Respiratory Therapy Students Horizons Program

Overview of the Program

The Memorial Horizons Program provides students enrolled in Radiography Surgical Technology and Sonography degree programs with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience receive financial support and secure a pathway to employment at Memorial Health after graduation.

Eligibility Criteria

The Horizons Program is open to external candidates and current Memorial Health colleagues in the first year of their major program of study and will graduate in May 2027. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited allied health program that aligns with Memorials workforce needs maintain the minimum required GPA and have completed all prerequisite coursework. Applicants must complete an employment application and an interview as part of the competitive selection process. Individuals selected for the Horizons Program must maintain satisfactory academic progress have no active corrective actions on file and exhibit behaviors that align with Memorials values to remain eligible.

Benefits of Working While In School

Individuals who are selected for the Horizons Program will work at Memorial Health as a per diem colleague while attending school. This allows participants to gain valuable hands-on experience work alongside Memorial clinicians and prepare them for their careers at Memorial after graduation.

Financial Opportunities

Individuals selected for the Horizons Program will receive a bi-weekly stipend of $1000.00 during the second year of their program (August 2026-May 2027). Stipends are subject to applicable taxes and deductions. As a Memorial colleague who is working per diem while attending school you may also be eligible for up to $5250 per calendar year in Tuition addition individuals selected for the Horizons Program will be eligible for sign-on incentives at the time of graduation.

Pathway to Employment After Graduation

Graduates of the Horizons Program will be placed in full-time roles designated by Memorial Health upon meeting all graduation and licensing requirements. Participants must commit to working at Memorial Health for three years after graduation.

Education:

Graduate of AMA approved School of Respiratory Care preferred or 2^nd year student in final clinical semesters of Associates Degree program required.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

Current CPR certification required.

Experience:

Completion of 1^st year of Respiratory Care Associates Degree program with associated clinical rotation experience.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Current BLS certification required.

1. Minimum cleaning and maintenance of R.T. equipment.

1. Prepares and tests R.T. equipment for proper and safe operation and periodically checks R.T. equipment in use and on units for proper operation and routine service. Reports malfunctioning equipment to manager.

1. Follows and enforces safety rules of the R.T. Department and hospital following special instructions such as isolation precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

1. Receives verifies and processes all necessary documentation for correct order.

1. Documents patient oxygen use for charging purposes by visual inspection of every patient care unit bed.
2. Changes humidifiers and aerosol generators according to department policy.

1. Performs emergency rounds according to department policy.

1. Distributes E-cylinders of oxygen to the designated gas stations within MMC.
2. Receives and documents orders from physicians relating to Respiratory Care Order Set. Also reads and evaluates physician orders and charts that pertain to respiratory care and is aware of contraindication to medications treatments and related hazards with their use.

1. Measures and administers prescribed medications to patients (oxygen & aerosolized medications etc.). Also administers the following therapy: EZPAP humidity and aerosols chest physical therapy incentive spirometry pulse oximetry BiPAP and CPAP administration and bedside pulmonary function/mechanics.

1. Assesses patients conditions and response to respiratory therapy by checking patients pulse blood pressure respiratory frequency tidal volume inspiratory pressure cough sputum breath sounds and other pertinent data that relates to the patient. Must also be alert to adverse reactions of patient during treatment plus be aware of proper response to emergencies.

1. Recognizes signs of cardiopulmonary arrest and/or failure and assists in performing CPR procedures. Also must be able to recognize life-threatening arrhythmias or EKG strips.

1. Modifies therapy to deal with adverse or ineffective patient response and reports changes to shift supervisor.

1. Records procedures and patient response in appropriate electronic documentation departmental paperwork medication administration records interdisciplinary plan of care and education record and requisitions. Completes both written and oral reports on patients and relays information to oncoming therapists.

1. Participates in in-services continuing education and other staff development activities.

1. Performs CPR procedures as part of the Stat Code Team.

1. Keeps confidential all patient information received and follows MMC Guest Relations guidelines.

1. Follows MMC and Pulmonary Medicine infection control policies

1. Performs all duties under supervision of Certified Respiratory Therapist Registered Respiratory Therapist or shift supervisor.

1. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.