Respiratory Therapy Career Overview

Respiratory Therapy involves the evaluation, treatment and care for patients who suffer from cardiopulmonary and other breathing disorders. Patients are of all types, ranging from premature infants to the aged whose lungs are diseased. Patients who suffer from chronic lung problems such as emphysema and asthma or those who need emergency care such as victims of shock, drowning, stroke or heart attacks all need a respiratory therapist as part of their care team. Certified respiratory therapists (RTs) work closely with physicians and are responsible for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of patients as well as the supervision of respiratory technicians. RTs are required to provide and develop personalized care plans for patients along with complex therapeutic procedures. Many patients who need the services of a respiratory therapist are critical cases in intensive care or on life support.

Respiratory therapists conduct diagnostic tests, evaluate patients, perform physical examinations and regularly assess their progress. Many therapists offer home care services to those patients who use life support systems and ventilators. It is the responsibility of the RT to inspect and maintain this equipment as well to ensure its proper use. RTs are also trained in chest physiotherapy to assist patients and make breathing easier for them. Respiratory therapists employed in hospitals often expand their roles and include services such as disease prevention, case management, pulmonary rehabilitation and counseling to quit smoking. RTs are also needed as members of critical care teams in hospitals and the armed forces.

If you find it easy to follow instructions, pay attention to detail, are proficient in computers, and can work as part of a team, you could think of respiratory therapy as a possible career option. A degree in Respiratory Therapy requires courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and health in high school. To work as a RT, you will need a minimum of an Associate’s degree in the field. However, a Bachelor’s degree is always preferable. Nowadays, most colleges offer both, on-campus and online Respiratory Therapy degrees. The online Respiratory Therapy course curriculum includes physiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, chemistry, pharmacology, physics, microbiology, and mathematics. Many courses also offer training in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and testing, equipment maintenance, patient assessment, respiratory health promotion, disease prevention, home care for patients and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Most states require that respiratory therapists obtain a license before practicing. If you meet all the requirements you could sit for two certifications to add to your credentials - Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Passing the CRT exam will qualify you as a respiratory therapist in most states. Most hospitals and employers may also need a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification as well. If you are planning a career in intensive-care or in a supervisory position, an RRT certification would be useful.

As America ages and the incidents of cardio pulmonary diseases keep increasing, the need for respiratory therapists increases as well. Thus, job opportunities are assured for students planning a career in respiratory therapy with hospitals still continuing to be the main employer of RTs. However, respiratory therapists can also look forward to working in home health care providers, private clinics, healthcare agencies, and educational establishments and even with respiratory equipment manufacturers. With medical advancements and technological developments, the demand for trained and skilled respiratory therapists is bound to show a steady growth curve in the future.