Department of Cardiopulmonary Science

Andrew A. Pellett, PhD
Head of the Department

LOCATION: 1900 Gravier St.
PHONE: (504) 568-4227
FAX: (504) 568-4249
EMAIL: apelle@lsuhsc.edu
WEB: http://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/cardiopulmonary

The Department of Cardiopulmonary Science offers educational programs in both respiratory therapy (including polysomnograpy) and cardiovascular sonography (echocardiography and vascular technology), either of which must be completed to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Cardiopulmonary Science. Applicants must choose whether to enter the respiratory therapy or cardiovascular technology track prior to admission. Respiratory therapists perform diagnostic tests, and provide treatment, care, and education for patients with breathing disorders. They operate and maintain the equipment involved in these procedures. Polysomnography is the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep/arousal disorders. Respiratory therapists may function as polysomnographic technologists, performing a vital role in administering and monitoring “sleep studies.” The Department’s program in advanced respiratory therapy education is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care can be contacted at 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244, (817) 283-2835, www.coarc.com. Echocardiography involves the use of ultrasound to image the heart. The person who performs this noninvasive diagnostic test, a cardiac sonographer, works closely with the cardiologist to diagnose cardiac disease. The Department’s echocardiography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs can be contacted at 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 210-2350, www.caahep.org. Vascular technology involves the use of ultrasound and other noninvasive techniques to diagnose disorders of the circulation.

Graduates from the respiratory therapy track are eligible to take registry examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care, thus enabling them to acquire a license to practice respiratory care in the State of Louisiana. Graduates from the cardiovascular technology track are eligible to take examinations administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, leading to the credential of Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, and by Cardiovascular Credentialing International, leading to the credential of Registered Cardiac Sonographer.