What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a certified healthcare professional who specializes in providing healthcare for patients with heart and lung conditions. They work with all age groups, from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients with lung disease.

Their job involves diagnosing, treating, and educating patients about heart and lung conditions. This might include administering medication, performing diagnostic tests, or teaching patients how to use medical equipment at home.

Training Requirements for a Respiratory Therapist

Becoming a respiratory therapist requires specialized training and certification. Here are the general steps you'll need to take:

• Complete a Respiratory Therapy Program: This is usually a 2-year Associate degree program, although Bachelor's programs are also available.

• Get Certified: After completing your education, you'll need to pass a national certification exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).

• Get Licensed: Each state has its own licensing requirements for respiratory therapists. In Georgia, you'll need to apply for a license through the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

What to Look for in a Class

When choosing a respiratory therapy program in Atlanta, consider the following:

• Accreditation: The most important factor is that the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

• Curriculum: The program should cover topics like cardiopulmonary physiology, respiratory health promotion, disease prevention, and patient management.

• Clinical Experience: Hands-on clinical experience is crucial in this field. The best programs will include extensive clinical rotations or internships.

What to Expect from the Day-to-Day Class

Respiratory therapy classes are a blend of coursework and hands-on learning. You can expect to:

• Attend Lectures: You'll learn the theoretical aspects of respiratory care, including anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.

• Participate in Labs: These give you hands-on experience with the equipment and procedures you'll use as a respiratory therapist.

• Complete Clinical Rotations: These are real-world experiences in healthcare facilities where you'll work under the supervision of experienced respiratory therapists.

The Certification Process

After completing your respiratory therapy program, you'll need to pass a certification exam from The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The primary certification for entry-level respiratory therapists is the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential.

Once you've gained some experience, you may wish to pursue advanced certifications like the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or the Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist credential.

How to Find a Related Job

Once you're a certified and licensed respiratory therapist, you can start searching for job opportunities. Hospitals are the largest employers of respiratory therapists, but you can also find jobs in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or home healthcare services.

Networking, both online and offline, can also be beneficial. Consider joining professional organizations like the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) or the Georgia Society for Respiratory Care (GSRC) to connect with other professionals in your field.

Other Classes to Take After Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

After becoming a respiratory therapist, you might want to further your education with additional courses or certifications. Some options include:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): This certification can make you more valuable in emergency or critical care situations.

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): If you work with children, this certification could be beneficial.

• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): This is an advanced certification for nurses, but it could be useful if you're considering a career move into nursing.

Additional Topics

Enhancing Your Skills

In addition to the core coursework, you may want to consider classes that enhance your soft skills. Communication, problem-solving, and stress management are all valuable skills in the healthcare industry.

Networking Opportunities

Attending industry conferences or engaging in local networking events can help you connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities.

Continued Learning

The medical field is always advancing, so it's important to stay updated with the latest research and developments. Consider participating in continuing education opportunities to keep your knowledge up to date.

Understanding the Healthcare System

Having a deep understanding of the healthcare system, including health policy and administration, can be beneficial in your role as a respiratory therapist.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a respiratory therapist can be a rewarding career choice, particularly if you're passionate about healthcare and helping others. With the right training and certification, you can play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients with respiratory conditions.

If you're looking for respiratory therapist classes in Atlanta, use the resources available to you, such as Dreambound, to help you find the best program for your needs. And remember, your education doesn't stop once you become a certified respiratory therapist. Continued learning and professional development will help you excel in your career.

Dreambound has written many guides to help you understand what it takes to get this certification. If you're curious about the process or requirements in other states, check out our other guides below:

• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Maine
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Maryland
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Ohio
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Wyoming

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