Success Spotlights

Finding His Calling as a Respiratory Therapist

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated April 22, 2021. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
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Yosmel knew he was destined for a career in respiratory therapy (RT) after losing his grandfather to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2008. However, he did not have the chance to go after his dream career until nearly a decade later.

"I always knew RT was for me, but when I initially started looking for a program, there wasn't one anywhere nearby," said Yosmel. "Several years later I moved and decided to go back to school. That's when I found Concorde."

The close proximity of Concorde - Miramar and the accredited respiratory therapist programs convinced Yosmel to immediately begin the enrollment process in 2018.

 

Finding His Calling

Before discovering Concorde's RT program, Yosmel worked for 10 years as a medical assistant and phlebotomist.

"When I couldn't find a respiratory therapist program 11 years ago, I decided to pursue the next best thing and get my foot in the door," Yosmel said. "But after working a while as a medical assistant and phlebotomist, I knew I wanted to help on a bigger scale. I felt I had outgrown my position."

 

Yosmel loved his time at Concorde Career Institute, Miramar, especially during his clinical courses. He received hands on experience that prepared him with the skills, knowledge and resources he needed to succeed as a respiratory therapist.

Yosmel also worked with instructors who were either still in the field or had more than a decade of experience in the industry.

"All the faculty at Concorde were incredible teachers and mentors," said Yosmel. "Even those who weren't necessarily my instructors but worked in the front office were there to motivate me. I really don't think I would have kept going without them."

 

Practicing Respiratory Therapy

Yosmel graduated from the Respiratory Therapy program in February 2020 with several job offers. He ultimately chose to work at a reputable children's hospital in South Florida where he treats a range of patients including trauma victims, children with birth defects, pediatric oncology patients and others in the pediatric intensive care unit.

"It's an indescribable feeling of gratitude to be able to help," said Yosmel. "Every day I get to make a difference and working with these kids is truly my passion."

 

Yosmel not only deals with the difficulties of treating patients with extreme conditions, but he also had to face the challenge of starting his new career amid a global pandemic. Since starting his career, Yosmel has treated several teenage and young adult COVID patients while also adapting to the frequently changing protocols and PPE requirements.

Working in such a heavy environment can be tough, but Yosmel believes everything has been a learning experience that has only made him a stronger and more capable respiratory therapist.

"I think I started at the perfect time," said Yosmel. "I'm so proud that I was able to get into the PICU when I did because that's the department that needs the most help during COVID."

 

Despite some rough days, Yosmel feels he's where he is supposed to be - helping children on a bigger scale than ever before.

"It's because of Concorde and my instructors that I'm able to make a difference at a time this country needs it the most and I will be forever grateful."
 

 

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

Interested in learning more about our Respiratory Therapy program? We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.