Healthcare Degree in Respiratory Therapy

With advancements in medicine and lifestyle changes that are here to stay, the demand for trained and certified health care professionals is ever increasing. Students who opt for education and career in healthcare can enjoy a promising future in their field of work. But to advance in the medical world, you require up to date training and strong credentials. Once these are in place, you can be assured of job opportunities with hospitals, private practices, and care centers. It is, therefore, imperative to opt for the best training available.

Respiratory Therapy – A Growing Demand

Respiratory therapy is a specific field of healthcare. Respiratory therapists and technicians assess, treat, and monitor patients with cardiopulmonary (heart/lung) illnesses and breathing difficulties.

This type of therapy determines a patients' lung capacity, oxygen levels in the blood, and other data through the use of diagnostic testing and equipment. This information is then used to diagnose patients and treat them. Health care professional and respiratory technicians work with respiratory therapists to create treatment plans and carry them out.

To become a certified respiratory therapist or registered respiratory therapist you need to graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy program. This is demanded by the state licensing boards and often also requires a pre-determined amount of practical work in connection with the educational curriculum and exams.

A respiratory therapy degree program focuses strongly on science and mathematics. Courses required to enroll in such a program usually include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, pharmacology, and college level mathematics. The curriculum should emphasize the professional skills and knowledge required for respiratory therapists and technicians. The curriculum should include cardiac and renal anatomy and physiology, cardiopulmonary pharmacology, pulmonary anatomy and physiology, microbiology and decontamination, airway management, medical gas therapy, lung hyperinflation therapy, arterial blood gases, advanced cardiopulmonary physiology, pulmonary function testing, polysomnography, and respiratory care protocols.

A health care degree program in respiratory therapy also prepares students for possible certifications and credentials in the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) eligibility, state licensure including Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) Specialty examinations, including Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist.

Depending on the training received respiratory therapy graduates can look forward to becoming respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy technicians, pulmonary function technologists, or neonatal-pediatric specialists. If further education is an option, managerial positions such as medical and health services management is another avenue to explore.

As a final cautionary note, always research a school for accreditation prior to enrollment.