students interested in a baccalaureate degree from the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), can take two to three years of prerequisite courses at UWA. The number of courses depends on each student’s major field of interest. The student will then apply to the UAB program and, if accepted, transfer to the professional phase of the program at UAB. The degree will be awarded by UAB.

UWA strongly recommends that the student continually stay in touch with their academic advisor and their intended school as they go through the course work. This will ensure that all the courses transfer and alert the student if courses have been added or removed from the curriculum.

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists work with physicians and allied health professionals to diagnose and treat patients with disorders associated with the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The practice of respiratory care requires extensive knowledge of many technical and physiological concepts. Respiratory therapists are often responsible for the evaluation of patients in the development of the respiratory care plan. Therapists often assist physicians with procedures such as bronchoscopies, arterial cannula insertions, and heart catheterizations.