Inside Concorde: Phil’s Approach to Respiratory Therapy Career Training

When it comes to shaping the future of healthcare, educators like Phil Finch play an essential role. With nearly 15 years of service as an on-campus and distance education instructor for Concorde’s Portland campus, Phil has been instrumental in guiding students through our Respiratory Therapy program. His approach, which combines mentorship, research, and practical application, exemplifies the commitment to excellence that defines Concorde’s mission.

Dive into Phil’s journey—exploring his passion for respiratory therapy, his approach to teaching, and the mentorship he imparts to the next generation of respiratory therapists.
 

A Journey in Respiratory Therapy

Phil’s path began humbly at a hospital in Joplin, Missouri. "I was a janitor first, then a purchasing clerk," he recounted. "And as I delivered supplies to all the different hospitals I watched, I noticed the special group of people in what was then called ‘inhalation therapy.’"

He became intrigued by these professionals and their work. “For me, it’s the technology and the patient outcomes, especially now that I'm a pediatric neonatal respiratory therapist, to restore those delicate, vulnerable people back to their homes, to their families, to the population, to their villages. That's so satisfying," he shared.

This fascination with the field and its potential to transform lives propelled Phil into respiratory therapy. He recalls, "I had really wonderful instructors when I went through what was then a 1 + 1 program. We were certified then we were registered."

It was one of those instructors who recognized Phil's potential as an educator. "After first year, one of the teachers said, 'I appreciate your presentations of information...would you care to teach?'"

Despite feeling unqualified at the time, Phil embraced the opportunity. "I certainly didn't have the education at the time, but I emulated my instructor because I respected him." This experience ignited a passion for teaching, and he has been inspiring future respiratory therapists for more than 40 years.

"It's been such a delight," he says. "I hear from my graduates...they'll say, 'Oh, let me tell you I'm now a manager. I'm doing this specialty...I'm loving this work.' That's delightful!"

For Phil, teaching provides a "multiplier factor," allowing him to impact countless patients through the success of his students. "The impact you can make in respiratory therapy is incredible. That’s what keeps me passionate about this work,” said Phil.
 

Online Instruction and Post-COVID Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped education across the globe, and Concorde’s Respiratory Therapy program was no exception. Phil transitioned to online teaching during this time, embracing the opportunity to support students in a new way.

As the world adjusted to a post-pandemic reality, Phil returned to in-person interactions, but his role evolved. Now, he virtually travels across several states, meeting students at clinical sites to help prepare them for success.

Reflecting on this hands-on approach, he shared how he has added an important dimension to his work: mentorship. “I never knew people needed a mentor,” he explained. “Growing up on a ranch in Texas, we were independent folks. I didn’t know how beautiful the mentor relationship could be.”
 

Research and Critical Thinking in Respiratory Therapy

For Phil, fostering critical thinking skills in his students is as essential as teaching them technical expertise. A strong advocate for integrating research into the curriculum, Phil uses hands-on projects to cultivate a scientific mindset among his students.

“Teaching students to analyze, hypothesize and think critically is key,” he emphasized.

One example of this approach is conducting a replication study. This project not only teaches students research methodology but also reinforces the importance of evidence-based practices in healthcare.

“They learn first-hand that estimations are dangerous, and that precision is critical,” Phil noted. “I believe students will remember this the rest of their lives.”

Phil's influence extends beyond Concorde. At Winterfest 2025, presented by the New Mexico Society for Respiratory Care (NMSRC), a state affiliate of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), he shared his insights on the importance of research in respiratory therapy education.
 

Concorde’s Respiratory Therapy Program

Concorde’s Respiratory Therapy program provides students with hands-on training and clinical experience. From the moment students enter the program, they are immersed in coursework and practical applications designed to prepare them for real-world challenges.

Students gain career training to prepare them to earn qualifications including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).

Phil’s Philosophy and Advice for Students

Phil’s advice to students is straightforward and empowering: “Trust the process.”

Acknowledging the challenging nature of respiratory therapy, Phil emphasizes the importance of time management. He encourages students to embrace the learning journey, reminding them that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

“This program is intense, but it’s designed that way to prepare you for the realities of the healthcare field,” he said.

Phil’s advice is rooted in his own experiences and the countless success stories of his graduates. He has seen firsthand how the combination of a strong foundation and a supportive environment can help students transform into confident professionals ready to make a difference.
 

Join the Team: Become an Instructor at Concorde

Have you ever thought about using your healthcare expertise to guide and inspire others? At Concorde, instructors play an essential role in preparing students for rewarding careers in the healthcare field. If you’re ready to make an impact through mentorship and education, explore our career opportunities. Your experience can help shape the future of healthcare professionals.