What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who is trained to evaluate, treat, and care for patients who are suffering from breathing disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients with lung disease. They play a crucial role in emergency care as well, assisting those suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock.

Training Requirements

Becoming a respiratory therapist requires specialized training, typically including an associate or bachelor's degree from a respiratory therapy program. These programs cover a range of topics, including:

• Human anatomy and physiology

• Chemistry and physics

• Microbiology

• Pharmacology

• Respiratory health promotion

• Disease prevention

• Medical recordkeeping and reimbursement

In addition to classroom education, these programs also include a clinical component where students get hands-on experience treating patients under the supervision of experienced respiratory therapists.

What to Look for in a Class

When choosing a respiratory therapist class in Bakersfield, there are a few key factors to consider. These are:

• Accreditation: The program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

• Curriculum: The course should cover all the essential topics in respiratory care, as mentioned above.

• Clinical Experience: A good program will provide you with plenty of hands-on clinical experience.

• Graduation Rate: High graduation rates are generally a good indicator of program quality.

• Certification Preparation: The program should prepare you for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exams.

What to Expect From the Day-to-Day Class

Attending a respiratory therapy program is a blend of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience. You'll likely spend part of your day learning theory in the classroom, covering topics like human anatomy, physiology, and respiratory care procedures. The rest of the day might be spent in a clinical setting, applying what you've learned in a real-world healthcare environment.

What Does the Certification Process Look Like?

After completing your respiratory therapy program, you'll need to pass a national exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). After gaining some experience, you may also want to take the exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Both these certifications are administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

How to Find Related Jobs

Once you've obtained your certification, you can start looking for jobs in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Many respiratory therapists work in respiratory care, anesthesiology or pulmonary medicine departments. You might also find opportunities in home health care, sleep disorder clinics, or air transport companies.

What Other Classes Can Someone Take After Becoming a Respiratory Therapist?

After becoming a respiratory therapist, you may want to specialize further or expand your skills. Some potential additional courses could include:

• Pediatric respiratory care

• Neonatal respiratory care

• Critical care

• Sleep studies

• Advanced cardiopulmonary physiology

Continuing Education for Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists must often participate in continuing education to maintain their licenses and certifications. This can involve attending workshops, seminars, and courses that cover the latest developments in respiratory care.

Job Outlook and Growth for Respiratory Therapists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for respiratory therapists is expected to grow in the coming years. As the population ages, the need for respiratory therapy services will increase.

Networking Opportunities and Organizations

Joining professional associations such as the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) can provide networking opportunities, access to continuing education resources, and career guidance.

Working Conditions and Environment

Most respiratory therapists work in hospital settings, but some also work in nursing homes, physicians' offices, and home health care services. They often stand for long periods and may need to lift or turn disabled patients.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a respiratory therapist can be a rewarding career choice, providing you with the opportunity to greatly impact patients' lives. With the right training and certification, you'll be well-prepared to enter this vital field. Remember, choosing the right class is a crucial step in your journey. Make sure the program you choose aligns with your career goals and offers a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience.

For those looking to get started in this field, Dreambound's array of city-specific guides can be a valuable resource. And if you're in a different area or mulling over a move, don't miss out on our other helpful guides.

• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Arizona
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Louisiana
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Missouri
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Oklahoma
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Wyoming

Thinking about making a career switch? Dreambound has written thorough guides to help you understand different options available to you.

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