Welcome to the University of Ghana’s Department of Respiratory Therapy, Ghana’s premier institution for the training of Respiratory Therapists. The department is located on the Korle-Bu Campus of the University of Ghana. We run an undergraduate programme, BSc Respiratory Therapy, taught by experienced faculty, practising professionals, intensivists/anaesthetists, paediatricians, perfusionists and pulmonologists. The curriculum of the programme is based on competencies relevant to respiratory care and has a clinical focus with clinical rotations undertaken by students both during the semester and between semesters, in different settings e.g. public hospitals and private clinics. Our department collaborates with other international institutions to ensure that graduates are capable of competing not only at the national level but also at the international stage.
Collaborations and partnerships over the years has been with Weber State University (USA) and University of Kansas Medical Centre (USA).
On behalf of faculty and students, I welcome all prospective students, faculty and collaborators to the Department of Respiratory Therapy.
Dr. Esther Brobbey (PhD, MSc)
Head of Department
The Department of Respiratory Therapy is one of seven departments in the School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. It was established in the 2016/2017 academic year with the admission of nine (9) students to pursue the Bachelor of Science programme in Respiratory Therapy. Prior to the inception of the department, there was only one qualified Respiratory Therapist in the country who was trained abroad . The department therefore is the premier institution in the country for the training of Respiratory Therapists and the programme is the first of its kind in Ghana.
Respiratory Therapy is an allied health profession which deals with the application of science and technology to manage and care for patients with airway problems and associated cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists are specialists in airway management who establish and maintain the airway of patients in emergency rooms, trauma and intensive care units. They are important members of modern healthcare teams who work under the general supervision of intensive care physicians or pulmonologists.
Vision / Mission
In line with the overall mission of University of Ghana, the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy programme provides opportunities for students to learn and research into diseases of the heart and lungs. Students will study drugs and equipment used in respiratory care, administration of medical gases, ventilation techniques and diagnostic procedures necessary to manage and care for patients with disorders of the cardiopulmonary system.
Overview of admissions
Aims
The aim of the programme is to produce highly qualified and competent Respiratory Therapists with the knowledge, skills, standards, attitudes, and critical thinking ability required for entry into the Respiratory Therapy profession. Graduates will have sufficient grounding for subsequent specialization and research, to meet the health needs of the nation and the global community through world-class excellence in patient care, teaching, research and dissemination of knowledge.
Objectives
The programme objectives are:
• Promote the health, stability, and well-being of cardiopulmonary patients, by demonstrating competencies in respiratory care procedures and various airway management techniques.
• Optimize pulmonary ventilation on acute and chronic care patients and demonstrate proficiency in medical gas therapy for specific patient needs.
• Demonstrate the ability of the role of the Respiratory Therapist as a key participant and member of an interprofessional team in health service delivery, to assist in medical procedures within a variety of patient care settings.
• Conduct complete patient assessments in acute and chronic care environments, including accident and emergency units, medical and surgical wards.
• Demonstrate safe administration of pharmaceutical substances for specific applications.
• Exhibit professional behaviour with patients, families, colleagues, and health care professionals.
• Communicate professionally in writing, verbally and non-verbally with patients, families, colleagues, and the inter-professional health care team.
• Utilize reflective practice and use critical thinking skills in problem-solving and decision-making to ensure quality patient care.
• Implement preventive measures associated with health, welfare, and safety.
Career Prospects
BSc Respiratory Therapy will be suitable for job opportunities in the following areas:
a. Hospital Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
b. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
c. Emergency departments
d. Theatre recovery wards
e. Medical and surgical wards
f. Ambulance services
g. Home care Industry
h. Cardiopulmonary diagnostic laboratories
i. Rehabilitation centres
j. Geriatrics home
- Tuition
https://www.ug.edu.gh/aad/fees
Entry requirements for admission of BSc Respiratory Therapy students
General Admission:
Further to the general regulations regarding admission into the University of Ghana, admission to the School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences for Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree programme shall be based on pure science courses such as:
• Elective Mathematics
• Biology
• Physics
• Chemistry
Specific Admission:
Admission into the BSc Respiratory Therapy degree programme requires the following compulsory and non-negotiable subjects for entry:
• Biology
• Physics
• Elective Mathematics
• Chemistry
Candidates who have appropriate passes in Mathematics or Core Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology shall be admitted directly into the first year (Level 100) of the 4-year programme. Candidates with bachelor’s degree in Biological or Physical sciences from a recognized university may be considered for admission on the recommendation of a special committee appointed by the Dean.
Faculty Members
NAME
POSITION
Dr. Esther Brobbey Head of Department
Mr. Rodger Okpara Assistant Lecturer
Dr. Audrey Forson Part-Time Senior Lecturer / Consultant Pulmonologist
Dr. Christian Owoo Part-Time Senior Lecturer / Consultant Anaesthesiologist
Dr. Robert Djagbletey Part-Time Senior Lecturer / Consultant Anaesthesiologist
Dr. William Obeng Part-Time Senior Lecturer / Consultant Paediatrician
Ms. Rose Aning Part-Time Assistant Lecturer
Mr. Kumi Kyeremeh Part-Time Assistant Lecturer
Ms. Josephine Osei-Tutu Part-Time Assistant Lecturer
Ms. Dorothy Honny Bendah Senior Research Assistant