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A respiratory therapist is also known as a respiratory care
practitioner, and is involved with treating, caring, and
evaluating patients with breathing problems and other
cardiopulmonary disorders. A respiratory therapist may be
involved with supervising respiratory therapy technicians, as
well as providing procedure and direction for physicians. A
respiratory therapist will consult with physician identify and
create patient care plans, and provide complex therapy to
various clients. They are commonly involved with work in life
support and intensive-care units of hospitals. A respiratory
therapist education program allows students to obtain hands-on
training and learn clinical procedures in depth.
Job Description and Responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist
After
completing a respiratory therapist education program, graduates
of respiratory school are commonly involved with:
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Performing
physical examinations
-
Conducting
diagnostic tests
-
Determining
the oxygen and gas concentration of a patients' blood
-
Measuring
patients' pH to determine alkalinity or acidity
-
Analyzing
oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels
-
Treating
patients with chest physiotherapy and aerosol medication
-
Performing
assessments of patients and equipment
-
Making
emergency visits as needed
Some hospitals
provide a specialized respiratory therapy program or training
initiative to help a respiratory therapist further enhance their
skills and experience. A respiratory therapist may expand into
areas of smoking cessation and counseling, case management, and
disease prevention. They are also commonly involved with
treating patients in need of critical care, and may work a part
of a rapid-response team in a hospital, clinic, or emergency
room setting.
Career Options After Respiratory School
Respiratory
school provides the foundation for a rewarding career as a
respiratory therapist, and formal training is required to enter
the field. After completing a respiratory therapist education,
students may choose to work as a:
-
Respiratory
therapist supervisor
-
Respiratory
therapist technician
-
Registered
nurse
-
Radiation
therapist
-
Respiratory
therapist assistant
Since the
nature of work in respiratory therapy is fast paced and
constantly changing, the respiratory therapist must learn how to
work under pressure, make quick and effective decisions, and
remain calm in emergency situations. They must also become
proficient in administering medication and learning how to
identify respiratory problems in their patients. Evaluating,
diagnosing, and treating patients is a standard part of their
daily work.
Respiratory Therapist Education and Training with a Respiratory
Therapy Program
Since formal
training is required to enter the field, many associate's degree
programs offer students a chance to gain a basic understanding
and training they need to excel. A bachelor's degree for a
respiratory therapy program provides additional training and
options for certification. An entry-level respiratory therapist
can begin working as a technician or assistant, and can advance
in their career with continuing education and experience.
The most common
respiratory therapy program courses include training in:
-
Human anatomy
-
Pathophysiology
-
Physics
-
Microbiology
-
Mathematics
-
Physiology
-
Chemistry
-
Clinical
Practice Guidelines
-
Medical
Recordkeeping
-
Respiratory
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Respiratory
Therapy Certification
Respiratory
therapy schools provide both fundamental and in-depth training
in the field of respiratory therapy. Certification and
registrant is another opportunity for a respiratory therapist to
advance in their career. All States require a respiratory
therapist to obtain a license, and they can do this immediately
after passing the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam.
Most employers require a respiratory therapist to maintain a
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification as well.
A comprehensive
respiratory therapy program may include opportunities to
complete certification and registration. The National Board for
Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers both certification and
registration to graduates so accredited respiratory therapy
schools. The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) are the two credentials
available after completing a respiratory therapist education
program. Graduates of respiratory therapy schools are qualified
to take the CRT examination which can then lead to
advanced-level programs and the RRT credential.
Respiratory
School Preparation
A prospective
respiratory therapist needs to be strong in high school courses
including physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Taking human
biology and anatomy courses will also help with studies towards
an associate's degree program in respiratory school. The field
of psychology and communication are both important for advancing
in the career with success. A respiratory therapist can advance
in their career by moving into a teaching position, or take on a
supervisor or managerial role within their department. More
comprehensive programs may be available through formal training
at respiratory therapist schools. Learn more about becoming a respiratory therapist.
Respiratory
Therapist
School Accreditation
The Committee
on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is responsible for
accrediting respiratory therapist schools and each respiratory
therapy program.
Respiratory Therapist Earning Potential
and Employment Prospects
Job opportunities and employment prospects for a respiratory
therapist career look promising, and this position is expected
to grow faster than average through 2014. The demand for
experienced professionals in health care is increasing rapidly,
and the range of roles and duties available to the respiratory
therapist may also increase to include case management,
emergency care, and disease prevention. More Americans are in
need of lung transplants, medication assistance, and dealing
with conditions of chronic bronchitis. A respiratory therapist
can help alleviate and diagnose these conditions and provide
medication to overcome the challenges involved.
Median annual earnings for a respiratory therapist were $43,140
in 2004. A respiratory therapist technician earned
approximately $36,740 in that same year.
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