Respiratory Therapist Raymond Quinto has a passion for helping people sleep better, by breathing better. The ACC-Orange County graduate from 2012 works for Breathe Medical where he helps patients with sleep apnea and other breathing problems.
“Sleeping well is something that many people take for granted, but for those with sleep apnea, it can greatly affect their lives, and the lives of their loved ones,” Quinto shares. We recently asked Raymond to share more about his experience at ACC and his advice for those interested in pursuing degrees in the medical field.
What made you decide to get into the field of respiratory therapy?
My family inspired me, but particularly my brother-in-law. I graduated from a four-year college in 2009 with a degree in financial management. It happened to be during recession so a lot of companies were downsizing. So I started talking to my wife about my brother-in-law, who was graduating with his RN degree and how several of my family members were successful in medical field.
Why did you decide to attend American Career College?
I’ve always had a passion for helping people and my family members encouraged me to go back and pursue a career in the medical field. Several of my friends chose ACC because of the clinical rotation options. I felt like they had a lot more clinical options compared to other schools and that the credentialing behind ACC was superior to other programs
How did American Career College prepare you for your career in respiratory therapy?
The entire staff at ACC is beyond helpful, very experienced and it’s great to learn from RTs who are also going through what you will be going through in the field. One thing that surprised me was the simulation lab. We were the first class to use it and people were amazed we had such amazing technology. The technology ACC offers was beyond what any other school could offer.
How did you get into the job you’re at currently?
I failed to follow my instructors’ own advice about staying in touch with each of the RTs I worked with in clinical, so it took me a while to find a full time job. When I saw the posting for Breathe Medical, I decided to jump on the opportunity right away and got the call the very next day for the interview!
What do you like most about your job?
I started to build a passion for this job and I really enjoy helping patients who want to help themselves.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?
I would tell all students: I failed to take advantage of the best advice I received, and you should take this to heart. At my second clinical rotation, my RT Ed told me “Get the numbers of the RTs you do the clinical rotation with, call them every few months so they remember who you are.” I didn’t take his advice or see the value of his advice until I started looking for a job. If you don’t stay in touch with your contacts, it will be harder to rebuild the relationship with that person once you’re looking for a job. It would have been much easier if I had followed this advice right away.
What advice would you give to students currently working on their degree?
Remember why you first started. Write it down on a card behind your idea to remind yourself why you’re there. Continue to push forward."
What do you feel differentiates you and your skill set from other RTs who went to other institutions?
When it comes to caring for or preparing patients, one of my instructors, Laura Russell, told us, “If it’s not good enough for your mom, it’s not good enough for your patient.” That has really stuck with me in everything I do and helped me treat my patients and their families with the same level of care I would give my mother. I realized this world is small and you need to treat every person with respect because you never know when your paths will cross again.
Who or what inspires you?
My family. They got me into this field and they’re inspiring me to continue being successful, and provide for my wife and son. My wife and I just welcomed our son on Oct. 4, and that’s a whole other aspect to aspire to be better for!
Anything else you would like to add?
I feel so fortunate I fell into this specialty field I have a passion for. Every body is important and every body deserves to be treated with the utmost respect.
