About the Program

Graduate Profile

Amanda Bashista graduated from the Department of Respiratory Care in 2001. Here is a brief note from her.

I started the Boise State University Respiratory Care program in 1999. At that time I was undecided about what career I wanted to pursue, but I knew that I wanted to do something in the health field. The professors in the Respiratory Care program were very helpful with orientation and helping me understand what the program entailed and what was expected of me as a student.

I was very surprised at how much the program prepared me mentally and intellectually. The instructors designed the program so that I was able to get ample clinical and classroom experience that corresponded in a timely fashion. The instructors gave me enough information to be competent when speaking to physicians and nurses, and the communication and organizational skills to feel confident doing it. I felt like the instructors carefully gave me enough room to grow and learn without making me feel overwhelmed.

The schooling was challenging at times and there were many long days and nights of studying but I feel it was worth it. I feel like I got a very useful education. I am now employed at the Boise Veterans Administration Medical Center. I interact with physicians, residents, nurses, and students on a daily basis and spend a large amount of time reviewing therapy and new advances in respiratory care that can benefit our patients. I also know that if I ever want to advance my career in medicine I have a great foundation to start from.

Dwyane Free graduated from our program in 2001. Here is a brief note from him:

When I first heard about respiratory therapy I thought how hard could it be, we breathe in and we breathe out. But in no time of being in the respiratory care program I could see it was so much more. I wasn't sure where it would take me or where I would end up. I do know that it is a great stepping-stone to move forward in your education and your career. I worked 2 yr. at St Luke's in Boise, Idaho to get the experience I needed to become a traveling Respiratory Therapist. I work with a company that places me in hospitals around the United States. The company pays for my housing, insurance and to travel wherever I go around the country. Right now I'm working in the Bay area in California and I will have a chance to work in all 50 states. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing, I'm very happy with where I'm at and with my job.