(PRWEB) October 6, 2005 -- When Scott Colombo was involved with an asthma education program in New York City most of the asthmatics did not know how to use their inhalers correctly. Years later, the transplanted Brooklyn resident faces some of the same challenges as the new Clinical Director of Respiratory Therapy at Pima Medical Institute, 2201 San Pedro NE, Suite 100.
PMI's new Respiratory Therapy program that is scheduled to begin October 31st, is currently the only program in the area with immediate availability for students, however, Colombo says many Albuquerque residents are unaware of what this exciting career entails.
"Choosing a career is one of the most important choices one makes in their lives," said Colombo. "For me, a career in respiratory therapy has been very rewarding. For example, knowing how to initiate and maintain a newborn who is in respiratory distress on mechanical ventilation, as well as explaining to the parents, respiratory therapy students and staff what the mechanical ventilator and monitors do is very important. We help people, and we save lives. What could be more important than that?"
Colombo, who moved from Brooklyn to take the new position, has more than 18 years experience as a critical care practitioner and as a clinical instructor in Respiratory Therapy. He is also a registered nurse with the surgical intensive care unit and neonatal intensive care unit.
Graduates of the 88 credit-hour Respiratory Therapy program receive an Associate of Occupational Science degree. The program will consist of classes in medical ethics, mathematics, chemistry, physics, human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, advanced respiratory care techniques (including neonatal and adult special care procedures), general and advanced pharmacology, cardiopulmonary disease, patient assessment and the therapeutics that are required to function at the patient?s bedside in the hospital setting.
Additional programs at the Albuquerque campus include: Dental Assistant; Medical Assistant; Medical Administrative Assistant; Ophthalmic Medical Assistant; Pharmacy Technician; Physical Therapy Technician; Radiography and Veterinary Assistant.
About PMI
PMI is one of the premiere medical vocational institutes in the western United States. The privately owned, accredited school provides students with a well-rounded education embracing theoretical classroom studies, as well as on-site training at medical facilities that mirror the working environment they will pursue after graduation.
PMI has been serving students since 1972, with campuses in: Mesa and Tucson, AZ; Chula Vista, CA, Seattle and Renton, WA; Las Vegas, NV; Colorado Springs and Denver, CO, as well as the Albuquerque campus.