The Undergraduate Respiratory Therapy Program at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (Al Ahsa-branch) was established in August 2014 under the umbrella of College of Applied Medical Sciences. The program accepts both male and female students. The program curriculum is adapted from the University of South Alabama in the United States, with the necessary modifications to meet the needs of the university and Saudi society.
This program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin clinical practice in the field of respiratory therapy. A Respiratory Therapist is a member of the healthcare team who takes care of patients with cardiopulmonary problems by participating in assessing, diagnosing and managing specific patient cases. Moreover, the respiratory therapist is involved in prevention and health promotion programs for individuals and society.
Respiratory therapists can work in the following areas:
•Acute care hospitals (Intensive care units (adults, pediatrics, or neonates), emergency rooms, operating rooms, wards)
•Pulmonary rehabilitation centers
•Pulmonary function tests
•Sleep laboratories
•Patient’s home
•Asthma education and smoking cessation programs
•Universities
•Research centers
•Companies that sells respiratory care equipment
•Armed Forces
Mission
The respiratory therapy program provides quality teaching and learning, research, and community partnership
Vision
To achieve global leadership in respiratory therapy education with a commitment to excellence in research, patient care, and community service.
Values
In consonance with the University Core Values, the program core values are:
- Ethical behavior and Islamic values
- Excellence and innovation in education, research, and outreach
- Transparency, integrity, and professionalism
- Corporate social responsibility
- Professional and personal development and training
- Fostering lifelong learning
Goals
·To graduate qualified respiratory therapy specialists in the field.
·To prepare the graduates to conduct research and involve in scholarly activities.
·To promote graduates’ participation in health-related community services