The impact of a research elective on a respiratory therapy student's perspective.

As the infrastructure of the healthcare landscape continues to change, Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) may be required to assume nontraditional roles in health care. One such role is RRTs as researchers. However, there are few opportunities for students to explore research as a career option given current rigidly structured didactic curriculums. One possible solution to this dilemma is the addition of a summertime research elective. …