NDSU/Sanford Respiratory Care Program

A few highlights from the 2026 North Dakota Society for Respiratory Care Convention:
✅scholarship awards!
✅catching up with former students!
✅Sputum Bowl Champs (including a new teammate/friend from University of Mary Respiratory Therapy Department
✅collaborating with colleagues from around the state!
✅learning from amazing experts to help us provide great patient care!

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“I chose respiratory care for my career because I knew I would never make it pro in golfing.”

We love Savana’s sense of humor and while we think she'd be a great golfer, we're so glad she's our intern! Here’s why she chose Respiratory Care for her career –

“[I]n all seriousness, I always wanted to work in the medical field. [With respiratory care], I loved the hands-on care, and how well the therapist interacted with the patient and the other hospital staff.”

“Respiratory care has such a wide range of fields within itself. There are so many opportunities, ranging from the clinic, to home care, to the hospital. I really like knowing that I'm not tied down to doing only one thing with my degree.”

To read more about Savana's career choice, please read below!

How did you choose Respiratory Care for your career?

I chose respiratory care for my career because I knew I would never make it pro in golfing.

No, in all seriousness, I always wanted to work in the medical field. I started out with a major in biological sciences with emphasis in pre-med. After a couple semesters, and a small break to really sit and think about what I wanted to do, I spoke with my advisor and switched to the Respiratory Care program. To get an idea of what respiratory therapy even entailed, and to make sure I was really where I wanted to be, I job shadowed a therapist. I absolutely loved it, and my decision was solidified. I loved the hands-on care, and how well the therapist interacted with the patient and the other hospital staff. I realized within the 4 quick hours that I was there, that respiratory therapists are such a fundamental piece of the medical foundation. I had my heart set on becoming a respiratory therapist.

Respiratory care has such a wide range of fields within itself. There are so many opportunities, ranging from the clinic, to home care, to the hospital. I really like knowing that I'm not tied down to doing only one thing with my degree. But the best part of it all is knowing we are there to help, and to give the best possible care. I always wanted to work in the medical field for the purpose of being able to help those in need. Of course, there are going to be difficult situations. But there are also always going to be those moments that remind you why you're going into the field of medicine to begin with. Being able to watch someone's health improve is so incredibly rewarding. Even just the simple acts of sharing a smile or a laugh can be so fulfilling. Those are the moments and memories I cling to. Those are the ones I take with me every time I clock in for my clinical shifts. They are the reason I chose Respiratory Care for my career.