Success Spotlights

RT Grad Turns Degree Into Business

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated February 3, 2017. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
respiratory therapist

"Never settle or do the bare minimum," says Rachel Thomas, a 2002 alumna from Concorde's Respiratory Therapy program in Memphis. "Shine in whatever career you choose!"

Thomas has certainly taken her own advice. Today, she owns and operates RT Medical, LLC out of Mt. Juliet, Tenn.

According to her website, RT Medical is a home-care organization dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients recovering from operations or combating various illnesses.

"We currently manage 100 patients on invasive ventilator support in their homes," Thomas said. "We set up and educate many oxygen patients, tracheostomy patients and clinical respiratory patients for home care. Our patients range from neonatal to geriatric."

She and her team are convinced that patients are happier and progress faster when they can recover in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their home. They work directly with physicians and/or discharge planners to ensure smooth transitions from hospital care to home care.

After spending a few years as a respiratory therapist at Delta Medical Center of Memphis and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., she moved to Mt. Juliet in Nov. 2003 and started RT Medical in 2005 with her husband, Bruce, two kids, Presley and Rhett, and their three dogs.

"I never thought I wanted to own a business," Thomas said. "I just loved taking care of home ventilator patients. Next thing I knew, I had 20 employees and referrals galore!"

Being a business owner doesn't come without its challenges, however. Thomas says constant insurance changes and reimbursement cuts keep her and her team on their toes.

From dream to reality

Thomas joined the Concorde family at the recommendation of her mother, a former instructor at Concorde.

"I was a flight attendant prior to going to Respiratory Therapy school," she said. "My mom encouraged me to try it. I am so glad I took her advice!"

"My goal was always to be my own boss. Concorde made me want to work hard to get here. I encourage current students to make the most of their program and never to settle for just being a 'medicine pusher.' Go above and beyond that to be noticed!"

Are you interested in being a Respiratory Therapist?

Ranked #21 in Best Health Care Jobs by U.S. News and World Report, employment of Respiratory Therapists is projected to grow 12 percent through 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.

Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to an increased incidence of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.

A Respiratory therapist is trained in a wide scope of specific skills in the care of critically ill patients from premature neonates to adult trauma, and medical illnesses that affect the heart and lungs.

"Next to nursing," according to Bob Goodrow, Director of Concorde's Respiratory Therapy Program in San Diego, "Respiratory Therapists are the largest body of licensed health care specialists who deal in direct patient care."

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

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  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.

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