Kayla Salonen

Kayla Salonen serves as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Allied and Population Health at South Dakota State University (SDSU), overseeing the respiratory care program's clinical and laboratory instruction. Her clinical practice is based at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, where she has worked since 2014. She holds licensure as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and a Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist (NPS) certification.

Education: B.A. in Biology from Morningside College (undergraduate), Associate’s in Respiratory Care from Dakota State University (2015). Professional experience includes critical care orientation across neonatal, pediatric, adult, emergency, and AirMed flight teams, with current specialization in Neonatal ICU core team roles and preceptorship.

Teaching responsibilities include courses on Respiratory Care Physical Science, Pathophysiology, Communication Skills, and Advanced Concepts in Adult/Neonatal/Pediatric Care. She advises the student-led Respiratory Care Club and participates in Interprofessional Education (IPE) simulation initiatives. Certifications include BLS, NRP, PALS, and ACLS.