SWOT Analysis

Heather Moody
06/13/10
Academic Plan SWOT Analysis
Major: Respiratory Therapy
Interviewee: Douglas Watson Director of Admissions Advisement
Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions
Required courses already taken: Communications 1020, English 1010, Psychology 1010, Math 1010
Required courses still needed before applying: Chemistry 1010
Courses needed to graduate with AS of Respiratory Therapy: REST 1540, REST 1560, REST 2140, REST 2160, REST 2210, REST 2230, REST 2250, REST 2270, REST 2300, REST 2310, REST 2320, REST 2330, REST 2520, REST 2700, REST 2710, REST 2720.
Spring 2011: 2520, 2140, 2210, 2230, 2310, 2700
Fall 2011: 2160, 2270, 2320, 2330, 2520, 2710, 2720
Strengths: One hundred percent of WSU respiratory therapy graduates who seek jobs in the field are employed. Ninety-seven percent pass-rate on the national board exams compared to the national average of seventy-six percent. I see this career as being flexible with my family and time as I will need as my children grow. There are many areas to specialize in and many types of work from hospitals, to doctors offices, to home health care work. I will only need one more year to graduate with my associates degree, but will probably move on to get at least my bachelor’s degree. This career will fit very well with my personality because I love working with people. My youngest daughter had multiple health problems when she was born and I would love to work in the NICU. The environment was awesome and I am very passionate about helping people.
Weaknesses: I really haven’t been able to find anything right now that I think will be a down side to this career. I guess one thing would be working in the medical field and getting attached to patients that you may end up losing. It is always hard to deal with death, but I have dealt with plenty of loss in my life so I would probably be more sympathetic than some people as well. When I ask the counselor at Weber he just stated that it would pay to observe a respiratory therapist.
Opportunities: I believe this would be one of the great strengths to this field. I see job postings frequently for respiratory therapists and usually anything in the medical field. This is one job that cannot be lived without. I will be able to work in the field with my associates degree and then go on to get more schooling and specialize in the field. I do not currently know anyone working in this field, but I do plan to do some job shadowing.
Threats: I do not currently have any threats. I qualify for grants to finance my college education. I have great time management skills and that has helped me to balance home, work, and school. I have been going through a custody battle for my children for the last year and have proved to myself that if I set my mind to things I can do anything I need to.